How Hawthorn helps the heart

Common Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) is well known for its fruit, popular in syrups, liqueur, ketchup and jam, but did you know that the common Hawthorn can also have beneficial effects on the heart ?

This deciduous, temperate small tree or shrub, widespread in the northern hemisphere, is a member of the Rose family. The thorns on its branches provide an excellent protection for nesting birds. Its clusters of white flowers with 5 petals and 5 sepals, ressembling those of the apple tree, blossom in May, hence its name of May Tree or Mayflower. Identification of the plant is traditionally by the leaves which have 3-7 lobes, a glossy dark green topside and a pale green underside, and are around 2-6 cm in length. They are arranged alternately along the branches. Deep-red fruit, known as "haws", appear in the autumn.

Flavonoids, including oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPC), and amines contained in the leaves, flowers and fruit are responsible for a multitude of cardio protective properties[1,2,3]. These properties include the ability to both stimulate and depress the activity of the heart, strengthen the heart muscle and relax and dilate coronary vessels, which increases blood flow and reduces symptoms of angina [1,2,3]. A synergy of the chemical constituents in hawthorn appears to be responsible for its protection against atherosclerosis, the thickening of the arteries due to the build-up of fat and other substances.

Hawthorn not only acts on the physical condition of the heart, it has a mild sedative effect on the central nerveux system[3]. This makes it an interesting plant to relieve anxiety and to promote sleep.

For the best results, it is recommended to take a mix of the flowers (just before they blossom, generally picked with some young leaves) and berries. This can be taken as an infusion or as a tincture.

If you are taking any heart medication, it is important to note that Hawthorn may interact with drugs and you must always consult your doctor before taking this plant.

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[1] Wang J et al., (2013) Effect of crataegus usage in cardiovascular disease prevention: an evidence-based approach. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2013;2013:149363.

[2] Nabavi SF. et al., (2015) Polyphenolic Composition of Crataegus monogyna Jacq.: From Chemistry to Medical Applications. Nutrients. 2015 Sep 11;7(9):7708-28.

[3] Martinelli F. et al., (2021) Botanical, Phytochemical, Anti-Microbial and Pharmaceutical Characteristics of Hawthorn (Crataegusmonogyna Jacq.), Rosaceae. Molecules. 2021 Nov 30;26(23):7266.