Hawthorn Leaf & Flower (Crataegus spp.)

Dried leaves and flowers of Crataegus species, Hawthorn - the spring-harvest form of the classic Western herbal cardiac tonic. The leaves and flowers are gathered in late spring (the "May" harvest, giving rise to common names like "May Tree" and "Mayblossom"). The leaf/flower combination is the form most studied in modern European clinical research on cardiac applications.

Key Facts

Botanical name

Crataegus monogyna, C. oxyacantha, and related species

Family

Rosaceae

Part used

Late-spring harvest leaves and flowers

Studied compounds

Oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs), flavonoids (vitexin, rutin), triterpenes

European clinical use

The leaf/flower form is the focus of much modern European cardiac research

Distinct from

Hawthorn Berry (autumn harvest from the same tree)

Leaf/Flower vs Berry

Hawthorn produces medicinal parts at two different times of year. The leaves and flowers (late spring, the "May" harvest) and the berries (autumn harvest) come from the same tree but have somewhat different compound profiles. Modern European clinical research has focused more on the leaf/flower form for cardiac applications; the berries are also traditionally used. Many traditional preparations combine both.

How to Use Hawthorn Leaf & Flower

Tea: steep 1-2 teaspoons in 8 oz hot water for 10-15 minutes; strain. Tincture: alcohol extracts the flavonoid and OPC compounds. Standardized extracts (commercially available, with specific OPC and flavonoid concentrations) are the form used in much European clinical research. Daily long-term use is the traditional pattern.

Important Safety Information

If you take cardiac medications (digoxin, beta blockers, ACE inhibitors, blood thinners), consult a healthcare provider before using hawthorn. Significant medication interactions are possible. Hawthorn is generally well-tolerated but requires medical supervision when combined with prescription cardiac drugs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between Hawthorn Leaf/Flower and Hawthorn Berry?
Same tree, different parts harvested at different times. Leaf/flower (May harvest) and berry (autumn harvest) have somewhat different compound profiles.

Which form is more studied?
Modern European clinical research has focused more on the leaf/flower form for cardiac applications.

What is Hawthorn used for?
Traditional Western cardiac tonic with substantial modern clinical research support.

Should I check with my doctor first?
Yes, especially if you take cardiac medications.

What's the May Tree?
Common name for Hawthorn - the late-spring flowering coincides with May Day across much of Europe.

How long until I notice effects?
Hawthorn effects build over weeks of consistent use rather than from single doses.

This product has not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. We recommend that you consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using any herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications.