Crown of Thorns Extract has been used for chronic heart problems for centuries. 

The extract is derived from the Hawthorn tree (Crataegus)  which has sharp thorns, small white flowers and red berries.  It was given its name believing that this tree was used to create the crown of Jesus when he was crucified.  The Hawthorn is said to have entered American clinical practice around 1896 and disappeared from use in the 1930s. The current use of hawthorn for heart conditions, organic and functional dates back to the 17th century, according to the French doctor, Henri Leclerc who helped coin the terms phytomedicine and phytotherapy (the use of plants and plant products for medicinal purposes).  See here for more information on phytotherapy.

Active ingredients found in the hawthorn include flavonoids (ketone-containing compounds) such as quercetin, vitexin, rutin and hyperoside, oligomeric proanthocyanidins OPCs, triterpened acids such as oleanolic, phenolic and more. See the importance of ketones in this post here.  Hawthorn is considered a mildly calming herb for the nervous system which often accompanies cardiovascular problems.  Dr. Christopher makes a quality Hawthorn Berry Syrup product and you can see his website for testimonials or Buy it Here.

The Cochrane Collaboration Analysis* concluded in 2008 that there was evidence that hawthorn extract had “a significant benefit in symptom control and physiologic outcomes” and for treating chronic heart failure.  In a 2010 review** it also said that the extract held  “significant potential as a useful remedy in the treatment of cardiovascular disease. “The review also indicated the need for further study to prove any drug interactions, but patients taking Digoxin should avoid hawthorn.  In these pharmacological tests as well as others that were conducted on both humans and animals, hawthorn extract is said to be useful for the following: angina, arrhythmia, atherosclerosis, blood circulation issues, cardiac dropsy, congenital heart disorders (along with Thymine and B1), dyspnea, edema, high blood pressure, exercise intolerance, hypertrophy, heart failure, indigestion, leakage of the heart, left ventricular dysfunction,  lesions left by former heart attacks, strengthens heart muscle to pump blood,  speeds recovery from heart damage, increases the heart’s tolerance to oxygen deficiency in stress or if arteries are blocked and valvular or cardiac insufficiency.

In another interesting study done by Harry Fong and Jerry Bauman in 2002 that was documented in the Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing, hawthorn helped to improve exercise tolerance in people with cardiac insufficiency.  This is what they found, “One experiment, at (300 mg/day) for 4 to 8 weeks, found no difference from placebo. The second study, including 78 subjects (600 mg/day) for 8 weeks, found ‘significant improvement in exercise tolerance’ and lower blood pressure and heart rate during exercise. The third, including 32 subjects (900 mg/day) for 8 weeks, found improved exercise tolerance as well as a reduction in the ‘incidence and severity of symptoms such as dyspnea’ and fatigue decreased by approximately 50%.”

As always, contact your physician first before taking any supplements.

Other ♥ Heart ♥ Information

Natural blood thinner According to WebMD, “Nattokinase decreases the ability of blood to clot. This “thins the blood” and might protect against conditions caused by blood clots such as stroke, heart attack, and others.  Nattokinase is used for cardiovascular diseases including heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, chest pain (angina), deep vein thrombosis (DVT), “hardening of the arteries” (atherosclerosis), hemorrhoids, varicose veins (also see Horse Chestnut), poor circulation, and peripheral artery disease (PAD).” 

The Spiritual Heart  John 3:16 For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.

For More Posts About the Heart…

1. Nitric Oxide – Molecule of the Year for the Heart
2. Natural Remedy for Heart Arrhythmia in Olive Leaf Extract
3. How Healthy are You Anyway?  Health and Wellness Assessment
4. My Natural Medicine Cabinet is a post that includes other heart support options.

More Research and Information on Hawthorn Berry Extract