Hawthorn

Common Name(s)

hawthorn, English hawthorn, harthorne, haw, hawthorne

Scientific Name(s)

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

General Information

Hawthorn is a spiny, flowering shrub or small tree of the rose family. The species of hawthorn discussed here are native to northern European regions and grow throughout the world.

How is this product usually used?

The hawthorn berry, leaf, and flower are used to make liquid extracts, usually with water and alcohol. Dry extracts can be put into capsules and tablets.

Your health care provider may have recommended using this product in other ways. Contact a health care provider if you have questions.

What is this product used for?

Hawthorn berry, leaf, and flower are used to help maintain and support heart health.

Hawthorn is used for heart failure, a weakness of the heart muscle that prevents the heart from pumping enough blood to the rest of the body, which can lead to fatigue and limit physical activities. It is also used for other heart conditions, including symptoms of coronary artery disease (such as angina).

It has also been used to manage anxiety symptoms and improve brain function.

Your health care provider may have recommended this product for other conditions. Contact a health care provider if you have questions.

What else should I be aware of?

There is limited evidence to support the use of hawthorn for any of the conditions listed above.

Hawthorn is considered safe for most adults when used for short periods of time. In rare situations, due to allergic reactions, it may lead to kidney damage or failure.

Hawthorn may interact with the following:

• anticoagulants (e.g., apixaban, warfarin)
• beta-blockers (e.g., bisoprolol, metoprolol)
• calcium channel blockers (e.g., amlodipine, diltiazem, verapamil)
• digoxin
• nitrates
• phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors (e.g., sildenafil, tadalafil, vardenafil)

Hawthorn should be used for a minimum of 2 months to see beneficial effects. If symptoms persist or worsen, talk a health care provider.  

Do not use hawthorn if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. Avoid taking hawthorn if you have heart failure.

Hawthorn may increase your risk of bleeding. Stop taking hawthorn at least 2 weeks before surgery.

Before taking any new medications, including natural health products, speak to your physician, pharmacist, or other health care provider. Tell your health care provider about any natural health products you may be taking.

Source(s)

1. Health Canada. Drugs and Health Products. Hawthorn monograph.  https://webprod.hc-sc.gc.ca/nhpid-bdipsn/atReq.do?atid=crataegus.monogyna&lang=eng
2. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. Hawthorn.