Traditional Chinese Medicine's Modern Embrace: Collaboration of Ancient Remedy and Contemporary Heart Care
Hawthorn berries, known as "Shan Zha" in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), have been used for centuries to improve digestive health and support the heart. With a growing body of scientific evidence supporting their cardiovascular benefits, these berries are poised to become a mainstream tool in heart disease prevention and management.
These versatile berries are available in various forms, making it easy to incorporate them into daily routines. You can find hawthorn berries as liquid extract, capsules, tea, powder, and syrup. However, it's essential to use them with caution if you are on medications for heart disease, blood pressure, or cholesterol, and it's important to consult a healthcare provider before combining them with prescription medications.
Hawthorn berries help regulate blood pressure by improving blood flow and dilating blood vessels. This dilating effect also improves blood circulation and circulation overall, aiding in the reduction of symptoms related to heart conditions such as fatigue, shortness of breath, and exercise intolerance.
Scientific research supports the use of hawthorn berries in treating various heart conditions, such as heart failure and high blood pressure. A typical dose for daily use is about 300-500 mg per day, but it's crucial to consult a healthcare provider for the appropriate dosage based on health condition.
One of the key mechanisms behind hawthorn berries' cardiovascular benefits is their nitrite reductase activity. This activity enhances nitric oxide (NO) availability, which is crucial for vascular function and cardiovascular health. A study involving a formulation combining hawthorn with nitrate-rich beetroot showed increased plasma nitrite/nitrate levels and significant triglyceride reduction, suggesting improved endothelial function.
Numerous clinical studies and systematic reviews indicate that hawthorn extract can improve symptoms of mild-to-moderate heart failure compared to placebo. A Cochrane review of 14 randomized controlled trials (855 patients) demonstrated that hawthorn improves exercise tolerance and symptom scores in patients with congestive heart failure.
Beyond their heart health benefits, hawthorn berries offer potential advantages for digestive health, stress management, and circulation due to their anti-inflammatory properties. They are also rich in antioxidants like flavonoids, polyphenols, and proanthocyanidins.
Hawthorn berries come from the Crataegus genus, a group of plants in the rose family. The most commonly used variety in herbal medicine is the Crataegus monogyna. It may take 2-4 weeks for people to notice improvements in heart health after consistent use of hawthorn berries, but results may vary.
In TCM, hawthorn is classified as a warming herb that benefits the Spleen, Stomach, and Liver. The integration of hawthorn berries into modern cardiology is a testament to the power of ancient wisdom complementing modern science in the field of heart health.
As with any new supplement regimen, it's essential to consult a healthcare provider before starting to ensure safety and appropriate dosage. Hawthorn berries, with their long history in Traditional Chinese Medicine and growing scientific support, could be a valuable addition to your heart health routine.
- Hawthorn berries, with their nitrite reductase activity, enhance nitric oxide availability, crucial for vascular function and cardiovascular health.
- The growing body of scientific evidence supports the cardiovascular benefits of hawthorn berries, making them a potential tool in heart disease prevention and management.
- A study combining hawthorn with nitrate-rich beetroot showed increased plasma nitrite/nitrate levels and significant triglyceride reduction, suggesting improved endothelial function.
- Hawthorn berries come from the Crataegus genus and may take 2-4 weeks for people to notice improvements in heart health after consistent use.
- In addition to heart health benefits, hawthorn berries offer potential advantages for digestive health, stress management, and circulation due to their anti-inflammatory properties.
- Consulting a healthcare provider before combining hawthorn berries with prescription medications is essential if you have medical conditions like heart disease, blood pressure, or cholesterol.
- The integration of hawthorn berries into modern cardiology is a testament to the power of ancient wisdom complementing modern science in the field of heart health and health-and-wellness.
