The berries, leaves, and flowers of the hawthorn plant contain substances that may benefit the heart including flavonoids and oligomeric procyanidins (OPCs). Health care professionals use hawthorn to help protect against heart disease and help control high blood pressure and high cholesterol.
Hawthorn has primarily been studied in people with heart failure (a condition in which the heart is unable to pump adequate amounts of blood to other organs in the body). Four studies conclude that hawthorn significantly improved heart function. One large study found that a standardized hawthorn supplement was effective in 952 patients with heart failure. After 2 years, the clinical symptoms of heart failure (palpitations, breathing problems, and fatigue) decreased significantly in the patients taking the hawthorn supplement.
Usage:
Hawthorn berries support efficient heart function. As a dietary supplement, Hawthorn berries are intended for use as part of a total program of diet, exercise and lifestyle changes to promote cardiovascular health. Hawthorn contains bioflavonoid complexes that help to improve circulation to the heart muscle. Hawthorn berries are historically popular in Europe as a cardio tonic.
Recommended Daily Dosage:
Take two or three capsules three times daily with water at mealtimes or prepared as a tea. Best results are obtained with continuous use.
This dosage provides 3,060-4,590 milligrams of Hawthorn berry daily.
