Hawthorn
Crataegus monogyna / laevigata · 山楂
Herbs & Roots. Western & European and Chinese Medicine.
Also called Whitethorn, May tree, Quickthorn
Pinyin: Shān Zhā
Spanish: Espino albar
Interacts with heart medicinesA thorny shrub whose berries, flowers, and leaves are used mainly for the heart.
Did you know? Hawthorn was planted as living hedges across Britain and Europe, because its sharp thorns kept livestock and people out of fields.
What it may help, and how strong the proof is
- Heart health. Some European trials suggest it may ease symptoms of mild heart failure, such as breathlessness and tiredness. Results vary, and many trials are small or short.Early proof
- Blood pressure. Traditional for blood pressure. Human proof is limited, so it is not a replacement for blood pressure medicine.Traditional proof
Parts of the body
Traditional use
Western herbalists have used the berries and flowers for heart complaints for centuries. In Chinese medicine, the fruit of a related species, shan zha, helps digest heavy meals.
How it is classified
- Herbal actions
- Heart tonic, Circulatory, Antioxidant. Energy: warming.
- Chinese medicine
- 山楂 Relieve food stagnation. Nature: warm. Flavour: sour, sweet. Enters the Spleen, Stomach and Liver channels.
How people take it
Trials used standardized extracts at doses from about 160 to 1,800 mg a day, for several weeks or longer. The best dose is not known.
Tea, tincture and capsule.
Where to get it
Grows as a shrub or small tree across Europe, Asia, and North America. Sold as berry extracts, capsules, tinctures, and dried flowers for tea. The Chinese shan zha comes from a different species.
Be careful
Usually well tolerated, with occasional upset stomach or dizziness. It can add to heart drugs such as digoxin, and it can push blood pressure lower than intended. Do not use it in place of heart care a doctor has prescribed.
Avoid if: low blood pressure; pregnancy.
Mixing with other things
- Works well together
A classic European heart blend, both used for a nervous or uneasy heart.
- Works well together
Both are studied for heart and blood vessel health, and some blends combine them.
- Use cautionHeart rhythm medicine (digoxin, amiodarone)
May add to digoxin, beta blockers, and nitrates. Doctors should watch heart rate and blood pressure.
- Use cautionBlood pressure medicine (lisinopril, amlodipine, losartan)
May lower blood pressure more than expected when used with blood pressure medicines.
Adds up with others that may lower blood pressure: , , , , , , , , , , , , , and 12 more.
The honest take
Some good-quality research supports its use for mild heart failure as an add-on to standard care, but the trials are small or short. Claims that it lowers blood pressure or cholesterol are weakly supported. Tell a doctor if you take heart or blood pressure drugs.