"In Germany one of the most frequently prescribed
treatments for heart conditions is the herb hawthorn
(Crataegus orycantholdes). Germany, like many European
countries, has a government agency called the Kommission
E which produces official monographs guiding the
safe prescription, usage and manufacture of herbal
medicines. Amongst current monographs is one on hawthorn
which states that it is useful for heart insufficiency
(classes 1 and 2) by strengthening heart contractions,
lowering blood pressure and lowering pulse rate,
as well as improving physical work capacity and anaerobic
capacity (the ability to continue functioning in
low oxygen conditions). The berry from hawthorn is
widely employed for arrhythmia (irregular heartbeats,
palpitations), high blood pressure and hardening
of the arteries.
Clinical and laboratory research findings abound
that hawthorn may be beneficial in treating heart
conditions, including arrhythmia, angina, atherosclerosis,
high blood pressure and elevated cholesterol levels.
These findings suggest that hawthorn may be effective
through class 3 but is generally not considered strong
enough for class 4 (see "Highlights of Hawthorn
Research" above).
Clinical trials have also found benefits in the
elderly with no heart conditions but simply deteriorating
heart function with age (Hoffmann
1995). In older
patients hawthorn is considered gentler than the
drug digitalis and may actually improve the tolerance
for digitalis. Unlike digitalis, hawthorn is not
effective in correcting a complete failure because
it does not contain the same chemical compounds (Weiss
1988). Hawthorn is reported to be beneficial for
heart complaints during menopause, anxiety and nervous
disorders (Hobbs & Foster 1990). There is limited
preliminary research showing that hawthorn relieves
muscle tension and promotes relaxation and sleep
(Djumlija 1994) (Chang & But 1986). These are
factors that may be beneficial in heart conditions."
The above text is an excerpt from:
ZHealthInfo.com. Click to read the full text with
references: www.zhealthinfo.com
Hawthorn berry is a great nutritional
supplement to regulate and strengthen heart beat. However,
Hawthorn berry works best as a concentrated paste such
as Gaia's Hawthorn Berry Solid Extract. Each 1/4 teaspoon
of paste is equal to some 15 raw hawthorn herb capsules.
Which creates a much more economical product.
Patients with arrhythmia's, too fast
or too slow a heart beat, or a generally weakened heart
can use 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon 3 to 4 times a day. As
a general heart tonic, 1/4 teaspoon twice a day. Hawthorn
is the hearts best friend.
