Hawthorn

© Steven Foster

This fact sheet provides basic information about hawthorn—common 

names, what the science says, potential side effects and cautions, and 

resources for more information.

Common Names—hawthorn, English hawthorn, harthorne, 

haw, hawthorne

Latin Names—Crataegus laevigata (also known as Crataegus 

oxyacantha), Crataegus monogyna

Hawthorn is a spiny, flowering shrub or small tree of the rose family. 

The species of hawthorn discussed here are native to northern 

European regions and grow throughout the world.

Historically, hawthorn fruit has been used for heart disease since the 

first century. It has also been used for digestive and kidney problems.

More recently, hawthorn leaf and flower have been used as folk or 

traditional remedies for heart failure, a weakness of the heart muscle 

that prevents the heart from pumping enough blood to the rest of the 

body, which can lead to fatigue and limit physical activities. Hawthorn 

is also used for other heart conditions, including symptoms of coronary 

artery disease (such as angina).

The hawthorn leaf and flower are used to make liquid extracts, usually 

with water and alcohol. Dry extracts can be put into capsules and tablets.

What the Science Says 

• There is scientific evidence that hawthorn leaf and flower may be 

safe and effective for milder forms of heart failure, but study results 

are conflicting.

• There is not enough scientific evidence to determine whether 

hawthorn works for other heart problems.

• NCCAM-supported research to date includes a study of the 

mechanism by which hawthorn may affect heart failure.
Side Effects and Cautions 

• Hawthorn is considered safe for most adults when used for short periods of time. Side 

effects are rare and can include upset stomach, headache, and dizziness.

• Although drug interactions with hawthorn have not been thoroughly studied, there is 

evidence to suggest that hawthorn may interact with a number of different drugs, 

including certain heart medications.

• Tell all your health care providers about any complementary health practices you use. Give 

them a full picture of what you do to manage your health. This will help ensure 

coordinated and safe care. For tips about talking with your health care providers about 

complementary and alternative medicine, see NCCAM’s Time to Talk campaign at 

nccam.nih.gov/timetotalk/. 

Sources

Busse WR, Juretzek W, Koch E. Hawthorn (Crataegus). In: Coates P, Blackman M, Cragg G, et al., eds. Encyclopedia of 

Dietary Supplements. New York, NY: Marcel Dekker; 2005:337-347.

Hawthorn. In: Blumenthal M, Goldberg A, Brinckman J, eds. Herbal Medicine: Expanded Commission E Monographs. 

Newton, MA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2000:182-191.

Hawthorn. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Web site. Accessed at www.naturaldatabase.com on July 23, 2009.

Hawthorn (Crataegus laevigata, C. oxyacantha, C. monogyna, C. penagyna). Natural Standard Database Web site. Accessed 

at www.naturalstandard.com on July 23, 2009.

For More Information

Visit the NCCAM Web site at nccam.nih.gov and view Using Dietary Supplements Wisely

(nccam.nih.gov/health/supplements/wiseuse.htm).

NCCAM Clearinghouse

Toll-free in the U.S.: 1-888-644-6226

TTY (for deaf and hard-of-hearing callers): 1-866-464-3615

E-mail: info@nccam.nih.gov

PubMed® 

Web site: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez

NIH Office of Dietary Supplements

Web site: www.ods.od.nih.gov

This publication is not copyrighted and is in the public domain. Duplication is encouraged.

NCCAM has provided this material for your information. It is not intended to substitute for the 

medical expertise and advice of your primary health care provider. We encourage you to 

discuss any decisions about treatment or care with your health care provider. The mention of 

any product, service, or therapy is not an endorsement by NCCAM.

National Institutes of Health

♦♦♦

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

D344

Created December 2006

Updated April 2012