Hawthorn
Crataegus spp.
T Traditional useHawthorn leaf and flower are traditionally used for palpitations linked to mild anxiety, after a doctor has ruled out serious heart disease.
Image: Herbadex Botanik Stüdyosu · Özel Üretim
On this page
At a glance
The EMA classes hawthorn leaf and flower as a traditional herbal medicine for two uses: temporary nervous heart complaints such as palpitations due to mild anxiety, after a doctor has ruled out serious disease, and mild stress or sleep problems. It does not replace treatment of heart disease.
Updated: October 15, 2026
✓ This herb record is backed by official European Medicines Agency (EMA HMPC) herbal monographs.
What is it used for?
T Traditional use
Traditional use: Based on at least 30 years of documented traditional use rather than clinical trials.
How do we rate evidence levels? →Traditionally used for temporary nervous heart complaints such as palpitations due to mild anxiety, after a doctor has ruled out serious disease. [1]
T Traditional use
Traditional use: Based on at least 30 years of documented traditional use rather than clinical trials.
How do we rate evidence levels? →Traditionally used to relieve mild symptoms of stress and to aid sleep. [1]
How is it used?
Tea
Pour 150 ml of boiling water over 1–2 g of chopped leaf and flower.
Amount: Up to 4 times daily (max 6 g a day)
Duration limit: See a doctor if no better after 2 weeks
[1]Safety & interactions
Minimum age: 18 years
- Get medical help at once for swollen ankles or legs, chest pain spreading to the arms, belly or neck, or shortness of breath.
- For heart complaints not recommended under 18; for stress not under 12.
- It does not replace heart treatment; ask your doctor if you take heart medicines.
- Not recommended in pregnancy or breastfeeding because safety has not been shown.
Drug interactions
No recorded interactions
Side effects
- None known according to the monograph; report any unexpected effect to a doctor
⚕ When to see a doctor
- If high fever, shortness of breath or purulent/bloody phlegm develops
- If symptoms do not improve within 1–2 weeks or worsen
- If severe abdominal pain, jaundice, rash or allergic reaction occurs
Did you know?
The EMA assesses hawthorn as leaf with flower: the tea uses both together. [1]
Frequently asked questions
Is hawthorn good for the heart?
The EMA accepts hawthorn only for temporary nervous heart complaints after a doctor has ruled out serious disease. It is not a treatment for heart disease.
How do I make hawthorn tea?
Pour 150 ml of boiling water over 1–2 g of chopped leaf and flower; up to 4 times a day, max 6 g in total.
When should I see a doctor at once?
With swollen legs, chest pain spreading to the arm or neck, or shortness of breath.
Can I take hawthorn with blood pressure medicines?
No interactions are listed in the monograph; still, ask your doctor if you take heart or blood pressure medicines.
Sources
Cite This Page
Hawthorn (Crataegus spp.). Herbadex — Doğal Şifa Rehberi (2026). https://herbadex.com/en/herb/hawthorn/
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