Hawthorn

General Information

OTHER NAMES: common species of hawthorn referred to in nontraditional medicines: Crataegus laevigata, Crataegus monogyna, and Crataegus rhipidophylla. Crataegus pinnatifida (Shan Zha)-traditional Chinese Medicine. Crataegi folium cum flore and Crataegi fructus. Also referred to as: Mayflower, Maybush, Maythorn, Hawberry, Quickthorn, Whitehorn, and Thornapple

HISTORY: Hawthorn medicinal use dates back to 659 AD for indigestion, circulation, and metabolism. Since then,  it has been used across Europe, China, and North America. Historically valued as a heart tonic and digestive aid, it evolved into one of the most clinically studied herbal cardiovascular remedies.

PROPERTIES: Antioxidant, (1) anxiolytic, hypotensive, hypolipidemic, hypoglycemic, immunomodulatory, antimutagenic activities, and anti-inflammatory

Considered Uses

Respiratory: Hawthorn is not considered an herb for acute respiratory problems (i.e., cold symptoms) but may help shortness of breath secondary to heart problems (always speak to your healthcare provider before using for any heart problems)

Cardiovascular: German Commission E cites it for cardiac output (1) and cardiovascular support. Has also been used to support circulation and for cardioprotective purposes. Known to help chest pain. It may also help reduce atherosclerosis, support blood pressure, and may help with palpitations (again, always check with your primary care provider for diagnosis and adjunctive care)

Gastrointestinal: Helps promote digestion and gastric motility; possibly liver-protective.

Genitourinary: N/A

Musculoskeletal: May support musculoskeletal function.

Mental Health: Possibly helpful in mood/anxiety issues

Neurologic: Possibly neuroprotective, reducing oxidative stress and inflammation; may support mitochondrial function (preclinical evidence only), which contributes to cellular repair and protection and may help slow neurocognitive decline (2)

Skin: Antioxidant with anti‑aging potential (preclinical trials)

Glucose: May help support diabetes (improved glucose tolerance, insulin sensitivity, reduction of oxidative stress in studies)(4)

Cholesterol: May help lower total cholesterol, LDL, and triglycerides, and may improve HDL. (Limited but promising evidence)(5)

Infectious Disease: N/A

Cancer: Early preclinical anti‑cancer activity; hawthorn is not an evidence‑based cancer treatment

Other: Rich in a diverse range of macronutrients, micronutrients, and antioxidants; may have some anti-aging properties.

Potential Side Effects

• Diarrhea

• Dizziness

• Headache

• Fast heartbeat

• Nausea or vomiting

• Breathing problems or wheezing

• Racing heart  (tachycardia)

• Fever or general ill feeling

• Swollen lymph nodes

• Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat

• Trouble swallowing or throat tightness

• Itching or skin rash, hives

• Which can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone

• Nausea or vomiting

• Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting.

• Stomach cramps

• Joint pain

Caution/Contraindications

Should not be taken with certain heart medications (many of which are blood pressure medications/antihypertensives): Digoxin, beta‑blockers, nitrates—kidney or liver problems.

Forms

Dried (leaf and flower- Crataegia folium cum flore-most common medicinal herbal supplement)

Hawthorn berry

Hawthorn Leaf (usually not alone)

Hawthorn Fruit

Extracts - Standardized extracts (WS 1442, LI 132)

Tinctures

Teas and infusions (mild effect)

Powders/capsules

Syrups (mild effects)

Dosages

As directed

Recommended Brands

Third-party testing organizations, U.S. Pharmacopeia, ConsumerLab, or NSF International, have not tested hawthorn for active ingredients, purity, standardization, correct components, or label accuracy. Unable to recommend.