Article content
Hawthorn is known for its strong ability to support heart health and overall cardiovascular well-being. This medicinal plant, which grows along roads, at the edges of floodplain forests and woods, has been valued for its effects on the heart for centuries. The hawthorn berries, which are harvested in autumn, are recognizable by their bright red color and are a real treasure of nature. Thanks to their high content of valuable substances, hawthorn berries are an effective means to improve heart health, prevent heart attacks and support recovery after cardiac events. Let’s take a look at how hawthorn can help us and what other benefits it has for our health.
Hawthorn and its effects on heart health
Hawthorn is renowned for its ability to stimulate heart activity and improve perfusion of the heart muscle. It has been scientifically proven that hawthorn contributes to better perfusion of the coronary vessels, making it an effective tool in the prevention of heart attacks. Hawthorn is also suitable for patients recovering from a heart attack, as it supports circulation and perfusion of the heart muscle.
In addition, hawthorn is known for its positive effects in treating high blood pressure, high levels of cholesterol and blood lipids. This plant is also effective for problems with irregular heart rhythm, arrhythmias and palpitations.
What does hawthorn contain?
Hawthorn berries are rich in substances that favorably affect heart health and the overall condition of the body. The main components that hawthorn contains include:
- Saponins
- Flavonoids
- Tannins
- Glycosides
- Tannins
- Carotene
- Vitamins B and C
- Pectins
- Purine compounds
- Amines
- Enzymes
- Caffeic acid
- Chlorogenic acid
- Ursolic acid
- Oleanolic acid
This rich mix of active substances makes hawthorn a great helper for many health problems, with its main contribution being a positive influence on heart and vascular health.
How to use hawthorn: tea and tincture
Hawthorn tea
To prepare hawthorn tea you will need:
- 2–3 tablespoons of chopped dried hawthorn berries
- 1 liter of lukewarm water
- Honey to taste
Procedure:
- In the evening, place the dried hawthorn berries in the lukewarm water and let them stand overnight (12 hours).
- In the morning strain the drink and you can drink it slightly warmed.
- If desired, add honey to taste.
This tea is great for overall calming, improving blood flow and supporting heart health. It is recommended to drink it for 2–3 weeks.
Hawthorn tincture
To prepare a hawthorn tincture you will need:
- 2 tablespoons of fresh hawthorn berries
- 200 ml plum brandy (or another quality spirit)
Procedure:
- Crush the fresh hawthorn berries and place them in a jar.
- Pour plum brandy over the berries and close the jar well.
- Let the tincture stand for 3 weeks, shaking it occasionally.
- After three weeks strain the tincture and it is ready for use.
Taking the tincture: It is recommended to take 5 drops of the tincture 3 times daily for 2–3 weeks, then take a 7-day break and repeat the course if necessary.
Other effects of hawthorn
Besides its benefits for the heart, hawthorn also has other health advantages:
- Improvement of heart rhythm: Hawthorn helps with heart rhythm disorders such as arrhythmia or palpitations.
- Reduction of blood pressure: This plant is useful for regulating high blood pressure.
- Relief from insomnia and anxiety: Hawthorn has calming effects and can help with falling asleep or nervousness.
- Support for vascular health and cholesterol: It acts against atherosclerosis and improves cholesterol levels.
- Help with menopausal problems: Hawthorn can alleviate unpleasant symptoms of menopause.
Conclusion
Hawthorn is an exceptional plant that has a wide range of positive effects on our health, especially on the health of the heart and blood vessels. Its berries are rich in active substances that contribute to the prevention of heart attacks, regulation of blood pressure and improvement of overall health. Regular use of hawthorn teas or tinctures can significantly support recovery after cardiac events, reduce stress and help with insomnia. If you want to support your heart health and overall condition, hawthorn is a great natural choice you should not overlook.
