Hawthorn also known as whitethorn and mayflower is small tree that grows to about 9 meters. It produces pretty white flowers and vibrant red berries, and thorny branches, and the flowers on some varieties smell like rotting meat. What's more, the plant has long been associated with bad luck and death, because the crown of thorns that Christ wore at the Crucifixion is widely held to have been woven from hawthorn twigs. There are about 280 known species of hawthorn, but the species from which medicinal extracts is obtained is a spiny shrub native to the northern wooded temperate zones of eastern North America and Europe. This herb, historically used both as a diuretic and as a treatment for kidney and bladder stones, is presently one of the most widely prescribed heart remedies in Europe.

Chemical composition: Hawthorn's health benefits are due to the active flavonoid compounds found in its leaves, berries and blossoms, particularly anthocyanidins and proanthocyanidins. These flavonoids are powerful antioxidants and are responsible for the red-to-blue colors found in hawthorn berries and also blackberries, cherries, blueberries and grapes.

Forms: Tablet, Capsule, Tincture, Powder, Dried herb / tea

Health Benefits:

• Hawthorn is considered a potent tonic for the heart. This herb directly benefits the functioning of the heart. It can dilate blood vessels, increase the heart's energy supply and improve its pumping ability. These powerful cardiac effects can probably be traced to its abundant supply of plant compounds called flavonoids - especially procyanidolic oligomers (PCOs) - which act as potent antioxidants.
• Hawthorn also seems to block enzymes that weaken the heart muscle, thereby strengthening its pumping power. This property is especially useful for people with mild congestive heart failure, who don't require strong heart medications. It can also correct irregular heartbeat (cardiac arrhythmia). Moreover, the anti-oxidant properties of hawthorn may help to protect against damage associated with the build up of plaque in the coronary arteries. Clinical trials have also found benefits in the elderly with no heart conditions but simply deteriorating heart function with age.

• Hawthorn is also useful in the recovery period after a heart attack by strengthening the heart muscle, and improving blood flow and oxygen to the heart.
• Hawthorn has also a calming effect, and is an effective sleeping aid for some people who suffer from insomnia.
• Hawthorn can also preserve collagen - the protein that forms connective tissue -which is damaged in such diseases as arthritis.

• Hawthorn is reported to be beneficial for heart complaints during menopause, anxiety and nervous disorders.

Dosage: If you're on large doses, hawthorn works best when the total amount is divided and taken at three different times during the day. Hawthorn may take a couple of months to build up in your system and produce noticeable results.

• Pill form: recommended dose of hawthorn extract ranges from 300mg to 450mg
• Tincture: from 5ml to 15ml, depending on the type of heart condition.
• People at risk of heart disease may wish to take a 100-150 mg supplement or 1 tsp of the tincture daily as a preventive.

Buying tip:

• When buying hawthorn, look for standardized extracts that contain at least 1-3% flavonoids, of which hyperoside is the most common. This is the main heart-protective substance in the herb.

Possible side effects: Hawthorn is widely regarded as one of the safest herbal preparations. There have been reports of nausea, sweating, fatigue and skin rash, but these side effects are rare.

Caution:

• In people who don't have heart disease, large doses of hawthorn can cause very low blood pressure, which can lead to dizziness and fainting.
• If you have a medical condition, talk to your doctor before trying hawthorn.