Hawthorn berry extract is a natural remedy for heart disease, obesity, respiratory diseases, and cancer. It can also aid digestion, prevent muscle spasms, and promote weight loss. However, it may cause side effects and interact with other drugs. Hawthorn leaves and flowers are also used for herbal tonics, while the berries are used in cooking.
Used for centuries, hawthorn berry extract is a medical concentrate taken from the fruits of the Crataegus oxycantha, or hawthorn shrub. Rich in antioxidants, the extract can be used to treat heart disease, obesity, and many other ailments. It can also be enjoyed in hawthorn tea or in other culinary creations.
The most common use of the hawthorn berry is for heart conditions. Its use in this capacity is most prominent in Europe, where hawthorn is a common treatment for conditions such as cardiac arrhythmia and congestive heart failure. Some studies have established a link between hawthorn berry extract and protection of the arteries. Hawthorn extract may help prevent arterial plaque buildup. Taking hawthorn supplements can also help lower cholesterol.
Respiratory diseases can also be treated with hawthorn berry extract. American doctors have used it for this purpose, as well as to improve circulation. The antioxidants present in hawthorn berry extract may also help prevent the development or spread of cancer. The plant also contains vitamins A, E, and C, which also gives it a nutritional impact on the body.
People suffering from chest pain or angina may find relief from hawthorn extract. In Chinese medicine, as well as naturopathic remedies, hawthorn berry extract is often used to aid the digestive process. People who have difficulty in exercising due to heart conditions can perform physical exercise with the support of this extract.
A less common use of hawthorn berry extract is in weight loss remedies. It works by helping to reduce water and salt retention in the body. It has also been used as a sedative and as a treatment for ulcerative colitis. Hawthorn extract may also help prevent muscle spasms. Nerve disorders can also be treated with the herbal extract.
These dietary supplements are largely considered safe. However, there are some side effects of hawthorn. In rare cases, patients may experience nausea, headache, low blood pressure, or an irregular heartbeat. Women who are pregnant, nursing, or may become pregnant, and people taking prescription medications should consult with a physician before taking hawthorn supplements. Hawthorn berry extract may interact with other drugs.
In addition to the berries of the hawthorn bush, other parts of the plant can be used medicinally. Hawthorn leaves and flowers, which contain more flavonoids than the plant’s berries, are most often used to create herbal tonics. The hawthorn berries themselves are often used in cooking, particularly in Chinese snacks, jellies, jams, and drinks.
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