Everything You Need to Know About

Hawthorn (Crataegus spp.)

Botanical family: Rosaceae
Parts used: Leaves Flowers Fruits Seeds
Hawthorn (Crataegus spp.)
by Hannah Lewis
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Overview and Health Benefits

Crataegus species, more commonly known as Hawthorn, is a well-established traditional remedy. It has long been used as a heart tonic (Grieve, 1931) as well as for emotional support through grief and heartbreak (McIntyre, 2019). Its main actions are thought to be on the cardiovascular system as well as supporting the nervous system. 

Key Benefits:

Circulatory support: Hawthorn is perhaps most well known for its positive effects on hypertension (high blood pressure). This has been supported by research showing decrease in blood pressure and improvement in blood flow (Bone & Mills, 2013), and clear improvements for hypertensive patients when treated with Hawthorn berry tincture (Graham, 1939). The antioxidants have a protective effect on the blood vessels, reducing inflammation and damage (McIntyre, 2019) and thereby improving blood flow and positively impacting blood pressure. It is helpful in cases of poor circulation such as Reynaud’s and varicose veins (ibid.).

Cardiotonic and protector: As well as protecting the vessels around the cardiovascular system, Hawthorn has been shown to increase the efficiency of cardiac muscle, meaning that the heart beats more effectively (Bone & Mills, 2013) as well as improving cardiac blood flow even after damage to the heart muscle, which can occur during a heart attack. It also prevents degeneration in the heart and can regulate the heart beat (Chatterjee et al., 1997, Schwinger et al., 2000).

Cholesterol lowering activity: research has shown a reduction in blood cholesterol levels due to an improvement in the liver’s role, as well as extracts from hawthorn berry working with flavonoids (protective antioxidant plant chemicals) to reduce triglycerides and cholesterol in the body (Ye et al., 2010).

Nervous system support & emotional benefits: due to Hawthorn’s relaxant effects, it can be helpful for those with anxiety or suffering from stress, particularly when the cause is emotional heartbreak (McIntyre, 2019). It is also thought to promote restful sleep particularly when used in combination with other herbs that support the nervous system (Hanus, Lafon & Mathieu, 2004).

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Key Body Systems Hawthorn (Crataegus spp.) relates to

Hawthorn (Crataegus spp.)
Cardiovascular and Circulatory
Hawthorn (Crataegus spp.)
Nervous system

Energetics

Hawthorn (Crataegus spp.)
Cooling
Hawthorn (Crataegus spp.)
Moistening

Key actions

  • Cardioprotective
  • Hypotensive
  • Antioxidant
  • Anti-inflammatory
  • Nervine
Hawthorn (Crataegus spp.)

Key uses

  • Hypertension
  • Sleep disturbances
  • Stress and anxiety
  • Promoting cardiovascular health

Where to Find Hawthorn (Crataegus spp.)

Hawthorn (Crataegus spp.)

Hawthorn is found up and down the UK in hedgerows and growing freely as shrubs and trees throughout temperate, northern climates. There are around 280 different species, not all of which are considered medicinal. It is generally hardy, densely-branched with spiny thorns and lobed leaves. It can reach 5-6m in height and spread almost as wide. The clusters of scented flowers can range from white through to deep pink depending on the variety, they appear in late spring with a musky scent that marks the start of summer and have the five separate petals typical of most rose family members. The small red oval fruits known as “Haws” appear in late summer to autumn and are often sighted being nibbled by squirrels.

 

References

Bone, K. & Mills, S.,(2013). Principles and practice of phytotherapy (2nd ed.). Elsevier.

Chatterjee, S. S., Koch, E., Jaggy, H., & Krzeminski, T. (1997). In-vitro- und In-vivo-Untersuchungen zur kardioprotektiven Wirkung von oligomeren Procyanidinen in einem Crataegus-Extrakt aus Blättern mit Blüten [In vitro and in vivo studies on the cardioprotective action of oligomeric procyanidins in a Crataegus extract of leaves and blooms]. Arzneimittel-Forschung, 47(7), 821–825. 

Graham J. D. (1939). Crataegus Oxyacantha in Hypertension. British medical journal, 2(4114), 951–953. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.2.4114.951

Hanus, M., Lafon, J., & Mathieu, M. (2004). Double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a fixed combination containing two plant extracts (Crataegus oxyacantha and Eschscholtzia californica) and magnesium in mild-to-moderate anxiety disorders. Current medical research and opinion, 20(1), 63–71. https://doi.org/10.1185/030079903125002603

McIntyre, A. (2019). The complete herbal tutor. Aeon.

Schwinger, R. H., Pietsch, M., Frank, K., & Brixius, K. (2000). Crataegus special extract WS 1442 increases force of contraction in human myocardium cAMP-independently. Journal of cardiovascular pharmacology, 35(5), 700–707. https://doi.org/10.1097/00005344-200005000-00004

Ye, X. L., Huang, W. W., Chen, Z., Li, X. G., Li, P., Lan, P., Wang, L., Gao, Y., Zhao, Z. Q., & Chen, X. (2010). Synergetic effect and structure-activity relationship of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors from Crataegus pinnatifida Bge. Journal of agricultural and food chemistry, 58(5), 3132–3138. https://doi.org/10.1021/jf903337f