Discover the Secrets of the Aging Heart and the Healing Power of Hawthorn

The heart is our vital engine. Over the years, however, it begins to show the first signs of wear and tear. You may notice it yourself: you get out of breath more quickly when climbing stairs, and your heart doesn’t seem as strong as it used to be. This phenomenon is often referred to as the “aging heart.” This primarily refers to mild forms of heart failure, which manifest in NYHA stages I and II. This means symptoms only occur during physical exertion, not at rest.

In this article, you’ll learn how hawthorn, an unassuming plant found in hedges and gardens, can naturally support your heart.

Hawthorn – an unassuming helper for the heart

Hawthorn is a hardy hedge shrub that delights with white flowers in the spring and bears small red berries in the fall. This plant has been known in folk medicine for centuries, but medically, it is primarily the leaves and flowers—known as Crataegi folium cum flore—that are used.

The reason: These parts of the plant contain the highest concentration of active ingredients that can support the heart. Hawthorn preparations from the pharmacy are usually based on standardized extracts of these plant parts to ensure consistent quality and efficacy.

How does hawthorn affect the heart?

The effect of hawthorn is based on two main groups of active ingredients: flavonoids and procyanidins, also known as oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPC). These compounds have several beneficial effects on the heart:

• Increased pumping power

Hawthorn improves the contractile strength of the heart muscle. This means the heart can pump more blood into the body with every beat. This property is called “positive inotropic”. For people with mild age-related heart issues, this can mean noticeably more energy and stamina.

• Improved blood flow

Hawthorn dilates the coronary arteries, which supply the heart muscle with oxygen. This allows more oxygen to reach the heart, improving its performance and reducing the strain on the heart.

• Rhythm stabilizer

Hawthorn makes the heart more resilient to stress. It helps prevent mild arrhythmias, which are more common in older adults. This keeps the heartbeat more regular and calm.

These effects have been scientifically studied and form the basis for the use of hawthorn in cases of mild heart failure.

Patience is key – how to use hawthorn correctly

Hawthorn is not a medication for acute emergencies. Its effects build up slowly. Patients should take the preparations regularly for at least 4 to 6 weeks before a noticeable improvement occurs.

Many people enjoy drinking hawthorn tea, which has a pleasant taste and a relaxing effect. For a genuine therapeutic effect in heart failure, tea alone is not sufficient however, this is not the case. Only standardized, ready-to-use medications from the pharmacy guarantee a consistently high concentration of active ingredients. These preparations are precisely dosed and tested, so you can be sure that your heart is receiving optimal support.

Tips for Use

• Take hawthorn supplements at the same time every day.

  
  

• Combine taking them with a heart-healthy lifestyle, such as regular exercise and a balanced diet.

  
  

• Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before starting hawthorn supplements, especially if you are taking other heart medications.

Understanding and Supporting the Aging Heart

The “aging heart” is not a fate to which one is helplessly subjected. Mild heart failure in NYHA stages I and II means that while the heart no longer pumps quite as strongly, it still responds well to support. Hawthorn offers a natural way to improve cardiac function and alleviate symptoms during physical exertion.

With proper use and a little patience, hawthorn can help improve your quality of life and strengthen your heart to meet the challenges of daily life.

Give it a try and discover how this unassuming plant can gently support your heart. For more information and personalized advice, consult your doctor or pharmacist.