Hawthorn

This fact sheet provides essential information about hawthorn, including its common names, uses, potential side effects, and resources for further information.

Common Names

• Hawthorn
• English hawthorn
• Harthorne
• Haw
• Hawthorne

Latin Names

• Crataegus laevigata (also known as Crataegus oxyacantha)
• Crataegus monogyna

Uses

Hawthorn has a long history of use for various health issues:

• The fruit has been used for heart disease since the first century and for digestive and kidney problems.
• More recently, hawthorn leaf and flower have been utilized for heart failure, a condition where the heart cannot pump enough blood, leading to fatigue and limited physical activity.
• It is also used for other heart conditions, including symptoms of coronary artery disease, such as angina.

How It Is Used

Hawthorn leaves and flowers are typically made into liquid extracts using water and alcohol. Dry extracts can be encapsulated in capsules or tablets.

Scientific Insights

• There is scientific evidence supporting the safety and effectiveness of hawthorn leaf and flower for milder forms of heart failure.
• However, insufficient evidence confirms its efficacy for other heart problems.
• Research supported by NCCAM includes studies on how hawthorn may affect heart failure.

Side Effects and Cautions

• Hawthorn is generally considered safe for adults when used for short periods. Common side effects are mild and may include upset stomach, headache, and dizziness.
• Drug interactions with hawthorn have not been extensively studied. While it was previously thought to interact with the heart medication digoxin, a small study found no interaction, though evidence remains limited.
• It is essential to inform healthcare providers about complementary and alternative practices to ensure coordinated and safe care.

Sources

• Busse WR, Juretzek W, Koch E. Hawthorn (Crataegus). In: Coates P, Blackman M, Cragg G, et al., eds. Encyclopedia of Dietary Supplements. New York, NY: Marcel Dekker; 2005:337-347.
• De Smet PA. Herbal Remedies. The New England Journal of Medicine.
• Hawthorn. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database.
• Hawthorn (Crataegus laevigata, C. oxyacantha, C. monogyna, C. penagyna). Natural Standard Database.
• Hawthorn. In: Blumenthal M, Goldberg A, Brinckman J, eds. Herbal Medicine: Expanded Commission E Monographs. Newton, MA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2000:182-191.
• NCCAM National Institutes of Health

This summary provides a comprehensive overview of Hawthorn, its benefits, and considerations for use.