🌿Western Herbalism🫒Mediterranean🍀Celtic & Norse Herbalism

Hawthorn

Crataegus monogyna

About Hawthorn

Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) is a herb used in the Western Herbalism, Mediterranean and Celtic & Norse Herbalism traditions to help with Heart Health, High Blood Pressure, Anxiety, and Cholesterol. The aerial parts and leaves are the parts traditionally used, taken internally.

Botanical background

Crataegus monogyna, known as common hawthorn or single-seeded hawthorn, is a species of hawthorn native to Europe, northwest Africa and western Asia. It has been introduced in many other parts of the world. It can be an invasive weed.

Source: Wikipedia, via iNaturalist

Parts used

Aerial Parts · internalLeaves · internal
🍵

Tea / Infusion

1–3 cups daily
  • Steep 1–2 tsp of dried Hawthorn in freshly boiled water for 5–10 minutes.
  • Cover while steeping.
  • Strain and drink.
💧

Tincture

20–40 drops in water, 2–3× daily
  • Pack dried Hawthorn into a jar and cover with 40–60% alcohol.
  • Seal and steep for 4–6 weeks, shaking daily.
  • Strain and store in a dark dropper bottle.
💊

Powder / Capsule

500 mg – 1 g, 1–3× daily
  • Grind dried Hawthorn into a fine powder.
  • Fill size 00 capsules or stir into smoothies or honey.
🛁

Herbal Bath

2–3× per week as needed
  • Brew 4–6 tbsp of Hawthorn in 1 litre of hot water for 15 minutes, strain, and add to a warm bath.
  • Soak for 20–30 minutes.

Pregnancy, Breastfeeding & Children

Pregnancy

Use Caution

Limited formal pregnancy safety data; as a cardiovascular-active herb (affects heart rhythm and blood pressure) it's generally used only under medical/cardiology guidance during pregnancy, not self-directed.

Breastfeeding

Use Caution

Limited formal safety data during breastfeeding; cardiovascular activity means it's generally used under guidance.

Children

Avoid

Cardiovascular-active effects mean hawthorn is not used in children without specific medical guidance.

Contraindications

  • Pre-surgery — discontinue at least 2 weeks prior (potential antiplatelet effect)
  • CNS medications (benzodiazepines, SSRIs, MAOIs) — may potentiate sedative or serotonergic effects

Warnings

⛔ Heart & Blood Pressure Medications

May interact with antihypertensive drugs, blood thinners, or cardiac medications. Do not combine without medical guidance.

⚠️ Sedatives & Antidepressants

May potentiate the effects of sedative, anxiolytic, or antidepressant medications. Use with caution alongside any CNS-active drugs.

⚠️ Allergic Reactions

Discontinue immediately if you experience rash, itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing.

⚠️ Not Medical Advice

This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using herbal remedies.

Drug & herb interactions

Digoxin and other cardiac medications

May potentiate cardiac glycoside effects — requires medical supervision.

Blood pressure medications

Additive blood-pressure-lowering effect.

Where to find in nature

Native region

Europe, North America, Australia

Climate

Temperate

Habitat

Meadows, hedgerows, woodland edges, and cottage herb gardens

🌿 To see Hawthorn growing, visit botanical gardens, university plant collections, or specialist herb nurseries near you. If foraging in the wild, always work with an expert identifier — never consume a plant you are not 100% certain of.

Where to buy

In store

  • Health food stores (Whole Foods, Natural Grocers, Holland & Barrett, GNC)
  • Naturopathic clinics and integrative medicine practices
  • Specialist herbal apothecaries and herbalist practices
  • Farmers markets with herb vendors

Online

iHerb

Wide selection of standardised extracts, capsules, and powders with lab testing

Mountain Rose Herbs

Premium bulk dried herbs — certified organic, ethically sourced

Starwest Botanicals

Large selection of certified organic bulk herbs and powders

Herb Pharm

High-quality liquid extracts and tinctures, rigorous quality standards

Amazon

Convenient — verify brand certifications and check third-party testing

Etsy

Small-batch artisan herbalists, hand-harvested and wildcrafted herbs

Quality tips

When buying Hawthorn, look for: certified organic labelling, clearly stated country of origin, third-party lab testing for heavy metals and pesticides, and a batch expiry date. Standardised extracts offer consistent dosing; bulk dried herbs are more economical for regular use. Avoid very cheap, unlabelled products — quality varies enormously.