Hawthorn

Basic Information

Biological name (genus and species):
Crataegus oxyacantha
Parts used for medicinal purposes:
Berries/fruits
Leaves
Chemicals this herb contains:
Anthocyanin-type pigments
Cratagolic acid
Flavinonoid
Glycosides (See Glossary)
Purines
Saponin (See Glossary)

KNOWN EFFECTS

Depresses respiration. Depresses heart rate. Causes irregular heartbeats. Causes congestive heart failure. Relaxes smooth muscle of uterus and intestines. Constricts bronchial tubes.

UNPROVED SPECULATED BENEFITS

Treats high blood pressure. May have value in other cardiovascular disorders, but studies need to be completed before doses, efficacy and safety can be established. Do NOT self-medicate!

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

Don't take if you:
Are pregnant, think you may be pregnant or plan pregnancy in the near future. Have heart disease.

Consult your doctor if you:
Take this herb for any medical problem that doesn't improve in 2 weeks. There may be safer, more-effective treatments. Take any medicinal drugs or herbs including aspirin, laxatives, cold and cough remedies, antacids, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, supplements, other prescription or non-prescription drugs.

Pregnancy:
Dangers outweigh any possible benefits. Don't use.

Breast-feeding:
Dangers outweigh any possible benefits. Don't use.

Infants and children:
Treating infants and children under 2 with any herbal preparation is hazardous.

Others:
Any possible beneficial uses have been supplanted by other chemicals that are safer, more-effective and easier to control.

Storage:
Keep cool and dry, but don't freeze. Store safely away from children.

Safe dosage:
At present no "safe" dosage has been established.

TOXICITY

Comparative-toxicity rating not available from standard
references.
For symptoms of toxicity: See Adverse Reactions, Side Effects or Overdose Symptoms section below.

ADVERSE REACTIONS, SIDE EFFECTS OR OVERDOSE SYMPTOMS