Rosaceae
Hawthorn Tincture
Crataegus laevigata
✓ Generally Safe
Caution in Pregnancy
Native to: Europe, North Africa, Western Asia
Also known as: Midland Hawthorn, English Hawthorn, May Tree
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Parts Used
BerryFlowerLeaf
Therapeutic Uses
Stage I–II heart failure, hypertension, angina, cardiac anxiety, atherosclerosis. Commission E approved. Different species but equivalent to C. monogyna.
Herbal Actions
Cardiotonic, antihypertensive, coronary vasodilatory, antiarrhythmic, antioxidant
Active Constituents
OPCs (oligomeric proanthocyanidins — primary), vitexin rhamnoside, flavonoids (hyperoside, quercetin), triterpene acids (ursolic, oleanolic)
Preparation Methods
🏺 Tincture💊 Capsule☕ Herbal Tea
Traditional Preparation Notes
| Herbal Tea | 2 tsp dried berry/flower per 250ml, steep 15 min, 3x daily |
| Tincture | 4–6 ml (1:5, 40% ethanol), 3x daily |
| Notes | Interchangeable with C. monogyna. Standardised (18.75% OPCs): 160–900mg daily. Minimum 8 weeks. Combine with motherwort for cardiac anxiety and palpitations. |
Safety Information
Safety Rating
✓ Generally Safe
Pregnancy
Caution in Pregnancy
Drug Interactions
Possible — consult doctor
Contraindications: Digoxin. Nitrates. Antihypertensives. Pregnancy.
Side Effects: GI upset. Headache. Hypotension. Very well tolerated.