Health Benefits of Supplementing with the Hawthorn Herb
by Ask a Healer
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This is part of a cardiovascular health series on the properties of an herb considered a superior tonic for the heart, the hawthorn herb, which is one of the most well-researched herbals used as a heart tonic. On this page, we are listing part of the cardiovascular health benefits that may be derived by supplementation with heart-healthy herbs such as hawthorn. If you've arrived here directly, please start with part one on the heart-healthy properties of hawthorn herb
Update, 11/26/2014: I've known about the cardiovascular benefits of hawthorn berry for a long time. Just recently though, I read about another benefit that had escaped my attention before. In addition to all the benefits listed below, hawthorn berry helps the body product nitric oxide ( NO ) which is vital for a health cardiovascular system.
There's even a product out that features hawthorn berry, coupled with red beet, for nitric oxide production. It may be an alternative for folks who don't get results with L-Arginine or who are concerned about herpes virus outbreaks using L-Arginine to promote higher NO levels.
I personally had tremendous results with a product called Argenix with L-Arginine but also had frequent fever blisters when I took it so the news that hawthorn berry might help is good news for me, and perhaps others who would like to improve cardiovascular function.
Hawthorn Herb Cardiovascular Health Benefits (partial list):
1. Improved circulation
2. Normalization of heart action
3. Increased strength of heart contractions
4. Helps to prevent arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats)
5. Natural diuretic
6. Inhibits free radical formation
7. Promotes healthy blood pressure
8. Promotes healthy cholesterol levels
9. Helpful for heart palpitations
In addition to all the wonderful cardiovascular strengthening and antiarrhythmic properties of the hawthorn herb, it has also been studies in those with congestive heart failure with benefits reported including increased ejection fraction. The EF numbers are so important that they can be used to determine whether or not a person is in heart failure. It's an important cardiovascular number to improve and hawthorn may be helpful. The Heart Rhythm website defines increased ejection fraction. Another benefit of hawthorn herb is that taking it regularly may increase the ability to exercise for longer periods of time and a lessening of some of the symptoms of congestive heart failure. Hawthorn is also beneficial for vision issues including glaucoma.
Important note: Only take hawthorn herb that is for internal consumption. Wild hawthorn has different properties than hawthrn cultivated to be taken internally and could be dangerous. In other words, don't just go out and pick hawthorn. Use a hawthorn supplement. These will have been specifically cultivated to be safe for consumption.
Part Four on our Hawthorn Series: Long Term Use / Drug Interactions
Heart Health Disclaimer: None of the information shared at the wellness library is intended to replace any needed medical testing, evaluation or treatment. If you have been diagnosed with any condition concerning the heart, including but not limited to high cholesterol, heart murmer, mitral valve prolapse, congestive heart failure, arrhythmia or coronary heart disease, consult with a qualified specialist in the cardiovascular field.
Supplementation with cardiac tonics and heart-healthy herbs, in particular the hawthorn herb, have been studied and the reports are very positive but you need to be careful when adding anything, even something natural, to an already established cardiovascular health regimen. Hawthorn side effects are rare but may include nausea or stomach ache (may be helped by always taking hawthorn with meals) or headaches.
