What is Hawthorn used for?
Traditional/Ethnobotanical uses The use of hawthorn dates back to Dioscorides, but the plant gained widespread popularity in European and American herbal medicine only toward the end of the 19th century. The flowers, leaves, and fruits have been used in the treatment of either high or low blood pressure, tachycardia, or arrhythmias. The plant is purported to have antispasmodic and sedative effects. Hawthorn has been used in the treatment of atherosclerosis and angina pectoris. Preparations containing hawthorn remain popular in Europe and have gained some acceptance in the US. Atherosclerosis/Cardiovascular disease Hawthorn’s beneficial roles in cardiovascular disease have been extensively reviewed. Because of its strong cardiac activity, hawthorn has been suggested to be of use in cardiac heart failure (CHF) and cardiac performance. The plant is known to contain cardiotonic principles. The flavonoids cause an increase in coronary flow and heart rate. Hawthorn has been used to regulate
