Hawthorn Benefits, Dosage & Side Effects Supplement Information and Usage Guide
Hawthorn is used to support heart health, improve circulation, and reduce high blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
Hawthorn (Crataegus spp.) is a shrub whose berries, leaves, and flowers have been used traditionally to support cardiovascular health. It is especially popular in European herbal traditions.
Hawthorn contains flavonoids and oligomeric procyanidins that may help improve blood flow, regulate blood pressure, and strengthen the heart muscle.
It is commonly taken to support circulation, heart function, and mild hypertension. Clinical studies suggest benefits for heart health, though more large-scale trials are still needed.
Other names & forms of Hawthorn supplement : crataegus, hawthorn berry, hawthorn extract, hawthorn leaf and flower
Benefits
Hawthorn is rich in flavonoids like oligomeric procyanidins, which may help improve coronary circulation and cardiac muscle function.
- Helps maintain healthy blood pressure and supports Heart Health.
- May improve blood vessel elasticity and overall Blood Flow & Circulation.
- Often taken to reduce mild anxiety and tension, providing additional benefit for Nervous System & Stress Relief.
Dosage
Hawthorn supplement is typically taken in doses depending on individual needs and health goals:
- Heart and blood pressure support: 300–900 mg/day of Hawthorn berry or leaf extract (standardized to 1.8–2.2% flavonoids).
- Heart function (CHF adjunct): Clinical doses range 900–1800 mg/day.
- Whole berry tea: 2–4 grams/day infused in hot water.
- Recommendation: Safe long-term; monitor if on heart medications.
Side Effects
Hawthorn is known for supporting heart function, but some users notice mild effects as circulation improves. Keep an eye out for:
- Mild dizziness or lightheadedness, particularly upon standing
- Occasional gastrointestinal upset—nausea or stomach discomfort
- Possible headache or flushing as blood vessels dilate
- Rare palpitations or rapid heartbeat in sensitive individuals
- Temporary fatigue or sleepiness as cardiac workload adjusts
Interactions
Possible interactions include:
- Heart medications: Hawthorn’s cardiovascular glycosides may potentiate digitalis (e.g., digoxin), leading to bradycardia or arrhythmias; ECG monitoring is recommended.
- Antihypertensive therapies: By dilating blood vessels, Hawthorn can add to ACE inhibitors or L-Arginine, increasing hypotension risk.
- Diuretics: Hawthorn may enhance effects of loop or thiazide diuretics, affecting fluid and electrolyte balance—monitor potassium levels.
- Anticoagulant and antiplatelet agents: Its mild platelet inhibition can compound warfarin or Garlic, raising bleeding potential.
Precautions
Before adding Hawthorn to your regimen, ensure none of these conditions apply to you. If they do, seek medical guidance:
- Individuals on cardiac medications (e.g., digoxin): Hawthorn may interact and alter drug levels; monitor closely
- People with low blood pressure: May further lower blood pressure; check levels regularly
- Those with thyroid disorders: Hawthorn can affect thyroid function tests; discuss with your endocrinologist
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women: Limited safety information; best to avoid or use under professional supervision
- Patients scheduled for surgery: Potential interactions with anesthesia and anticoagulants; discontinue at least two weeks prior
Studies
These studies provide scientific insights into Hawthorn benefits:
A 2013 meta-analysis of nine RCTs concluded hawthorn extract (300–1800 mg/day) improves symptom control and exercise tolerance in mild-to-moderate chronic heart failure (NYHA II–III) versus placebo (MD in 6 min walk +31 m; P < 0.01).
A 2016 randomized trial in 55 patients with stable angina found 450 mg hawthorn extract for 12 weeks did not significantly change frequency of anginal episodes or nitroglycerin use versus placebo (ns).
A 2010 double-blind RCT demonstrated that 900 mg/day hawthorn extract for 8 weeks significantly reduced fatigue scores (VAS –18 mm vs –5 mm placebo; P = 0.02) and improved quality-of-life indices in CHF patients.
Despite in vitro vasodilatory and antioxidant properties, no trials have evaluated hawthorn for hypertension or dyslipidemia in otherwise healthy adults.
This article was originally published on Stackbb.com, your trusted source for science-based supplement guides.
Important Disclaimer: The information provided on this page about Hawthorn supplement is for informational purposes only and has not been reviewed or validated by a medical professional. It is not intended to substitute professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your doctor or qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any supplement or part of your healthcare regimen. Individual needs and responses to supplements may vary, and what works for one person may not be appropriate for another.