Hawthorn
Crataegus monogyna
also known as May tree, Whitethorn, Crataegus
Moderate (mild heart failure)
A small tree from the rose family whose berries, leaves, and flowers have been a European heart tonic for centuries. Modern research backs the tradition — hawthorn extract has real, well-studied benefit in early-stage heart failure, and works by supporting the heart muscle itself rather than just masking symptoms.
- Supports the heart muscle in early-stage heart failure — improves exercise tolerance and reduces symptoms like shortness of breath and fatigue
- Mildly lowers blood pressure
- Antioxidant action that protects heart tissue
- Improves blood flow to the heart by gently dilating coronary arteries
- Long traditional European use as a gentle heart tonic, dating back to the Middle Ages
Active in Proanthocyanidins (OPCs), Vitexin, Flavonoids, Triterpenes.
Heart conditions need medical management — hawthorn complements but does not replace standard heart failure treatment
Use caution with digoxin and other heart medications — hawthorn can amplify their effects
Use caution with blood pressure medications — additive lowering
Stop two weeks before surgery
Skip during pregnancy and nursing — can stimulate the uterus
Anyone with a known heart condition should start hawthorn only with provider awareness
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