Habitat:

Hawthorn is usually grown from cuttings as the seed can take eighteen months to germinate. This woody tree or shrub grows in temperate regions in the Northern Hemisphere. And as one of its common names implies, hawthorn is often used as a hedge.

Plant Description:

Hawthorn grows to a considerable height of 10m, and is known to live to a great age. The white rose like flowers attract carrion insects, such as flies, as the pungent smell of decomposition is a factor in the flower’s aroma.

Plant Parts Used:

Dried haws or berries, green stems, flowers, and leaves. Occasionally the bark has been used as herbal medicine.

Pharmaceutical use:

Hawthorn is primarily used to treat ailments related to the heart and blood vessels. It has been shown to have a mild but positive effect on heart health and blood circulation, making it a good preventive therapy for people with impaired cardiac function. Hawthorn is thought to be particularly useful in the early stages of heart failure. When a medicinal herb has been shown to slow down the progression of heart disease, it should certainly be used more in preventive health care. Hawthorn has sometimes been used to normalize blood pressure, not only to treat high blood pressure but to increase blood pressure that is too low. However, it is rarely used as primary medicine to treat high blood pressure. Hawthorn can be used to treat or prevent angina pectoris (angina). Angina is defined as a chest pain or discomfort that occurs when the heart muscle receives not enough blood and the oxygen supply decreases. Physical exertion and stress often trigger angina attacks.

Cautions:

Please be aware that herbs, although natural can interact with certain medications, and that they may be ill advised to use under certain health conditions. Please consult a qualified health practitioner for cautions pertinent to you.

No therapeutic claim is made or intended for AZENA products. Information is for educational purposes only.