Herbal Monograph: Hawthorn (Crataegus spp.)

Botanical Name: Crataegus spp.

Common Names: Hawthorn, May Tree, Thornapple, Whitehorn

Family: Rosaceae

​

Plant Description: Hawthorn is a deciduous, thorny shrub or small tree native to temperate regions of North America, Europe, and Asia. It typically grows between 15–30 feet in height and is known for its deeply lobed, serrated leaves, clusters of small white or pink flowers, and bright red berries (haws). The plant thrives in hedgerows, woodlands, and open fields.

 

Parts Used:

• Berries (haws)

• Leaves

• Flowers

 

Active Constituents:

• Flavonoids (quercetin, rutin, hyperoside)

• Oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs)

• Triterpenoids

• Organic acids

• Polyphenols

 

Energetics:

• Taste: Slightly sweet, sour, astringent

• Energy: Neutral to slightly warming.

• Tissue state: Excitation, atrophy, relaxation

​​

Traditional and Modern Uses:

• Cardiovascular Health: Hawthorn is widely used to support heart function, improve circulation, and regulate blood pressure.

• Antioxidant Properties: The berries, leaves, and flowers contain potent antioxidants that protect cells from oxidative stress.

• Nervous System Support: Traditionally used to reduce anxiety, stress, and mild heart-related nervous conditions.

• Digestive Aid: Mildly astringent, hawthorn has been used to support digestion and relieve mild indigestion.

• Anti-inflammatory: Helps reduce inflammation associated with cardiovascular and metabolic conditions.

​

Indications:

• CONSTITUTION, COMPLEXION, CHARACTERISTIC SYMPTOMS If the skin of the palms or fingers is red, press and watch for blanching (the area under pressure remains white for longer than normal). Red cheeks.

• MIND, SENSES, NERVES, EMOTIONS, PERSONALITY Attention deficit in children and adults; can’t focus, can’t sit down and read; restless, irritable, nervous. Insomnia.

• RESPIRATION Allergies; sinusitis, colds, bronchitis, asthma—curative or palliative.

• HEART AND CIRCULATION Senile heart, patients with degenerative changes of the cardiac muscle, or with coronary artery disease; anginal symptoms. Hypertension; opens the coronary circulation and may reduce arteriosclerotic effects, if not the actual deposits. Cardiac arrhythmias, mainly extra systoles and acute tachycardia attacks. Weakness of the myocardium and heart problems after fevers, influenza, pneumonia, scarlet fever, acute arthritic attacks, etc. Excessive perspiration following acute illness, with weakness of the heart. Gray pallor of incipient heart attack. Pulse rapid, irregular, intermittent, and small; a dose noticeably calms the pulse.

• DIGESTION Indigestion; food sits in the stomach, ferments, and causes heartburn; indigestion, constipation, atonic lower intestine. Nervous stomach. 

• LIVER Liver; symptoms not well developed. 

• KIDNEYS AND BLADDER Dropsy, stones in the kidneys. 

• SKIN Skin red, dry, irritated; especially on the backs of the hands, wrists, and up the forearms; if it is the right remedy crataegus will bring oil into the area in less than 15 minutes from the first dose. 

• OTHER Worse from excitement, exertion, and in a warm room; better from fresh air, quiet, and rest; great exhaustion from the slightest mental or physical movement. Allergies, food allergies. Redness under the nostrils, in severe cases down to the mouth. Poultice of the leaves or berries to draw out embedded thorns, splinters, felons, and whitlows. Thorn to break infected boil open. Hypoglycemia. Low blood pressure. Inflammatory rheumatism. Sore throat. 

 

Hawthorn Berries:

Hawthorn berries, or "haws," are small, red fruits with a slightly tart flavor. They are among the most valued parts of the plant due to their high concentration of flavonoids and proanthocyanidins, which contribute to their cardiovascular benefits. The berries can be consumed fresh, dried, or in extracts and are commonly used in teas, tinctures, syrups, and jams.

 

Health Benefits of Hawthorn Berries:

• Heart Health: Improves blood flow, strengthens the heart muscle, and may help regulate blood pressure.

• Cholesterol Management: May reduce LDL (bad cholesterol) while increasing HDL (good cholesterol).

• Blood Sugar Regulation: Some studies suggest hawthorn berries may help manage blood sugar levels.

• Immune Support: Rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, hawthorn berries can aid immune function.

• Longevity and Vitality: Used traditionally to promote overall health and resilience.

 

Preparation and Dosage:

• The berries were the part traditionally used. Moderate to large doses are most beneficial.

• Tincture:

  • Twenty drops of the tincture, diluted with water, on rising and going to bed; treatment is long term 

  • 2–4 mL, 2–3 times per day (1:5 in 40% alcohol)

• Tea: 1–2 teaspoons of dried berries per cup of hot water, steeped for 10–15 minutes, taken up to 3 times daily.

• Capsules: 250–500 mg of standardized extract, taken 1–2 times daily.

• Syrup: Hawthorn berry syrup can be made by simmering the berries with honey and water.

 

Safety and Precautions:

• Generally well tolerated with minimal side effects.

• May interact with blood pressure and heart medications; consult a healthcare professional before use.

• Avoid use during pregnancy and lactation unless advised by a qualified practitioner.​

• If it should cause nausea or fullness in the head then dose should be reduced. This represents a homeopathic “proving,” since these are symptoms it cures.

 

Contraindications:

• Use with caution in individuals taking beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, or anticoagulants.

• Not recommended for those with very low blood pressure without medical supervision.

 

Sustainability and Ethical Considerations:

Hawthorn is widely cultivated and not endangered, making it a sustainable herbal choice. Harvesting should be done ethically, ensuring the preservation of wild populations for ecological balance.

​

Conclusion:

Hawthorn (Crataegus spp.) is a revered herbal ally for cardiovascular and overall wellness. Its berries, leaves, and flowers provide a range of health benefits, particularly in supporting heart function, reducing oxidative stress, and enhancing circulation. With a rich history of medicinal use, hawthorn remains a valuable botanical in modern herbalism.

​

References:​

• Dr. Marisa Marciano, ND. The Naturopathic Herbalist. Crataegus spp/Hawthorn Tree. Accessed February 16, 2025. https://thenaturopathicherbalist.com/herbs/c-2/crataegus-oxycantha-hawthorne/

• O’Driscoll D. Sacred Tree Profile: Hawthorn (Lore, medicine, magic, and mystery). The Druids Garden. Published June 12, 2022. Accessed February 16, 2025. https://thedruidsgarden.com/2015/10/30/sacred-tree-profile-hawthorn-lore-medicine-magic-and-mystery/

• Wood M. The Earthwise Herbal : A Complete Guide to New World Medicinal Plants. Berkeley, Calif. North Atlantic Books; 2009.