Introduction
This fact sheet provides essential information about hawthorn, including its common names, traditional uses, potential side effects, and additional resources.
Common Names
- Hawthorn
- English hawthorn
- Harthorne
- Haw
- Hawthorne
Latin Names
- Crataegus laevigata (also known as Crataegus oxyacantha)
- Crataegus monogyna
Uses
Hawthorn boasts a rich history of addressing various health issues:
- The fruit has been utilized for heart disease since the first century, as well as for digestive and kidney problems.
- More recently, the leaf and flower of hawthorn have been used to treat heart failure, a condition where the heart struggles to pump enough blood, resulting in fatigue and reduced physical activity.
- Hawthorn is also employed for other heart conditions, including symptoms associated with coronary artery disease, such as angina.
How It Is Used
Hawthorn leaves and flowers are commonly prepared as liquid extracts using a combination of water and alcohol. Additionally, dry extracts can be encapsulated in capsules or tablets for convenient consumption.
Scientific Insights
Scientific evidence supports the safety and effectiveness of hawthorn leaf and flower, particularly for milder forms of heart failure. However, there is insufficient evidence to confirm its efficacy for other heart-related issues. Research funded by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) has investigated how hawthorn may affect outcomes in heart failure.
Side Effects and Cautions
Generally, hawthorn is considered safe for adults when used over short periods. Common side effects are typically mild and may include:
- Upset stomach
- Headache
- Dizziness
Though hawthorn’s drug interactions have not been thoroughly studied, it was previously believed to interact with the heart medication digoxin. A small study found no evidence of interaction, but existing evidence remains limited.
Individuals must inform healthcare providers of their use of complementary and alternative practices to ensure coordinated, safe care.
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Resources
- Drugs.com
- Wikipedia.com
- NCCAM National Institutes of Health
- 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.Â
This summary highlights the key aspects of Hawthorn Plant, including its traditional uses, potential benefits, and safety considerations.
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Disclaimer
The information I’ve shared about herbs is for educational purposes only and is not meant as medical advice. While many herbs have been traditionally used for their potential health benefits, individual responses may vary, and the effectiveness of herbs can depend on various factors, including personal health conditions and interactions with medications. It is essential to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or a licensed herbalist before using herbs for medicinal purposes or making significant changes to your health regimen. This information should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
