Hawthorn (Crataegus) - Extract of freshly harvested Crataegus (Hawthorn) berries
~ Made from Hawthorn berries
~ Fresh herb extract
~ Botanical food supplement
~ Uses: heart tonic, high or low blood pressure, angina, hardening of the arteries
The use of Hawthorn or, as it is more commonly known, Crataegus is shrouded in folklore and tradition. Many stories prevail about Hawthorn and its deep red fruit borne on spiky shrubs are familiar to many, particularly during the autumn.
What are Hawthorn Cratageus Drops?
Hawthorn is a small spiny tree or shrub which is native to Europe. It is often seen growing in hedges. Hawthorn berries have been used by Phytotherapists as a heart tonic for many years.
Crataegus berries were edible and during World War I, Crataegus (Hawthorn) seeds were ground and used instead of coffee. In addition, Hawthorn leaves were used instead of tea and tobacco.
More crucially Hawthorn berries have been used in healthcare as far back as the 15th century and known as a tonic. Alfred Vogel relished eating Crataegus berries as a child and later learnt of their true usefulness as a tincture made from the pulp of the berries.
How it works
Crataegus is perhaps one of the most widely used herbs for the heart. The precise mode of action is still unclear — although we do know that the plant does not contain digitalis-like compounds. Flavonoids found in Crataegus have been found to improve the circulation of the heart and, to a lesser extent, the circulation of other parts of the body. Glycosides present are believed to increase the tone of the heart, improving the force of contraction whilst reducing the rate of contraction — in short, making the heart work more efficiently.
Additional advice: Inform your Doctor if you are using Crataegus in addition to any other prescribed medication for the heart.