The benefits and harms of hawthorn — 8 proven facts based on science

Hawthorn is an evergreen shrub that is widely used in evidence–based medicine and cooking (jams, jellies, marshmallows, jams).

All parts of the plant are useful for the human body: berries, leaves and stems, flowers, bark.

But it is the hawthorn berries that bring maximum health benefits due to the enormous amount of vitamins and antioxidants in the composition. They have a tart, pungent and slightly sweet taste, and their color varies from yellow to dark red and black.

Scientists claim that taking hawthorn reduces the risk of developing the most common diseases of the cardiovascular, endocrine and digestive systems, prevents the appearance of cancerous tumors, strengthens the immune system and normalizes the condition of the central nervous system.

How it is useful – 8 theses

The 8 main beneficial properties of hawthorn are considered below, according to scientists.

1. It is a source of valuable substances

Hawthorn fruits are low in calories (up to 52 calories per 100 grams) and contain the following biologically active substances:

Hawthorn also has large volumes in its composition fiber and antioxidant substances, as well as a small amount of folic acid.

2. Antioxidant effect

Hawthorn berries are rich in polyphenols, which are powerful antioxidants that block the effect of free radicals on all cells of the body.

It is free radicals, according to the latest data of the scientific community, are extremely unstable molecules that are responsible for the aging of the body, the early development of cardiovascular and endocrine pathologies, as well as malignant tumors.

Proven ( one , two ) that the antioxidants in hawthorn reduce the risk of developing the following diseases:

• Cancer;
• Osteoporosis;
• Type II diabetes mellitus;
• Coronary heart disease;
• Hypertension;
• Bronchial asthma.

3. Strengthening the immune system

Hawthorn is rich in vitamin C, which strengthens the immune system , stimulating the proliferation and differentiation of all cells of the immune system, as well as improving the recognition and destruction by macrophages of any foreign agents that enter the body.

In addition, the plant has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects.

According to the information Chinese scientists, fruits are effective against Staphylococcus aureus and klebsiella. And the specialists from Serbia underline fruit activity against listeria.

4. Lowering blood pressure

Hawthorn has been around for a long time was applied in Chinese folk medicine for lowering blood pressure.

Animal experiments demonstrate that the plant possesses vasodilating effect , therefore, can reduce the total peripheral resistance of the arterial vascular bed and lower blood pressure.

A human studies conducted under the guidance of scientists from the UK, shown that only 500 mg of hawthorn extract helps to reduce systolic and diastolic blood pressure.

5. Prevention of atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis is a disease in which plaques form on the walls of arteries.

The cause of atherosclerosis is violation of the lipid ratio in the blood: an increase in total cholesterol and its atherogenic fractions – LDL, TAG; a decrease in HDL. It is with this pathological process that the development of coronary heart disease, myocardial infarction, and strokes is associated.

Experimentally installed that hawthorn extract is capable of Reduce total cholesterol , LDL and TAG by 28-47%.

6. Improving the functioning of the digestive system

Hawthorn is extremely rich source of fiber .

Proven that fiber acts as prebiotic , contributing to the normalization of the balance of intestinal microflora: increases the number of beneficial microorganisms, inhibits the growth and reproduction of pathogenic and opportunistic forms.

With an adequate composition of the microflora the intestines work better : the bioavailability of nutrients supplied with food increases, smooth muscles of the intestinal wall work smoothly, enzymes are more active.

Fiber also has a positive effect on stool frequency. Specialists from the Netherlands claim that taking just 1 gram of dietary fiber per day reduces the interval between acts of defecation by 30 minutes.

7. Normalization of the emotional background

Hawthorn berries possess sedative effect, which makes it possible to use them for anxiety, stress disorders and depression .

Human studies conducted under the supervision of British scientists, identified that hawthorn really reduces the severity of anxiety.

The action of the plant, presumably, related with the presence of polyphenolic compounds and magnesium in the composition, which directly affect the central nervous system, changing the production of neurotransmitters.

