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Common Name
Hawthorn
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Botanical Name
Crataegus monogyna
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Part Used
Fruit
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Clinical Summary
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Alcohol
30%
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Dose
10 to 20mL weekly
Hawthorn is the best-known herb for the heart in Western herbal medicine. The authors of the Cochrane review concluded that there is a significant benefit in symptom control and physiologic outcomes from hawthorn extract as an adjunctive treatment for chronic heart failure.
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Traditional Use
Dioscorides and Paracelsus praised hawthorn for its heart-strengthening properties and it is also known in traditional Chinese medicine. It has since been shown to have many different positive effects on the heart and is a popular prescription medicine in Germany for heart failure
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Actions
Cardiotonic, cardioprotective, hypotensive, antioxidant
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Indications
• Congestive heart failure or heart weakness, palpitations, high blood pressure, arteriosclerosis, angina, hyperlipidaemia
• Connective tissue disorders to strengthen connective tissue, decrease capillary fragility and prevent collagen destruction of joints -
Energetics
Cooling, drying
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Use in Pregnancy
Should not be used in pregnancy until safety is established
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Contraindications & Cautions
Heart disease can be a very serious medical condition, with a rapidly changing course, and should not be treated without close medical supervision. In particular, chest pain and shortness of breath are extremely serious symptoms that require immediate medical attention.
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Drug Interactions
Avoid with nitrates and phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors (such as sildenafil). Caution with antihypertensive drugs. Theoretical beneficial interaction with digoxin and cardiac glycosides, diuretics, doxorubicin (chemotherapy medication) and lipid lowering drugs.
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Dietary Information
Vegan friendly. Gluten and dairy free
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Substitutes
Arjuna, Lime Flowers, Mistletoe, Motherwort, Garlic