This plant nicknamed “the plant of the heart” is a precious ally in taking care of your cardiovascular health.

Used for centuries in traditional medicine, hawthorn has many therapeutic properties. Nicknamed “the plant of the heart”, it is recognized for its properties on the cardiovascular system. The Romans and Greeks consumed its berries and flowers to treat various health conditions. In Chinese medicine, hawthorn is also recognized for its benefits on the digestive sphere. In the Middle Ages, it was considered a tonic. In Europe, the small shrub with white flowers and red fruits is used to treat palpitations, hypertension and heart weakness.

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The benefits of hawthorn for the heart

Hawthorn is very rich in active compounds, including flavonoids, tannins, phenolic acids, vitamin C and proanthocyanidins. “These substances are believed to be responsible for the positive effects of hawthorn on the heart“, explains Vidal. These molecules act in synergy to improve cardiac function. “Around ten placebo-controlled clinical studies, involving a thousand patients, seem to confirm the positive effects of hawthorn extracts on the functioning of the heart in people suffering from moderate heart failure (for example elderly people whose heart is tired), in addition to the usual treatments“.

Hawthorn has a hypotensive effect, it helps reduce blood pressure in patients suffering from hypertension. It also promotes better blood circulation by increasing the supply of oxygen to the heart and organs. Hawthorn promotes the stabilization of the heart rate and reduces the frequency of palpitations. The European Medicines Agency recognizes that the use of hawthorn extract for “relieve symptoms of temporary heart rhythm disturbances caused by nervousness in adults” more “only when the possibility of more serious disorders has been excluded by a doctor“.

Finally, thanks to its soothing action on the nervous system, hawthorn is known to calm irritability and anxiety and is also indicated in cases of sleep disorders in adults and adolescents over twelve years old.

How to use hawthorn?

It can be found in different forms: capsules, tablets, standardized extracts or even infusions. Traditionally, hawthorn is consumed in the form of an infusion. Vidal recommends: “take one to two teaspoons of dried hawthorn flowers in a cup of boiling water up to four times a day“. He adds: “At least six weeks of uninterrupted treatment are necessary before the positive effects of hawthorn are felt.“.

Generally well tolerated, there are no known contraindications to the use of hawthorn. However, “people who suffer from heart problems, even mild ones, must consult their doctor before deciding to take hawthorn products“, we read on the Vidal website. It is therefore preferable to seek the advice of a doctor before consuming it. Furthermore, hawthorn should be avoided in pregnant women and those who are breastfeeding and The WHO does not recommend the use of hawthorn extract in children without prior medical advice.