Angina pectoris is a serious condition and a clear warning sign that the heart is not getting enough oxygen-rich blood. Fortunately, nature offers remedies that have been used for centuries to support heart health. One such remedy involves hawthorn, a powerful and respected plant in both traditional and modern medicine.
But first, let’s understand how angina manifests.
What Are the Symptoms of Angina?
In its classic form, patients describe angina as a strong, pressing pain behind the breastbone. This pain often arises during physical exertion but can also appear at rest. The discomfort is not always limited to the chest — it may radiate to the left shoulder and arm, between the shoulder blades, the neck, jaw, or even the teeth. In rare cases, pain can appear in the upper abdominal (epigastric) area, which can make diagnosis more difficult.
Sometimes, the pain isn’t clearly defined. Patients might describe it as a feeling of discomfort or tightness in the chest, which is also considered a valid indicator of angina. An angina attack typically lasts from 1 to 20 minutes and usually subsides either with rest or after taking nitrate medication.
Now let’s move on to natural support for the heart.
The Healing Power of Hawthorn
Hawthorn (Latin name Crataegus) is a truly valuable plant. It’s widely used in both traditional and contemporary medicine for treating various cardiovascular conditions. Interestingly, the Latin name is derived from a Greek word meaning “strong,” and rightly so — hawthorn is a “strong plant” in every sense of the word.
Its strength lies in its ability to support heart function, improve circulation, and help regulate blood pressure. Let’s explore some powerful and natural hawthorn-based remedies.
Hawthorn Flower Infusion
This is a simple herbal tea preparation made from hawthorn flowers:
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons of dried hawthorn flowers
- 1 cup (about 250 ml) of water
Instructions:
- Boil the flowers in water for 5 to 7 minutes.
- Strain the liquid.
- Drink 1 tablespoon of this infusion 3 to 4 times a day.
This preparation can help relieve mild symptoms and support heart function on a daily basis.
Hawthorn Tincture (Alcohol Extract)
This version is more concentrated and long-lasting. Here’s how to prepare it:
Ingredients:
- 10 grams of dried hawthorn flowers
- 100 ml of vodka or high-proof alcohol
Instructions:
- Place the flowers in alcohol and let the mixture sit in a dark place for several days.
- Strain thoroughly.
- Take 25–30 drops three times a day.
Tinctures allow the active compounds of the plant to be absorbed more efficiently into the body and provide faster results.
Hawthorn Berry Tea
Hawthorn berries are also highly beneficial. This version uses the fruit instead of the flowers:
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon of hawthorn berries
- 1 cup of water
Instructions:
- Boil the berries in water for 10 minutes.
- Let the mixture steep for 2 hours.
- Strain and drink 1 cup three times a day as a tea.
This berry tea can help strengthen the cardiovascular system and is pleasant to drink regularly.
Additional Herbal and Natural Remedies
Traditional healers also recommend violet flower tea (from the tricolor violet plant) to support heart health. This herbal tea is often taken for several months at a time and is believed to help with chronic heart conditions.
In cases of ischemic heart disease, varicose veins, and atherosclerosis, a simple mixture of garlic and honey can work wonders:
Instructions:
- Mix equal amounts of crushed garlic and natural honey.
- Store the mixture in a tightly sealed glass jar.
- Keep in a dark place for 7 days, stirring it daily.
- Take 1 tablespoon three times a day.
Garlic helps cleanse blood vessels, while honey provides natural energy and has antimicrobial properties. Together, they support the cardiovascular system in a completely natural way.
A Note of Encouragement
Our goal is to support your health with natural, safe, and time-tested remedies. All the recipes provided here are made from natural ingredients and do not pose a threat to your health when used correctly. However, if you have a diagnosed heart condition or are on medication, always consult your doctor before introducing new treatments — even natural ones.
Wishing you strong health and a peaceful heart!
