Hawthorn as an Herb

(Crataegus spp.)

The Hawthorn tree was formerly regarded as sacred from a tradition that it was said to have been used for Christ's crown of thorns. In Normandy, it was believed that lightning (which was the work of the devil) could not strike the plant that touched Christ's brow, so people used it to protect their homes.

Hawthorn (often called thorn) was sometimes employed in house construction specifically as a lightning protector.

Hawthorn is the fruit, or the flowers and leaves combined, of several of the more than 100 species of Crataegus, a genus of the rose family found in North America, Europe, and east Asia.

Medicinal Uses for Hawthorn

Hawthorn has mainly been used as a cardiac tonic in organic and functional heart troubles. Both flowers and berries are astringent and useful in decoction to cure sore throats. Also a useful diuretic in dropsy and kidney troubles.

In traditional Asian medicine as well as European herbal traditions, hawthorn has been widely used in long term prescriptions for hypertension related to cardiac weakness, arteriosclerosis, and angina pectoris.

Hawthorn came to the attention of the medical profession in the 1890s by means of a single reference in a medical journal. By the early twentieth century, it was a mainstay of heart disease treatment. Still widely used in Europe and Asia, it is less frequently recommended in America.

Hawthorn is notably absent from medical works and herbals of early 19th century America and Europe. It came to the attention of the medical profession in the 1890s by means of a single reference in a medical journal. By the early 20th century, it was a mainstay of heart disease treatment. Still widely used in Europe and Asia, it is less frequently recommended in America.

Numerous pharmacological and clinical studies have shown that hawthorn fruit or berry extract improves blood flow to and from the heart by strengthening its contractions. Hawthorn flower and leaf extracts improve circulation to the extremities by reducing resistance in the arteries.

Experiments in China have shown that preparations of hawthorn fruit lower blood pressure and serum cholesterol levels, and are therefore useful in the prevention and treatment of arteriosclerosis.

Culinary

Not applicable.

Cautions

No side effects or contraindications are known from hawthorn. Any heart condition, however, is serious and should receive the attention of qualified medical practitioners.

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DISCLAIMER: These pages are presented solely as a source of INFORMATION and ENTERTAINMENT and to provide stern warnings against use where appropriate. No claims are made for any historical herbal treatment. In no way can the information provided here take the place of the standard, legal, medical practice of any country. Some plants are extremely toxic and should be used only by licensed professionals. Some plants used for illness in the past have proven to be ineffective for the problems to which they were applied.