Hawthorn

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Aug 14, 2021.

What are other common names?

• Crataegus cuneata
• Crataegus kulingensis
• Crataegus laevigata
• Crataegus monogyna
• Crataegus oxyacantha
• Crataegus pinnatifida
• Crataegus rhipidophylla
• Mespilus laevigata
• Aubepine
• Cardiplant
• Chinese Hawthorn
• Crataegisan
• Crataegus monogyna Jacquin
• Crataegus oxyacantha L.
• Crataegutt
• English Hawthorn
• Faros
• Hagedorn
• Haw
• Hawthorne
• Hedgethorn
• Korodin
• LI 132
• LI132
• May
• Maybush
• Maythorn
• Oneseed Hawthorn
• Whitehorn
• Whitethorn
• WS 1442
• WS1442

What is this product used for?

There is no information from medical studies to support the use of hawthorn for any health problem. It is uncertain if hawthorn is helpful for heart failure or other heart diseases.

What are the precautions when taking this product?

• Always check with your doctor before you use a natural product. Some products may not mix well with drugs or other natural products.

• This product may interfere with some lab tests. Be sure to talk with your doctor about this and all drugs you are taking.

• Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan on getting pregnant, or are breastfeeding. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks of using this natural product.

• Be sure to tell your doctor that you take this product if you are scheduled for surgery or tests.

• Take extra care if you are allergic to roses or other plants in the rose family.

• Take extra care if you are taking drugs to thin your blood. These are drugs like warfarin, heparin, or enoxaparin.

• Take extra care if you are taking drugs to help with swelling or inflammation. These can also increase your risk of bleeding. These are drugs like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen.

• Take extra care if you are taking drugs that help your heart beat stronger. These are drugs like dobutamine, milrinone, or digoxin.

• Take extra care and check with your doctor if you have:

  • Heart problems

  • Blood pressure problems

  • Liver problems

What should I watch for?

• Upset stomach

• Headache

• Feeling dizzy

• Rash

When do I need to call the doctor?

• Signs of a very bad reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; seizures; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat. Go to the ER right away.

• Signs of low blood pressure. These include feeling dizzy, weak, or tired; fainting; more thirst; or skin that is pale, cool, and clammy.

• Signs of heart failure. These include weight gain of 3 to 5 pounds in a week, swelling of the legs or stomach, chest pain, fast heartbeat, shortness of breath, or decreased ability to walk.

• Signs of liver problems like upset stomach or...