What Is The Benefit Of Hawthorn Berries – Hawthorn berry, also known as “haw”, has been a popular ingredient in desserts and wines and a key medicinal herb for thousands of years. In ancient Rome it was used to relieve diarrhea. It is also a basic herb in traditional Chinese medicine. In the Middle Ages, Europeans used it to keep the heart healthy.
There are hundreds of hawthorn species around the world. Although tiny, hawthorn berries have a big impact on your health, especially your heart. They can also improve exercise performance (x).
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What Is The Benefit Of Hawthorn Berries
Cardiovascular disease is the most common reason for doctor visits, hospitalizations, and death in the United States. More than 600,000 people die each year from heart disease (x).
Hawthorn Berries: Gin, Brandy Or Tincture?
Hawthorn berries contain phytonutrients, such as anthocyanidins and proanthocyanidins, antioxidants that strengthen blood vessel walls. They may also reduce symptoms of congestive heart failure, irregular heartbeats, arrhythmias, low blood pressure, angina pectoris, atherosclerosis and high cholesterol (x).
Research suggests that hawthorn berry extract significantly benefits heart health compared to a placebo (x). In one study, researchers gave 78 heart failure patients 200 mg of hawthorn three times a day for two months. At the end of the trial, patients experienced an improvement in cardiac work capacity and a reduction in symptoms of heart disease (x). In fact, hawthorn berry was almost as effective as prescription heart medication in reducing symptoms, and had fewer side effects (x).
Hawthorn can also keep the heart healthy by lowering blood pressure. In one study, scientists gave 79 patients with type 2 diabetes 1,200 mg of hawthorn extract daily or a placebo. At the end of the 16-week study, participants who took hawthorn had a greater reduction in blood pressure than those who did not (x).
Often confused with indigestion, angina is the technical term for chest pain. It is caused by decreased blood flow to the heart and is often a symptom of heart disease.
The Benefits Of Hawthorn In Alternative Medicine Stock Image
Studies suggest that bioflavonoids (plant compounds) in hawthorn can reduce angina by dilating and relaxing blood vessels, which promotes healthy circulation. They also improve blood flow to the heart and reduce tension on blood vessel walls, which helps prevent chest pains (x).
People have been using hawthorn berry extract to treat gastrointestinal problems such as diarrhea and indigestion since the 1st century (x). Today, studies suggest that hawthorn improves digestion by promoting gastrointestinal motility—the contraction of the muscles that move food through the digestive system (x). Hawthorn can also support the production of enzymes that ensure you properly absorb nutrients for optimal health (x).
People have applied hawthorn berry extract topically to help treat itching, boils, sores, ulcers, and frostbite. However, there are not enough studies to confirm these claims (x).
Hawthorn can be effective when used in combination with other supplements. Coenzyme Q10 can reduce cases of heart disease during the early stages when combined with hawthorn. Ginkgo Biloba can be used with Hawthorn to improve blood circulation and ensure sufficient oxygenation to the brain. Garlic (Allium sativum) and arnica (Arnica montana) can help treat cases of angina pectoris and poor blood circulation. Melissa (Melissa Officinalis) and St. John’s wort are also used in combination with hawthorn to calm the nerves and induce sleep for insomnia.
Hawthorn Berries: Identify, Harvest, And Make An Extract |
Hawthorn is considered a safe supplement for adults. However, there are rare side effects that include stomach upset, headache, or dizziness (x, x).
Also, hawthorn berry extract may interact with prescription medications. If you are taking any medication that affects and treats the heart, consult your doctor before taking this supplement. Also, if you have high blood pressure, are taking beta blockers and calcium blockers, male enhancement drugs that dilate blood vessels, or any medication that increases blood flow levels to the heart, you should consult your doctor before taking this supplement. . Hawthorn is also contraindicated for people taking digoxin (x). Pregnant women may also want to avoid using hawthorn berries, as it could possibly reduce uterine tone (x).
As a supplement, it’s best to take 1, 200 mg, or half a teaspoon, once or twice a day, or as directed by your doctor (x). Also, you can safely take hawthorn berry extract for a period of 16 weeks (x).
