--- title: "Hawthorn: Benefits, Uses & Side Effects | Herbadex" description: "Hawthorn leaf and flower are traditionally used for palpitations linked to mild anxiety, after a doctor has ruled out serious heart disease." language: en url: https://herbadex.com/en/herb/hawthorn/ source: Herbadex (https://herbadex.com) --- [Dried Herb & Tea](https://herbadex.com/en/form/dried-herb-tea/) # Hawthorn Crataegus spp. T Traditional use Hawthorn leaf and flower are traditionally used for palpitations linked to mild anxiety, after a doctor has ruled out serious heart disease. [Sleep, Stress & Mood](https://herbadex.com/en/for/sleep-stress/) [Heart & Circulation](https://herbadex.com/en/for/heart-circulation/) Image: Herbadex Botanik Stüdyosu · Özel Üretim Pregnancy **⚠ Avoid** Breastfeeding **⚠ Avoid** Children **⚠ Avoid** Drug interactions **No recorded interactions** ## 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. **Parts used:** leaves, flowers **Key constituents:** Vitexin & Procyanidins 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 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 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. \[1\] ### 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 1. [European Union herbal monograph on Crataegus spp., folium cum flore](https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/herbal-monograph/final-european-union-herbal-monograph-crataegus-spp-folium-cum-flore_en.pdf) EMA HMPC · 2016 ### Cite This Page Hawthorn (Crataegus spp.). Herbadex — Doğal Şifa Rehberi (2026). https://herbadex.com/en/herb/hawthorn/ ## Related guides and comparisons - [How to Prepare Herbal Tea](https://herbadex.com/en/guide/how-to-prepare-herbal-tea/) - [How to Use Essential Oils Safely](https://herbadex.com/en/guide/essential-oil-safety/) - [Herbal Products and Drug Interactions](https://herbadex.com/en/guide/herb-drug-interactions/) ## On this page At a glance What is it used for? How is it used? Safety & interactions Did you know? Frequently asked questions Sources Related herbs ## Related herbs ### [Psyllium Husk](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/psyllium-husk/) A Strong clinical evidence Plantago ovata Taken with plenty of water, psyllium husk helps soften stools in constipation; keep a gap between it and other medicines. 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