Hawthorn - Nature's Treatments

Many modern medicines had their basis in folklore or were used by healers in centuries past. Those who used herbs and foods for healing did not always know what the disease was, but even as far back as Biblical scriptures, people were admonished to appreciate natural goodness including, ‘wine that maketh glad the heart.’ Some medical doctors have expressed the opinion that though they did not know how, ancient cultures understood that wine, in moderation, had some kind of health benefits, just as they understood that certain molds had healing properties.

The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews published Jan 23, 2008 reports on a study concerning the use of extract of hawthorn which is made from the leaves, fruits and flowers of the plant. This extract has been used in addition to conventional treatment for the symptoms of chronic heart failure.

The Cochrane Collaboration is called the gold standard for evidence based medicine according to the Chicago Tribune.

In 14 studies, most of which were random and placebo controlled, extract of hawthorn was used in conjunction with conventional treatment. There was no data on mortality in any of the trials, so there is no claim that the herb extends life, but it greatly improved the ability to endure exercise and improved the strength of heart muscle contractions compared to placebos. There were mild or no side effects reported in most of the studies.

The Cochrane authors conclude that the extract, when used with conventional symptomatic treatment, is useful.

According to the New York Times, Feb 5, 2008 on line, Dr. Max H Pittler, the lead author of the study and deputy director of complementary medicine at the Universities of Exeter and Plymouth in England, warned that patients should not imagine hawthorn is a substitute for regular care. “Patients need a proper diagnosis from their doctors,” Dr. Pittler said, “and they need to consult with their doctors if they want to take hawthorn along with their conventional medicine.”

Dr. Pittler also said it makes him uncomfortable that hawthorn extract is available without a prescription and cautions that patients should not self-diagnose and then self-treat with hawthorn.

Herbalists and natural healers have long known of hawthorn’s possibilities. The plant is a member of the rose family and has been recommended during recovery from heart attacks because it opens the arteries and improves blood supply to the tissues. Some herbalists also recommend it in treatment of high blood pressure and a remedy for angina. There has also been research in Germany that substantiates positive results during heart attack recovery.

Those suffering from chronic heart conditions who wish to try hawthorn should discuss the approach with their health provider. Heart care requires all possibilities and alternatives to be discussed.