Latin Name: Crataegus spp.
Herb Class/Action: Hawthorn is classified as a cardiotonic, vasodilator, and nervine relaxant herb.
Parts of Plant Used: The leaves, flowers, and berries of Hawthorn are used for medicinal purposes.
Flavors: Hawthorn has a slightly sweet and tart flavor.
Energetics: Hawthorn is energetically warming and drying.
Medicinal Properties:
- Cardiovascular Support: Hawthorn is renowned for its cardiovascular benefits, particularly its ability to strengthen and protect the heart and blood vessels. Its active constituents, including flavonoids, oligomeric procyanidins (OPCs), and triterpenoid acids, exert cardioprotective effects by improving coronary circulation, enhancing myocardial contractility, and reducing peripheral vascular resistance. Hawthorn dilates blood vessels, increases blood flow, and lowers blood pressure, reducing the risk of hypertension, angina, and congestive heart failure. It also stabilizes cardiac rhythm, regulates heartbeat, and strengthens cardiac muscle tone, improving overall heart function and circulation.
- Nervous System Support: Hawthorn has calming and nervine relaxant properties that help reduce nervous tension, anxiety, and stress. Its flavonoids and bioactive compounds act as mild sedatives, promoting relaxation and mental calmness, without causing drowsiness or cognitive impairment. Hawthorn soothes the nervous system, reduces sympathetic nervous system activity, and enhances parasympathetic tone, supporting emotional balance and well-being. It is used to alleviate symptoms of anxiety, palpitations, and insomnia and to promote restful sleep and relaxation.
- Antioxidant Protection: Hawthorn is rich in antioxidants, including flavonoids (quercetin, rutin), phenolic acids, and vitamin C, which help neutralize free radicals, reduce oxidative stress, and protect cells from damage. Hawthorn's antioxidant properties support overall health and longevity by preventing cellular damage, inflammation, and premature aging. It protects vascular endothelial cells, reduces lipid peroxidation, and inhibits atherosclerosis formation, reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases, including heart attack and stroke.
In the Garden: Hawthorn is a small deciduous tree or shrub native to temperate regions of Europe, Asia, and North America. It thrives in a variety of soil types, including loamy, sandy, or clay soils, and prefers full sun to partial shade. Hawthorn trees have thorny branches, glossy green leaves, and clusters of white or pink flowers that bloom in spring, followed by red or black berries in the fall. Hawthorn is drought-tolerant once established and can be grown as an ornamental tree, hedge, or windbreak in gardens, parks, and landscapes.
Culinary Uses: Hawthorn berries can be used to make jams, jellies, sauces, and syrups, adding a tart and slightly sweet flavor to culinary dishes. They can also be dried and brewed into teas or infused into alcoholic beverages such as wines, liqueurs, and cordials. Hawthorn leaves and flowers are less commonly used in culinary applications but can be added to herbal teas or used as a garnish for salads and desserts.
Precautions: Hawthorn is generally safe for most individuals when used as directed. However, individuals with heart conditions, including congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease, or arrhythmias, should consult a healthcare professional before using Hawthorn supplements, as it may interact with medications, including beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, and digoxin. Hawthorn may potentiate the effects of cardiac glycosides and increase the risk of arrhythmias or adverse cardiac events. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should avoid using Hawthorn supplements due to insufficient safety data. Individuals with pre-existing medical conditions should consult a healthcare professional before using Hawthorn medicinally.