Arjun (Terminalia arjuna) vs Hawthorn (Crataegus oxyacantha)

Arjun (Terminalia arjuna)

Hawthorn (Crataegus oxyacantha)

About

Arjun is an evergreen tree that can grow up to about 100 ft (30 m) high, bearing pale yellow flowers and cone-shaped leaves. Its bark has a longstanding reputation in Ayurvedic medicine - used for at least 3,000 years - as a primary heart remedy. Traditional texts report its effectiveness in angina, congestive heart failure, and poor coronary circulation, with modern research suggesting it helps reduce blood cholesterol and may stabilize heart rhythms.

Hawthorn (Crataegus spp.) is a deciduous, thorny tree reaching up to about 26 ft (8 m), adorned with small lobed leaves, clusters of white blossoms, and bright red berries. Renowned as a cardiac tonic, hawthorn is often called “food for the heart,” enhancing the heart’s strength, improving blood flow to heart muscle, and helping normalize blood pressure. It also reduces stress and assists digestion when used regularly.

Safety & precautions

Not recommended during pregnancy unless supervised by a qualified healthcare professional. Owing to conflicting research on how it affects blood pressure and heart rate, it should be taken only with professional guidance.

Interactions: Can interact with prescription medications for heart and blood pressure; seek professional advice if already on such drugs. General Safety: Considered safe for long-term use in moderate amounts.

Safety text above is printed in full and is never abbreviated. For each plant’s complete precautions, drug and food interactions and preparation notes, open its own page - both are free.