Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna or Crataegus laevigata) is one of the most valued medicinal plants for cardiovascular health. In the vision of the renowned phytotherapist academician Ovidiu Bojor, hawthorn holds a prestigious place in the maintenance of heart health and circulation, having been used for centuries to strengthen the cardiac muscle, regulate blood pressure, and calm the nervous system.
Benefits of Hawthorn
1. The Natural Cardiotonics for Tired Hearts
Hawthorn acts directly on the cardiac muscle, improving its contraction strength without causing arrhythmias or additional stress on the heart. This is one of the most important actions confirmed by modern studies, recommending it for mild to moderate heart failure.
According to Ovidiu Bojor, hawthorn nourishes the heart without altering its rhythm and can be used preventively or as a complementary treatment in allopathic therapies.
2. Regulates Blood Pressure (Mild Hypotensive)
By dilating peripheral blood vessels, hawthorn contributes to lowering blood pressure. This action is important for individuals with nervous or stress-induced hypertension.
Bojor emphasizes that hawthorn is particularly effective in the elderly or agitated individuals with fluctuating blood pressure.
3. Improves Coronary Blood Circulation
Through vasodilation and reduced vessel rigidity, hawthorn increases blood flow to the heart muscle, preventing ischemia. Therefore, it is useful in angina pectoris, palpitations, and feelings of pressure in the chest.
4. Powerful Antioxidant Protecting Against Vascular Aging
The flavonoids in hawthorn combat free radicals that contribute to the deterioration of blood vessels and the formation of atheromatous plaques. Thus, the plant has a protective effect against atherosclerosis.
5. Nervous Balancer
Through its mild sedative action, hawthorn reduces states of agitation, anxiety, and insomnia. It has a calming effect on the autonomic nervous system, which directly influences heart rhythm.
Original Recipes Recommended by Ovidiu Bojor
1. Calming Tea for the Heart and Peaceful Sleep
Ingredients:
- 10g hawthorn flowers and leaves
- 10g linden flowers
- 10g lavender
- 10g motherwort
Preparation Method:
Mix the dried plants. Infuse 1 teaspoon in 250ml of boiling water for 10-15 minutes. Drink in the evening, in small sips.
Effects: stabilizes heart rhythm, induces natural sleep, reduces blood pressure.
2. Hawthorn Tincture (Simple Formula)
Ingredients:
- 20g hawthorn flowers and leaves
- 100ml food-grade alcohol (60-70%)
Preparation Method:
Let it macerate for 10 days in a closed container. Filter and store in a dark glass bottle.
Administration: 10-15 drops in a little water, 3 times a day, before meals.
Bojor’s Note: It can be combined with motherwort and mistletoe tinctures for an enhanced effect.
3. Heart Health Tea (Adapted Compound Formula)
Ingredients:
- 30% hawthorn leaves and flowers
- 20% motherwort
- 20% mistletoe
- 15% linden flowers
- 15% lavender
Preparation Method:
1 teaspoon in 250ml of water, infuse for 10 minutes. Drink 2-3 cups per day.
Recommended for: fluctuating blood pressure, irregular heartbeats, emotional stress.
Contraindications and Precautions
- Do not administer without medical advice to individuals undergoing treatment with digitalis, beta-blockers, or anticoagulants.
- Not recommended during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
- Avoid overdose as it may cause a sudden drop in blood pressure or excessive drowsiness.
Bojor emphasizes the importance of moderate treatment combined with a balanced lifestyle.
Holistic Recommendation by Ovidiu Bojor
Heart health does not depend solely on plants. It is the result of a balance between body, soul, and mind, Bojor said. Therefore, he also recommends:
- The Rule of 3 x 8: 8 hours of work, 8 hours of active rest, and 8 hours of deep sleep
- Light meals and mindful eating – chew slowly, without rushing
- Daily walks in the fresh air and avoiding unnecessary stress
Sources
- Guide to Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, Ovidiu Bojor
- Plants and Health, Ovidiu Bojor & Elena Bojor
- Hawthorn, a natural cardiotonic for the heart
