Herbal Supplements For A Healthier Life

Botanical & Identity

Botanical Name

Crataegus monogyna, Crataegus laevigata

Common Names

Hawthorn Berries, Maythorn, Thornapple

Plant Family

Rosaceae

Part Used

Berries (also leaves and flowers in broader formulas)

Taste Profile

Mildly sweet, tart, slightly astringent

Energetics

Neutral to slightly warming, tonifying
Hawthorn Berries

Summary & Classification

Short Summary

Hawthorn berries are one of the most respected cardiovascular tonics in Western herbalism. Rich in flavonoids and oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs), they strengthen heart muscle, improve circulation, regulate blood pressure, and offer antioxidant protection to blood vessels.

Herb Actions

antioxidant, vasodilator, circulatory tonic, hypotensive, cardiotonic

Herbal Category

heart & circulation support, longevity herbs, vascular health

Medicine System

western, traditional european medicine

Active Ingredients

Flavonoids (vitexin, rutin, hyperoside)
,
OPCs
,
Triterpenes
,
Phenolic Acids
.

Chemistry & Effectiveness

Active Ingredients

Mechanism of Action

Improves coronary blood flow and oxygenation to the heart muscle, increases contractility, and strengthens vascular tone. OPCs protect capillary integrity, while flavonoids modulate blood pressure and rhythm.

Modern Applications

Used for early-stage heart failure, mild hypertension, angina, palpitations, post-viral myocarditis, and general cardiovascular protection.

Traditional Uses & Preparation

Traditional Uses

Used for centuries in Europe as a tonic for aging hearts, emotional heartbreak, and poor circulation. Berries were often infused into wine or syrup for daily use.

Preparation & Usage

Used as tea, tincture, capsules, or syrups. Often combined with leaves and flowers for full-spectrum effect.

Recommended Dosage

Tincture: 2–4 ml, 2–3x/day; Capsules: 500–1000 mg dried berry, 2x/day; Tea: 1–2 tsp berries simmered 10–15 min, 2–3x/day.

Safety & Warnings

Contraindications

May enhance the effect of cardiac medications—monitor blood pressure and symptoms closely.

Drug Interactions

May potentiate beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, or digitalis. Use under supervision if on cardiac meds.

Pregnancy & Lactation

use only under professional supervision.

Side Effects

Rare: mild dizziness or hypotension in sensitive individuals when combined with other hypotensives.

Scientific & Source Info

Scientific References

– Tauchert, M. (2002). Efficacy and safety of Crataegus extract WS 1442 in heart failure class II. – Rigelsky, J.M. & Sweet, B.V. (2002). Hawthorn: Pharmacology and therapeutic uses.

Sourcing Notes

Berries should be harvested when ripe and dried gently to preserve flavonoid content. Full-spectrum formulas often include flower and leaf for maximum therapeutic effect.

Product Linkage

Used In Products

Hyper Thyroid (Overactive) capsules

Hyper Thyroid (Overactive) 120’s

R440.00