Within the US overall, the leading cause of death for both sexes across all races and origins, and ages is heart disease.
Crataegus Oxyacantha (Hawthorn Berries): Crataegus was introduced into medicine as a heart remedy by Dr. Greene, on Ennis, Ireland, and has been used empirically with much success in cases of heart failure. It has usually been given in 5 drop doses of the tincture. Weak and rapid pulse; dyspnoea and dropsy, dependent on failure of heart power whether from valvular affection or from anaemia, appear to be the leading indications. Heart failure threatened from slightest exertion. The mental state is that of irritability, crossness and melancholy. A Dictionary of Practical Materia Medica: John Henry Clarke, M.D.
Historical note: Dr. Green for many years had a reputation for the cure of heart disease that caused patients to flock to him from all parts of the United Kingdom. He cured most of them and amassed considerable wealth by means of his secret, for, contrary to the code, he, though a physician in good standing, refused to reveal the remedy to his professional brethren. After his death, about two years ago, his daughter, a Mrs. Graham, revealed the name of the remedy her father had used so successfully. It is Crataegus oxyacantha. Lotus Materia Medica, Robin Murphy, ND.
This miracle of nature is perhaps the best heart tonic known. I have taken the tincture in 3-5 drop doses (in water) daily for months on end. I always took the dose before eating and have never experienced nausea as reported in the materia medica with some very susceptible patients (Murphy). The recommended dose is 10-15 drops in water after meals. I found this dose to be too intense. Usually (according to the material medica)(Murphy) three months seem to be the proper time for actual treatment and after that only at such times as a warning pain of the heart or dyspnea (difficult breathing) may point out. (Murphy). I never experienced any adverse effects from taking Crataegus for months at a time. I was using the tincture as a heart tonic as heart disease runs in the family. Recently, I switched from the tincture to using Crataegus in the homeopathic pill form in the 6c potency. I have found this to be preferable to the tincture as it works deeper and the need to take it daily is completely eliminated. When I experience some tightness in the heart/chest area or mild pain I take a dose. A single dose usually lasts for one month or more. The infrequent dose at that potency may not be the same for everyone. I may require less due to the long term use of the tincture as a heart tonic. If you are interested in reading any of the case histories using this wonder consult Lotus Materia Medica: Robin Murphy, ND or A Dictionary of Practical Materia Medica: John Henry Clarke, M.D.