Products containing hawthorn are used for age-related declining efficiency of the heart (old-age heart) and mild forms of heart failure (heart failure). The plant is particularly suitable for the treatment of stage II heart failure, which, according to the definition of the New York Heart Association (NYHA), is associated with a slight reduction in physical performance, arrhythmia, shortness of breath and/or angina pectoris (“chest tightness”). No symptoms are apparent at rest, but everyday physical exertion causes fatigue.
Among other things, hawthorn increases the flow of coronary vessels, which improves the symptoms. Used in a long-term supportive manner, hawthorn is said to improve physical performance and prevent worsening of heart failure.
Hawthorn for the heart
Experience and clinical studies have shown that hawthorn leaves can also be used supportively for functional heart complaints, cardiac arrhythmias, coronary artery disease (a disease of the coronary arteries that leads to a reduced supply of oxygen to the heart muscle), and to prevent arteriosclerosis.
In addition, the plant has also proven effective in heart complaints caused by stress in everyday life and due to nervous and psychological overload.
Application in folk medicine and homeopathy
In folk medicine, hawthorn has also been used since the 19th century against chest tightness, in old-age heart complaints and generally as a heart-strengthening remedy. Along with foxglove and lily of the valley, hawthorn is now considered a time-honored remedy for the treatment of heart conditions.
In homeopathy, the fresh, ripe fruits are used to treat heart and circulatory disorders.
Ingredients of hawthorn
Hawthorn leaves and flowers contain 0.3-2.5% flavonoids such as hyperoside and rutin, which are found especially in the flowers, and 0.4-1% oligomeric procyanidins. Biogenic amines, triterpenic acids, phenolic carboxylic acids and polysaccharides are also present. Hawthorn fruits contain very similar constituents.
Hawthorn: indication
Medicinal indications for hawthorn are:
- Heart failure
- Heart failure
- Age heart
- Heart trouble
- Cardiac arrhythmias
- Coronary heart disease
