Hawthorn

🌿 (Crataegus spp.) or Heart Berry

Also known as Vriddhadaraka in Ayurveda

📖 Overview

Hawthorn is a thorny shrub from the rose family, native to Europe, Asia, and North America. Its berries, leaves, and flowers have been used for centuries to support heart and circulatory health. While not a classical Ayurvedic herb, Hawthorn is used in Ayurvedic-integrative practices as a cardiotonic and circulatory Rasayana.

📜 Traditional Use in Herbal & Ayurvedic Practice

Though not found in ancient Ayurvedic texts, modern Ayurvedic practitioners recognize Hawthorn’s Vriddhadaraka(tonifying) and Hrudya (heart-strengthening) properties. In Western herbal traditions, Hawthorn is a gentle but powerful herb used to support blood pressure, heart rhythm, and emotional balance.

Western Herbal Tradition (Nicholas Culpeper, 1652):
“Hawthorn strengthens the heart and removes obstructions in the arteries.”

In Ayurveda, it's sometimes combined with Arjuna for synergistic cardiovascular support.

🍵 Suggested Use

Common forms of Hawthorn use include:

Tinctures or extracts: Standardized for flavonoids and oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs)
Tea or infusion: Made from dried berries and leaves
Capsules/Tablets: Often combined with other heart-supportive herbs like Arjuna or Garlic

🔬 Scientific Research & References

Modern clinical research highlights Hawthorn's benefits for cardiovascular function:

Blood Pressure Support: Hawthorn extract has demonstrated mild hypotensive effects in patients with hypertension [1]
Heart Rhythm & Output: Improves coronary circulation and strengthens heart contractions [2]
Cholesterol & Lipid Balance: May help modulate LDL and improve endothelial function [3]

References:

Pittler, M. H., et al. (2008). Hawthorn extract for treating chronic heart failure: meta-analysis of randomized trials. Am J Med, 114(8), 665–674.
Tauchert, M. (2002). Efficacy and safety of Crataegus extract in patients with cardiac insufficiency.Phytomedicine, 9(8), 638–650.
Holubarsch, C. J., et al. (2008). The efficacy and safety of Crataegus extract WS 1442 in patients with congestive heart failure. Eur J Heart Fail, 10(10), 1039–1046.

⚠️ Cautions & Contraindications

Generally well tolerated, but may enhance effects of blood pressure or heart medications
Consult your healthcare provider before combining with cardiac drugs
Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding unless under supervision

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"These products feature Hawthorn, traditionally used to support general wellness. This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any disease."