Hawthorn Tea: What Research Shows About the Tea, Safety and Cautions

If you have a heart condition or take heart medicines, speak with your prescriber or pharmacist before using hawthorn tea. NIH LactMed says hawthorn can possibly increase the effect of anticoagulants, digoxin and blood-pressure-lowering medicines. [1] NCCIH reports one study in which a specific hawthorn preparation may have been linked to early heart failure progression, possibly through interaction with patients' drugs. [2] The EU monograph says to see a doctor immediately for swollen ankles or legs, pain in the heart region that may spread to the arms, or breathing difficulty. [3] In the US, call 911 for chest pain or trouble breathing.

A second warning concerns labels. In January 2024 the FDA published a list of products labeled "tejocote root" (Crataegus mexicana) that actually contain yellow oleander, a toxic plant, and said they may cause severe harm or be fatal. [2] For poisoning, call Poison Help (1-800-222-1222) and see Plant and Mushroom Poisoning.

What hawthorn tea is

Hawthorn (Crataegus) is a flowering shrub or tree of the rose family (Rosaceae). [2] Species named in sources include Crataegus monogyna Jacq. and Crataegus laevigata (Poir.) DC. [4][5] Different parts are sold: the EU monograph covers leaf with flower, while LactMed notes leaves, fruit and flowers all contain flavonoids and oligomeric proanthocyanidins. [3][1] A study of one part or extract does not transfer to another, so check the label. The herb profile is at Hawthorn (herb profile).

Traditional use

NCCIH says hawthorn was traditionally used for heart disease, digestion, blood circulation and kidney and bladder problems. [2] That is traditional use only.

What research shows

Safety

• Medicines. Sources disagree. The EU monograph reports no interactions, while LactMed says hawthorn can possibly increase the effect of anticoagulants, digoxin and hypotensive medicines. [3][1] A lab study found hawthorn interfered with one type of digoxin blood test and acted on heart muscle cells from rats in a way that suggested overlap with digoxin; the authors advised people on digoxin to avoid it. [9] That is preclinical evidence, not a documented case in people. See How Interactions Work and Supplements and Blood Pressure and Heart Medicines.
• Side effects. NCCIH lists dizziness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and muscle pain, and says no study has tested use beyond 16 weeks. [2] The EU monograph says none known. [3]
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding. The EU monograph does not recommend use. [3] NCCIH says little is known. [2] LactMed says no data exist on excretion into breast milk and that the German Commission E saw no reason to contraindicate flowers or leaves but said to avoid the fruit. [1]
• Children. The EU monograph says use under 18 is not recommended for heart complaints. [3]
• Liver, kidney, surgery, allergy: not described in the sources we read. Tell a surgical team about herbal teas before a procedure.

Official statements

The EU herbal monograph (HMPC, 2016) accepts hawthorn leaf and flower as a traditional herbal medicine for temporary nervous heart complaints such as palpitations, only after a doctor has excluded serious conditions, and for mild mental stress and sleep. [3] The committee noted a lack of clinical studies. [10] For the heart indication in adults it describes an herbal tea of 1 to 2 g of comminuted herbal substance in 150 ml of boiling water up to four times daily, maximum 6 g. [3] That is a description of the monograph for a licensed medicine, not advice. See also Herbal Tea for Blood Pressure and Heart Health.