Hawthorn berry extract is touted as a heart-healthy herb. Research has shown that it contributes to the overall health of the cardiovascular system. This is especially true for those who suffer from angina pectoris, congestive heart failure, high or low blood pressure, and other heart-related health problems. European doctors have been prescribing hawthorn for use under medical supervision for many years, although not as much among American doctors. In general, this little red berry is a useful ally for heart health and it is best to add this supplement to your regular diet. Written by Ariane Lang, BSc, MBA and SaVanna Shoemaker, MS, RDN, LD – Medically reviewed by Kathy W. . Warwick, R.D., CDE, Nutrition — Updated December 13, 2021
Hawthorn Facts And Health Benefits
These nutrient-rich berries have a tart, tangy taste and mild sweetness. They range in color from yellow to dark red (
For hundreds of years, people have used hawthorn berries as an herbal remedy for digestive problems, heart problems, and high blood pressure. In fact, the berry has been a key part of traditional Chinese medicine since at least 659 AD. (
Antioxidants help neutralize unstable molecules called free radicals that can damage the body when present at high levels.
Free radicals can come from certain foods. You can also have higher levels of it as a result of exposure to environmental toxins such as air pollution and cigarette smoke (
Health Benefits Of Hawthorn Berry
Polyphenols are associated with numerous health benefits due to their antioxidant activity, including a reduced risk of (
Although initial research in animals and cells is promising, more human studies are needed to evaluate the effects of hawthorn berries on disease risk.
Summary Hawthorn berry contains plant polyphenols, which have antioxidant properties that have been linked to numerous health benefits.
Research has found that chronic inflammation is linked to many diseases, including type 2 diabetes, asthma, and certain cancers (
Hawthorn: The Heart Healer
In a study in mice with liver disease, hawthorn berry extract significantly decreased levels of inflammatory compounds, resulting in reduced inflammation and liver injury.
In one study, researchers gave vitexin, a compound found in hawthorn leaves, to mice with respiratory conditions. This treatment decreased the production of molecules that trigger inflammation and reduced the response of white blood cells to inflammation (
These promising results from animal studies and tests suggest that the supplement may offer anti-inflammatory benefits for humans. However, more research is needed.
Summary Hawthorn berry extract has shown anti-inflammatory potential in tests and animal studies. However, research in humans is needed.
Hawthorn Berry: Benefits, Side Effects & Dosage |
In traditional Chinese medicine, hawthorn berries are one of the most recommended foods to help treat high blood pressure (
Animal studies show that hawthorn can act as a vasodilator, meaning it can relax constricted blood vessels and ultimately lower blood pressure (
A 10-week study looked at the effects of taking hawthorn extract in 36 people with mildly high blood pressure.
Researchers found that those taking 500 mg of the extract daily had reduced diastolic blood pressure, the bottom number in a blood pressure reading (
The Benefits Of Hawthorn Berry & Leaf Extract
In a 2006 study, researchers gave 79 people with type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure 1,200 mg of hawthorn extract every day for 16 weeks. People who took the extract experienced more improvements in blood pressure than those in the placebo group (
However, more studies are needed to support these findings. It’s also important to note that using an extract is not the same as eating the berries.
Summary Some research suggests that hawthorn berries can lower blood pressure by helping to dilate blood vessels. However, more studies are needed.
Some studies indicate that hawthorn extract can improve blood cholesterol levels thanks to its flavonoid and pectin content. Pectin is a type of fiber involved in cholesterol metabolism (
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Imbalanced blood cholesterol levels, especially high triglycerides and low HDL (good) cholesterol, play a role in atherosclerosis, or the buildup of plaque in blood vessels (
If plaque continues to build up, it could completely block a blood vessel, leading to a heart attack or stroke.
In an animal study, mice that received two doses of hawthorn extract had lower total and LDL (bad) cholesterol, as well as 28-47% lower liver triglyceride levels, compared to mice that did not they received the extract.
Similarly, a 6-week study in rats showed that when rats were fed hawthorn berry supplements, they had significantly reduced levels of fasting triglycerides and LDL (bad) cholesterol.
Benefits Of Hawthorn For Your Dog
Finally, a 6-month study in 64 people with atherosclerosis found that taking hawthorn extract at a dose of 2.3 mg per pound (5 mg per kg) of body weight significantly reduced the thickness of plaque buildup harmful to the carotid artery.
Although this research is promising, more human studies are needed to evaluate the effect of hawthorn extract on blood cholesterol.
Summary Animal and human research suggests that taking hawthorn extract may help lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels. However, there is more human research