Hawthorn

Used as a symbol of hope in ancient Greece, hawthorn, a small thorny tree belonging to the rose family, holds promise today in the treatment of angina (sharp chest pain caused by a shortage of oxygen in the heart muscle) and mild cases of congestive heart failure.

Dozens of studies seem to confirm that hawthorn has positive effects on the heart. The herb appears to work through the action of plant pigments called flavanoids by expanding the blood vessels and enabling more oxygen-rich blood to reach the muscles of the heart. In dilating the blood vessels, hawthorn reduces resistance elsewhere in the circulatory system, thereby lowering blood pressure and reducing angina.

In addition, hawthorn has the unique ability of stabilizing the heart against arrhythmias, or irregular heartbeats, by lengthening what is called the refractory period - the short period following a heartbeat during which the heart cannot beat again. Many heart irregularities begin with an early beat, disrupting the heart's even rhythm. Hawthorn works to protect against such potentially dangerous breaks by improving the heart's pumping ability.

What It Might Do for You

Although there is a significant amount of solid research regarding the use of hawthorn as a treatment for congestive heart failure, it is not advised that you self-treat any kind of heart conditions. Not only is the disease dangerous but also there are medical treatments that have been proven to save lives, a benefit that hawthorn may not provide.

Potential Side Effects

Hawthorn can reduce blood pressure. If you are already taking blood pressure lowering medication you may require less of it. Some other side effects that have been reported are mild stomach upset and occasional allergic reactions (skin rash).

Herb-Drug Interactions Hawthorne should not be used if you are taking digitalis or similar drugs. It is also possible that hawthorn may interact ACE inhibitors, or Coumadin. As with any herb, we strongly recommend that you discuss hawthorn with your healthcare provider if you are presently on any medication mentioned in this article or if you have existing heart disease.

Principal Author:

Stefanie Perelman, M.S., R.D., holds a B.A. in journalism from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a master's in clinical dietetics from New York University. A registered dietitian, she presently works at Montefiore Medical Center in the Bronx and is available for private consultation.

Nutrition Editor:

Donna Tinnerello MS, RD, CD/N is registered dietitian with more than 10 years experience in HIV and nutrition. She works in lower Manhattan at Cabrini Medical Center, the community and in private practice. Her subspecialties are cardiovascular, renal, gastrointestinal disease, diabetes and weight loss. Donna is available for private consultation by referral only.