By Philippe Mathelet
Hawthorn: protector of the heart
This plant has tonicardiac properties and regulates cardiac rhythm disorders. It also acts on blood pressure and cholesterol.
The properties of hawthorn
Hawthorn is a well-known thorny shrub, cousin to the rose and the dog rose, which grows on the edges of groves, by the side of paths, along rivers or at the edge of fields, forming impassable hedges because of its thorns.
Hawthorn is nicknamed "white thorn, noble thorn, May thorn, bird bread or "senellier".
This perennial shrub is much appreciated by sculptors and woodturners because the wood of its trunk is very hard.
The red fruit of hawthorn ripens in autumn, it is edible, and its flowers are a magnificent white tinged with pink.
Hawthorn is the sacred tree of the Catholic Church as it formed the crown of Christ.
Curiously, hawthorn is also a sacred tree among the Druids and in Celtic rituals related to fertility, concepts found in ancient Greece and Rome…
Its composition is of uncommon richness:
Flavonoids, alkaloid, coumarin, tannins, amino acids, mono- and polysaccharides and many minerals and vitamins (calcium, potassium, iron, magnesium, zinc, phosphorus, vitamin C…)
This wonderful plant has tonicardiac properties and regulates cardiac rhythm disorders.
It also acts on blood pressure and cholesterol.
Hawthorn is also a nervous system sedative.
Many scientific studies have been carried out on hawthorn and its cardio-protective action both preventive and curative.
Hawthorn is therefore truly the best friend of our heart.
These articles are for information only and are neither medical advice, nor a diagnosis, nor a prescription.
The articles in this section reflect the experience and reading of their author, who does not practise any medical profession. They are published for information and never replace a consultation with a doctor or pharmacist. Food supplements are not medicines. If you are under treatment, pregnant, breastfeeding or ill, ask a health professional before any use.