Tips on food selection, purchasing, preparation and storage.
Resources related to food safety.
Resources related to food security, local food systems, and interventions that mediate or reduce food insecurity and hunger.
Nutrition and health information for all ages.
hawthorn graphic

Hawthorn (Crataegus oxyacantha)

Hawthorn is a thorny shrub that produces pink or red flowers and small berries. It grows in Europe, western Asia, and eastern North America. In areas of Europe during the Renaissance and areas of China, hawthorn was initially used for digestive and other types of problems. It is now mostly used for heart ailments, particularly early stages of congestive heart failure. Its active compounds are flavonoid antioxidants, which protect the heart and blood vessels from damage.

 

Claimed Health Benefits

  • Prevents plaque build-up and hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis)

  • Decreases blood pressure

  • Increases oxygen used by the heart muscle to improve heart contractions (helps with congestive heart failure)

 

Food Sources

None

 

Dose

A common dose of dried hawthorn extract is 160-900 mg per day, separated into 2 to 3 doses.

 

Evidence for Health Benefits

In a well-controlled clinical study, patients with congestive heart failure were supplemented with 160-900 mg of hawthorn extract per day for eight weeks. The results showed that they had significant improvement in their ability to exercise without becoming short of breath or easily fatigued.

Research has shown that unlike digitalis, another herb used to treat congestive heart failure, hawthorn does not produce irregular heartbeats. It has also been shown to improve circulation to the arms and legs while decreasing blood pressure.

 

Cautions

  • Hawthorn should be used under a doctor’s care, although studies have shown that it appears to be safe. Some side effects of hawthorn may include stomach upset, headache, dizziness, fatigue, agitation, or insomnia.

  • Safety of hawthorn for children, pregnant or breast feeding women, and those with severe liver/kidney disease has not been thoroughly studied. Therefore, these people should avoid using hawthorn.

  • Individuals with low blood pressure should also avoid the use of hawthorn as it may lower blood pressure to dangerous levels.

 

References

1. Aetna InteliHealth Inc. (2003) Harvard Medical School’s Consumer Health Information. http://www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH/WSIHW000/8513/31402/346388.html?d=dmt Content Accessed June 17, 2003

2. Healthnotes, Inc. (2003) Helping People Lead Healthier Lives. http://www.healthwell.com/healthnotes/healthnotes.cfm?ContentID=2106005 Accessed June 17, 2003

3. SupplementWatch, Inc. (2002) Supplement Decisions Made Easy. http://www.supplementwatch.com/supatoz/supplement.asp?supplementId=164 Accessed June 17, 2003

4.Quest Vitamins. (2000) Your Number One Source for Information on Health Conditions, Vitamins, Minerals, Supplements, Herbs, and More. http://www.questhealthlibrary.com/full_description.php?ElementID=335 Accessed June 17, 2003