Hawthorn
Crataegus laevigata
Other names: Hawthorn
Edible plantPhoto credit: Sten Porse
Safety information
Safety information
Toxicity: None reported (no toxicity/accumulation/habituation).
Contraindications: None specifically named; manage alongside cardiac care.
Interactions: Enhances activity of cardioactive drugs (Digitalis, Convallaria, strophanthin, digitoxin, digoxin); procyanidins potentiated coronary dilation by theophylline, caffeine, papaverine, sodium nitrate, adenosine, epinephrine. ESCOP lists no interactions.
Evidence level
Supported by clinical trials in humans.
Preparations
infusion · leaf and flower
Part used: leaf and flower
Traditional use: Traditionally used as a cardiotonic for cardiovascular degenerative disease, angina, mild congestive heart failure and essential hypertension; safe for long-term use.
How to prepare (traditional): Infusion: infuse 2 teaspoons of dried herb in 1 cup of boiling water. (Traditionally the berry was used; modern products often use flower and leaf, and a whole-plant preparation is preferred.)
Dosage note (descriptive only): Drunk three times a day; long-term use over many months, especially in the elderly.
tincture · leaf and flower
Part used: leaf and flower
Traditional use: Cardiotonic.
How to prepare (traditional): Tincture at 1:5 in 40% alcohol.
Dosage note (descriptive only): 2.5 ml three times daily, then 2.5 ml morning and evening as maintenance; up to 5 ml three times a day in acute/severe cases.
Associated conditions
Edibility
Edible parts: berries edible (haws) — used in preserves
Nutritional notes
Flavonoid/procyanidin-rich.
Healing traditions
Sources (1)
- Hoffmann D., Medical Herbalism (2003) — materia medica, Crataegus laevigata