8. Elimination of symptoms of heart failure

One of the major reviews of randomized clinical trials showed that hawthorn extract (together with medical preparations) significantly improves the systolic function of the heart muscle and increases the tolerance of any physical exertion.

The participants in the experiments tired more slowly, and shortness of breath appeared at a later date.

Scientists from Germany even claim that the inclusion of hawthorn in the treatment regimen for heart failure allows you to reduce the number and (or) volume of medications taken.

Also proven that the use of plant extract significantly reduces the risk of sudden cardiac death caused by fatal rhythm and conduction disorders.

Harm and contraindications

Despite a number of important medicinal properties, hawthorn is strictly forbidden to use with a certain list of contraindications:

1. Individual sensitivity to individual components. The instructions for preparations made on the basis of hawthorn even mention angioedema and anaphylactic shock.
2. AV blockades of any degree.
3. Acute inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal tract (gastritis, enteritis, colitis).
4. Arterial hypotension.
5. Peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum in the acute stage.

In some cases (less than 1% of the total number of doses), the following side effects may occur:

• Allergic reactions;
• Acute hypotension or cardiogenic shock;
• Depression of consciousness, drowsiness;
• Transient disorders of cerebral circulation (caused by a sharp decrease in blood supply to the brain due to dilation of the arteries);
• Arrhythmias (AV blockades).

Separately, it should be noted that hawthorn is strictly forbidden for women to use during pregnancy (especially in the first and second trimester). The active substances of the fruits of the plant easily penetrate the fetoplacental barrier and can cause fatal cardiac arrhythmias in the fetus.

Methods of reception

There are many ways to take hawthorn. Below are the most common:

1. Tea. Hawthorn tea is used for strengthening the immune system and relief of coronary heart disease. To prepare, pour 2 tsp. chopped fruits with 500 ml of boiling water and let it brew for 10 minutes. It is better to do it in a thermos. To enhance the effect, you can add rosehip fruits. Consume 200 ml 2 times a day (morning and evening) after meals. The duration of admission is up to 3 months. In addition to berries, hawthorn flowers and leaves can be used to brew tea.
2. Decoction. is mainly used as a general tonic and for the treatment of depression. To prepare a decoction of hawthorn, pour 400 ml of boiling water over 100 grams of berries and let it stand for about 10-12 hours. Then put the composition on fire, bring to a boil and simmer for 10 minutes, strain. Take 200 ml 3 times a day, observing the minimum interval between doses – at least 3 hours. The course of treatment is up to 90 days.
3. Infusion. The main indication for taking hawthorn infusion is a decrease in blood pressure. Pour dried hawthorn flowers (100 grams) with boiling water (1,000 ml) and let it stand in a thermos for at least 10-15 hours. Take 100 ml 3 times a day before meals (10-15 minutes). The recommended duration of treatment is up to 3 months.
4. Tincture. Indications for the use of hawthorn tincture: arterial hypertension, arrhythmias, heart failure. It is recommended to purchase the drug in pharmacies. Take 20 drops 3 times a day 30 minutes before meals. The duration of therapy is up to 8 weeks.
5. Compote. Compote is used to increase immunity in winter. The duration of use is not limited. The recipe will require: 1,000 ml of water, 200 grams of hawthorn berries, 150 grams of sugar, 10 grams of lemon zest. It is necessary to select the berries and pour them into a pre-sterilized jar. Pour boiling water and add sugar. Roll it up.

Conclusion

1. Hawthorn is rich in antioxidants, minerals and vitamins (especially C and A).
2. Many recipes have been created based on the plant, which are used for the treatment of heart failure, hypertension, and diseases associated with atherosclerosis.
3. Hawthorn strengthens the immune system, normalizes the condition of the central nervous system and prevents the appearance of cancer.
4. Before taking it, it is recommended to consult a doctor due to the possibility of side effects.