Crataegus monogyna

• TinctureAerial partsInternalEMA well-established

  Standardised dry extract (well-established use) for supportive treatment of mild heart failure NYHA II — leading preparation WS 1442.

  Preparation & dosage

  STANDARDISED DRY EXTRACT (EMA well-established use): Standardised dry extracts of hawthorn leaf with flower (e.g. WS 1442, LI 132), DER 4–7:1, ethanol 45 % m/m or methanol 70 % V/V, standardised to 18.75 % oligomeric procyanidins. Daily dose 160–900 mg, split into 2–3 single doses with meals. Indication: supportive treatment of declining cardiac performance corresponding to NYHA stage II (mild exertional dyspnoea, chest pressure, fatigue). Effect onset after 4–6 weeks — no acute action. Do not self-medicate confirmed heart failure; hawthorn is adjunctive. Worsening symptoms, oedema, dyspnoea at rest or chest pain require immediate medical attention.

  Liquid amount

  5–10 ml

  Doses per day

  3×

  Max duration

  6 weeks

  ⚠ Age restriction: ≥ 18 years — Per EMA, adults only — insufficient data for children/adolescents under 18.

  Sources: [1] [2] [3]

• TeaAerial partsInternalTraditional use

  Traditional infusion of leaf with flower for nervous mild cardiac complaints (NYHA II supportive) after medical evaluation.

  Preparation & dosage

  INFUSION: 1–1.5 g of finely cut hawthorn leaf with flower in 150–250 ml boiling water, covered, steep 10–15 min, strain. 2–3× daily fresh, between meals. Daily dose ~3–4.5 g. Traditional use (EMA traditional) for mild nervous cardiac complaints (palpitations, chest pressure) after exclusion of serious causes. Slow acting — patience for 2–4 weeks. Beyond 6 weeks without improvement, consult doctor.

  Dry amount

  1–1.5 g

  Doses per day

  3×

  Max duration

  6 weeks

  ⚠ Age restriction: ≥ 18 years — Per EMA, adults only.

  Sources: [1] [2] [3]

• TinctureAerial partsInternalTraditional use

  Traditional tincture for mild nervous cardiac complaints — alternative to tea when ethanol is acceptable.

  Preparation & dosage

  TINCTURE (DER 1:5 in 45–70 % ethanol): 1–2 ml (~20–40 drops) 3× daily, diluted in water, before or between meals. Effect after 2–4 weeks of continuous use. If complaints persist beyond 6 weeks, consult a doctor. Traditional use for mild nervous cardiac complaints (palpitations, restlessness), not for acute treatment.

  Liquid amount

  1–2 ml

  Doses per day

  3×

  Max duration

  6 weeks

  ⚠ Age restriction: ≥ 18 years — Adults only. Due to ethanol content not for alcohol dependence, liver disease, or epilepsy.

  Sources: [1] [3]

• TeaFlowerInternalFolk medicine

  Folk calming and sleep tea from hawthorn flowers — mild nervine, often blended with lemon balm or valerian.

  Preparation & dosage

  FOLK EVENING TEA: 1–2 tsp dried hawthorn flowers (optionally with lemon balm or valerian) in 250 ml hot water, covered, steep 8–10 min, strain. 1 cup late afternoon and 1 cup ~30 min before bedtime. Folk use for mild calming with restlessness and nervous trouble falling asleep. NOT a pharmacological sedative — mild adjunct. For chronic sleep problems, seek medical evaluation.

  Dry amount

  1–2 g

  Doses per day

  2×

  Max duration

  4 weeks

  Sources: [5] [7]

• TeaFruitInternalFolk medicine

  Folk berry decoction for menopausal complaints, mild restlessness and sleep issues — WHO lists Fructus Crataegi as a traditional cardiovascular remedy.

  Preparation & dosage

  BERRY TEA: 2–3 tsp dried, lightly crushed hawthorn berries in 250 ml cold water, bring to boil, simmer 10–15 min (decoction), strain. 1–2 cups daily. Folk use for menopausal complaints (hot flushes, restlessness, climacteric palpitations) and mild sleep support. Milder action than leaf-flower preparation — berries differ in compound profile (more procyanidins, fewer flavonoids). Adjunctive use only.

  Dry amount

  2–3 g

  Doses per day

  2×

  Max duration

  6 weeks

  Sources: [4] [5] [6]

• SpiceFruitInternalFolk medicine

  Edible berry — jam, jelly, liqueur, flour substitute; traditional famine food and sweet-tart wild fruit.

  Preparation & dosage

  KITCHEN: Fully ripe deep-red hawthorn berries (Sept–Oct, sweetest after first frost) are edible — mealy, mildly sweet-tart. Uses: cooked into jam, jelly or fruit butter (remove stones or press through sieve — the hard stone is inedible), added to apple sauce, infused as hawthorn liqueur (with sugar and spirit, 6–8 weeks), dried and ground as flour substitute (up to ~25 %). Traditional farm/famine food, roasted as coffee substitute in hard times.

  Sources: [6] [8]

IMPORTANT: Hawthorn treats SYMPTOMS — diagnosis required first. Cardiac symptoms (palpitations, pressure, dyspnoea, exercise intolerance, leg oedema) always need medical evaluation. Self-treatment of manifest heart failure without diagnosis is dangerous. Onset of action only after 4–6 weeks — not for acute use. Sudden dyspnoea, persisting chest pain, radiation to arm/jaw, cold sweat or sudden leg swelling → emergency immediately. EMA limits self-medication to 6 weeks without medical supervision. ASPCA classification (accessed 2026-08-10): non-toxic to cats. The ASPCA classifies the whole genus this way.

⏱ Max continuous use: 6 weeks