Circulation hawthorn

Native Americans used hawthorn as a diuretic for kidney and bladder disorders and to treat stomachaches, stimulate appetite, and improve circulation. The flowers and berries have astringent properties and can be used to treat sore throats in the form of haw jelly or haw marmalade. Today, hawthorn is promoted for the treatment of heart failure, hypertension, arteriosclerosis, angina pectoris, Buerger s disease, paroxysmal tachycardia, heart valve murmurs, sore throat, skin sores, diarrhea, and abdominal distention. 

Set out balled-and-burlapped plants in full sun in early spring. Hawthorns are undemanding as to soil, but avoid poorly drained areas. Choose planting sites with good air circulation to minimize disease problems. To avoid rust diseases, don t plant hawthorns where Eastern red cedar (Juniperus virginiana) is common. 

C28. Cowley, R. A., Attar, S., Esmond, W. G., Blair, E., and Hawthorne, I., Electrocardiographic and biochemical study in hemorrhagic shock in dogs treated with hyperbaric oxygenation. Circulation 27, 670-675 (1963). 

Hawthorn dilates the peripheral blood vessels, increases coronary circulation, improves cardiac oxygenation, acts as an antioxidant, has a mild diuretic effect, and is nsed to treat CHF and HTN. Doses of ACE inhibitors, cardiac glycosides, and beta blockers may need to be modified if taken in combination with hawthorn. 

---