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They contain chemicals called flavonoids, which have antioxidant effects. Hawthorn also seems to improve blood circulation and affect blood flow from the heart. People most commonly use hawthorn ...
Hawthorn is good for heart disease, arthritis, and inflammation and potential side effects include drug interactions. Hawthorn is a common plant with some extraordinary properties. This humble shrub is a great source of antioxidants and has been used to treat a variety of ailments for hundreds of years. Today, researchers continue to look into ...
Jul 3, 2024 · What are the risks of taking hawthorn? Side effects. Unwanted effects from hawthorn seem to be rare. Dizziness is the most common side effect. Other side effects include: Agitation; Digestive distress
- Overview
- What are hawthorn berries?
- Health benefits of hawthorn berries
- Possible side effects and interactions
- Frequently asked questions
- Summary
Hawthorn berries may have potential health benefits relating to the heart, diabetes, and cancer. However, scientists must conduct more research to establish beneficial dosages and safety.
This article explores the hawthorn plant and its fruit. It discusses research about potential health benefits and possible adverse effects. Additionally, it answers some common questions about hawthorn berries.
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Hawthorn is a wild fruit tree that grows in various parts of the world, including Europe, North America, and North Africa.
The botanical name of the genus is Crataegus. It belongs to the Rosaceae family of plants. Although there are hundreds of species of Crataegus, when people refer to the common hawthorn, they typically mean Crataegus monogyna.
Hawthorn is a thorny plant that produces berry-like fruits. Some people refer to these as “haws.” Haws are not technically berries, as they contain stones, similar to plums. However, this article will refer to these fruits as berries, as this is what people commonly call them.
People have used hawthorn berries, leaves, and flowers for traditional herbal remedies for centuries. Hawthorn has herbal properties that may have potential health benefits, and scientists have studied the plant’s effectiveness in treating various conditions.
A review notes that historic medical records going back to 659 AD recognize hawthorn as a treatment for various conditions, including indigestion and hernia.
Studies indicate that hawthorn contains beneficial compounds such as antioxidants and polyunsaturated fatty acids. Flavonoids and procyanidins are the components responsible for most of the therapeutic effects.
The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) notes that scientists have not reported any serious safety problems in most studies of hawthorn for heart failure.
However, it mentions one study that indicated hawthorn worsened heart failure in study participants. This may have been because hawthorn interacted with the drugs they were taking.
This is why it is important that people who wish to try hawthorn talk with their doctor first, especially if they are taking medication.
The NCCIH also states that hawthorn may cause side effects, including:
•nausea
•dizziness
Are hawthorn berries poisonous to humans?
Hawthorn berries are not poisonous. However, the plant does contain a chemical called amygdalin, which can cause cyanide toxicity at high doses. A person should talk with a doctor for further advice before consuming hawthorn berries.
Who should not try hawthorn berries?
There is little safety information about taking hawthorn if someone is pregnant or breastfeeding or chestfeeding. Additionally, hawthorn may interact with medications, so a person should be sure to talk with their doctor before consuming it.
Can someone take hawthorn berries every day?
Individual hawthorn extracts that retailers sell will typically provide instructions on how often to take the preparation. However, people should talk with a healthcare professional about whether they can or should take hawthorn berries and how often.
Evidence suggests that hawthorn berries may have potential health benefits for the heart and diseases such as diabetes and cancer. However, scientists need to conduct more studies to clarify hawthorn’s efficacy and safety.
People may consume hawthorn berries or take them as an extract. However, a person should talk with their doctor before consuming hawthorn berries or extract.
- Louisa Richards
- Risk of allergic reactions. Essentially any plant can cause an allergic reaction which is when a person’s immune system overreacts to a component in the plant (e.g.
- Increased risk of bleeding. The anticoagulant properties of hawthorn have been documented scientifically with studies showing hawthorn alters coagulation parameters and reduces platelet aggregation (source).
- Medicine interactions: anticoagulants. If you are currently receiving treatment for blood clotting (e.g. warfarin), know that taking hawthorn concomitantly with anticoagulants can increase the effects of the anticoagulants.
- Medicine interactions: high blood pressure medication. Hawthorn is known to interact with medication used for the treatment of high blood pressure, including, but not limited to: beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, ACE (angiotensin converting enzyme) inhibitors and blockers etc.
Oct 30, 2023 · For hundreds of years, people have used hawthorn berry as an herbal remedy for digestive problems, heart issues, and high blood pressure. In fact, the berry has been a key part of traditional ...
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Oct 16, 2024 · 5. Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Effects. Animal studies have found antioxidant activity in hawthorn. The flavonoids in hawthorn may help decrease oxidative stress, which affects the body by ...
