Hawthorn Leaves

Medicinal Benefits of Hawthorn Leaves

Hawthorn leaves tea is made from the leaves (often combined with flowers and berries) of the Crataegus species, which is best known for its positive effects on the cardiovascular system, but offers several other medicinal benefits as well.

Key Medicinal Benefits:

• Supports Heart Health and Circulation
  Hawthorn is widely recognised as a circulatory and cardiac tonic. It helps protect and strengthen the heart muscle, improve blood flow, and support a healthy cardiac rhythm. Clinical studies suggest that hawthorn can improve symptoms of heart failure, enhance exercise capacity, and may help with chest pain (angina) by increasing blood flow to the heart and dilating blood vessels.

• Helps Manage Blood Pressure
  Hawthorn acts as a mild vasodilator, relaxing blood vessels and potentially lowering blood pressure. While more research is needed, it is traditionally used for mild to moderate hypertension and to support overall vascular health.

• Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Effects
  The leaves are rich in flavonoids and other antioxidants, which help combat oxidative stress, reduce inflammation, and protect blood vessels from damage. This antioxidant activity also supports immune health and may offer protection against atherosclerosis and other chronic conditions.

• Lowers Cholesterol
  Some evidence suggests hawthorn may help lower cholesterol levels, supporting heart health and reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease.

• Digestive Support
  Hawthorn leaves and berries can stimulate bile and gastric secretions, aiding digestion and helping with the breakdown of fatty or protein-rich foods.

• Calming and Anxiolytic Properties
  Hawthorn tea is sometimes used to help reduce anxiety, calm the nervous system, and ease mood swings, especially when combined with other calming herbs.

Safety and Precautions:

• Hawthorn tea is generally considered safe for most adults when used at recommended doses for up to 16 weeks.

• Side effects are rare but may include headache, nausea, dizziness, palpitations, or mild gastrointestinal upset.

• Hawthorn can interact with heart medications, blood pressure drugs, and certain other prescriptions. Always consult a healthcare provider before use, especially if you have a heart condition or are taking medication.

• Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding due to insufficient safety data.

Hawthorn leaves tea is most valued for its heart-protective and circulatory benefits, but also offers antioxidant, digestive, and calming effects. It is generally safe for short-term use, but people with heart conditions or those taking medication should consult a healthcare professional before use.

Citations:

1. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/hawthorn-berry-benefits
2. https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/herb/hawthorn
3. https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-527/hawthorn
4. https://evergreen.ie/products/floradix-organic-hawthorn-tea
5. https://www.neantog.com/garden-articles/2021/10/6/hawthorn-health-benefits
6. https://www.thebrothersapothecary.com/hawthorn-berry-tea/
7. https://healthtea.ie/product/hawthorn-berries/
8. https://www.rxlist.com/hawthorn/generic-drug.htm
9. https://www.rxlist.com/supplements/hawthorn.htm
10. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/hawthorn