Hawthorn

A plant related to the rose is the hawthorn. Since the time of the Roman Empire, the leaves, fruit, and flowers of hawthorn have been used to treat heart conditions. The plant has been shown to be an effective treatment for less severe forms of heart failure in some studies.

People with heart failure have been investigated when given hawthorn (a condition in which the heart is unable to pump enough blood to other organs in the body). According to a number of studies, hawthorn greatly enhanced heart function. Studies indicate that the herb can enhance a person's ability to exercise following heart failure. Participants in the research claimed that hawthorn greatly reduced disease symptoms (such as shortness of breath and fatigue). The NCCIH cautions that research findings are conflicting. Hawthorn's effectiveness in treating other heart issues is unknown due to a lack of sufficient research evidence. Hawthorn can also interact adversely with a variety of prescription medications and other herbs.