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Botanical

Hawthorn

Hawthorn (Crataegus) is a thorny shrub of the rose family whose berries, leaves and flowers are used in herbal medicine, mainly in relation to the heart.

Also listed as Hawthorne, Organic Hawthorn, Hawthorn Berry, Hawthorn Berrries

LongevityCardiovascularStress & MoodImmune Support

Side effects and pregnancy uncertainty

NCCIH lists dizziness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and muscle pain. Pregnancy and breastfeeding safety are poorly understood, and medicine interactions require attention. 1

The safety results also differ

Adverse-event rates were comparable in SPICE, while HERB CHF reported more adverse events with hawthorn, mostly non-cardiac. Safety depends on the preparation and clinical setting. 2 3

A separate warning about root products

FDA warnings concern some products labeled Mexican hawthorn or “tejocote root” that actually contained toxic yellow oleander. This is an adulteration problem, not evidence that all hawthorn is the same product. 1

For information, not individual medical advice. Ingredient studies do not establish the effectiveness of these products.

Sources

  1. Hawthorn NIH NCCIH