Common name: Hawthorn
Latin name: Crataegus species
Parts commonly used: berry, leaf, flower

About Hawthorn

Hawthorn is one of the herbs Herbalist Kareem works with in the 4 Cycles of Life collection. Below you will find a short, plain-language overview of how this herb has traditionally been used, how people commonly enjoy it, and the safety points everyone should know before adding it to a daily routine.

Traditional uses

Hawthorn is a flowering shrub used in European and Chinese traditions. It is traditionally used to support heart health and healthy circulation.*

Traditional use describes how people and cultures have worked with a plant over many generations. It is a valuable part of herbal knowledge, but it is not the same as medical proof, and every body responds differently.

How it is commonly enjoyed

Enjoyed as a berry tea, syrup, or tonic. Start with small amounts, follow the directions on the product label, and pay attention to how your body responds. Herbs work best as part of a balanced lifestyle that includes whole foods, water, movement, and rest.

Safety notes

Important caution: This is an herb that calls for extra care. Please read the safety notes below carefully and speak with a qualified healthcare provider before use.

Hawthorn may interact with heart medications, blood pressure medicines, and drugs such as digoxin. If you have a heart condition, use only with your doctor’s approval. Not for pregnancy.

As with any herb: avoid it if you have a known allergy to the plant or its plant family, ask your doctor or pharmacist before use if you take prescription medications, and talk with your provider before use if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or giving herbs to a child. Stop use and seek medical care if you notice any unusual reaction.

What researchers are studying

Scientists continue to study Hawthorn. One example from the published literature is a scientific review:

Wu J, Peng W, Qin R, et al. (2014). Crataegus pinnatifida: chemical constituents, pharmacology, and potential applications. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland).

Research like this is often early, small, or done in the lab, and it does not prove that Hawthorn treats or prevents any condition. We share it so you can see that this herb is a subject of ongoing scientific interest.

Found in our products

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always talk with a qualified healthcare provider before using herbs, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medications, or managing a health condition.