Background
Hawthorn is a flowering shrub or tree of the rose family. It grows in temperate regions throughout the world.
Historically, hawthorn extract has been used for heart disease as well as for digestive and kidney problems. It is now promoted for these uses as well as for anxiety, high or low blood pressure, and other conditions.
In most studies of hawthorn for heart failure, no serious safety problems have been reported. However, in one study, patients taking hawthorn were more likely than those taking a placebo (an inactive substance) to have their heart failure get worse soon after the study started. The reason for this is not clear, but one possibility is that hawthorn might have interacted with drugs the patients were taking.
Side effects of hawthorn can include dizziness, nausea, and digestive symptoms.
Hawthorn may interact in harmful ways with drugs, including some heart medications. If you’re taking medication and you’re considering using hawthorn, consult your health care provider.
Little is known about whether it’s safe to use hawthorn during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.