Hawthorn
A classic cardiac tonic, hawthorn strengthens the heart muscle, improves circulation, stabilizes collagen and connective tissue, and calms an overexcited nervous system. It supports age-related changes in cardiac function, enhances perfusion of the myocardium, and protects vascular integrity while offering gentle hypotensive and nervine effects.
Crataegus comes from the Greek kratos, meaning “hard,” referring to the plant’s dense, tough wood. Laevigata means “smooth” or “shining,” describing the leaves or branch surfaces. The older epithet oxyacantha derives from oxys (“sharp”) and akantha (“thorn”). “Hawthorn” may stem from the German Hagedorn, referencing dense thorny hedges traditionally used to divide property.
Hawthorn supports a weakened, aging, or overworked heart by enhancing myocardial perfusion, improving cardiac output, and increasing oxygen delivery to the myocardium. It decreases the frequency and severity of angina attacks, supports early stages of congestive heart failure, and helps regulate arrhythmias, palpitations, tachycardia, and murmurs. It normalizes an irregular heartbeat and calms palpitations driven by anxiety.Its nervous-system–soothing properties make it useful for dyspnea, persistent sighing, and cardiovascular symptoms triggered by nervous tension or exhaustion. Small doses may help bradycardia, though care should be taken to avoid excessive slowing of the pulse.Hawthorn offers mild hypotensive effects and supports long-term treatment of atherosclerosis and arteriosclerosis. Flavonoids protect arterial walls, reduce plaque formation, and may shrink existing plaques. The plant decreases peripheral vascular resistance, improving circulation and oxygenation of tissues.Hawthorn also stabilizes collagen and supports the structural integrity of ligaments, joints, cartilage, bones, skin, and vascular tissues. Long-term consistent use—often for at least two months—is recommended for optimal cardiovascular benefit.
Hawthorn has been valued for protection and healing since ancient times. Romans hung sprigs over cradles to guard infants, and in medieval Europe branches were placed above doorways to ward off harmful spirits. The wood was prized for its intensely hot burn and used for tools, boxes, and combs. Historically the berries, flowers, and leaves were used for scurvy, sore throats, and as a cardiotonic and diuretic.Eclectic physicians relied heavily on hawthorn for a wide spectrum of cardiac and nervous-system disorders including angina pectoris, valvular weakness, myocardial inflammation, palpitations, tachycardia, heart enlargement, dropsy, diabetes mellitus, Bright’s disease, and vertigo. It was described as promoting emotional steadiness, increasing strength, improving cardiac tone, and creating a general sense of wellbeing.Indigenous peoples used hawthorn to support general strength, digestive discomfort, reproductive concerns, and kidney and bladder irritation. C. douglasii was used as a circulatory tonic, blood thinner, and remedy for swelling and venereal disease. Thorns served as hooks for fishing, lances for treating skin infections or piercing ears, and the dense wood was fashioned into tools and implements. Both fresh and dried berries were widely eaten.
A long-lived deciduous shrub or small tree with dense, thorny branches and alternate, simple leaves with shallow lobes that point forward. Leaves are serrated and borne on short petioles. Flowers have five reflexing sepals, five white or pinkish petals, about twenty stamens, and an inferior ovary with two to five fused carpels and typically two or three styles. The fruit is a small, red, drupe-like pome 6–14 mm across with two to three seeds and a persistent calyx at the tip. The flowers emit a scent reminiscent of decay, attracting carrion insects as pollinators. Plants generally reach 6–8 meters in height and spread.
No known toxicity. Individuals with chronic heart conditions should consult a healthcare practitioner before combining hawthorn with prescription cardiac medications. It may potentiate coronary-artery–dilating substances such as caffeine, theophylline, or papaverine. Those with hypotension should start with small doses and discontinue use if dizziness or lightheadedness occurs.
Fresh flowers, leaves, or berries 1:2 (70–95% ethanol); dry material 1:5 (60% ethanol).
Dose: 30–120 drops, up to 3× daily.
Freeze-dried berries.
Dose: 2–4 capsules, 3× daily.
Hot or cold infusion of flowers and leaves, or a decoction of berries.
Dose: 8–12 oz, 2–3× daily.
Christina Sinadinos, David Hoffman, Bryan Bowen, all relevant CHSHS lectures.