Natural Medical SolutionsHawthorn is a shrub or tree from the rose family. It grows in many parts of the world. People use it as a supplement for heart health and other concerns.
What is hawthorn?
Hawthorn is a plant used for a long time in traditional medicine. It was used for heart issues, digestion, and blood flow. People also used it on the skin for sores or itching.
Today, companies sell it for heart health and weight loss. Some people also use it for anxiety.
What are the hawthorn benefits?
There is little quality evidence that hawthorn helps with most health problems. Studies on heart failure have shown mixed results.
We do not have enough proof to know if it helps with chest pain or heart disease. There is no evidence that it helps with weight loss. It is also unclear if it helps with anxiety.
What are the hawthorn side effects?
Some hawthorn supplements may be safe for a short time. Common side effects include:
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Muscle pain
No studies have tested if it is safe to use for more than 16 weeks.
Are there serious safety warnings?
Yes. The FDA warned that some supplements labeled as tejocote root contain yellow oleander. This is a toxic plant that can cause severe harm or death.
The FDA does not approve dietary supplements before they are sold. This means you should be very careful when choosing products.
What is the hawthorn dosage?
There is no standard dose for hawthorn. Research has not confirmed a safe or effective amount for any condition.
Does hawthorn have drug interactions?
The source does not name specific medicines that interact with hawthorn. However, it warns that some herbs and medicines can interact in harmful ways.
Always talk to your doctor before you take any herbal product. They can help you decide if it is safe for you.
Who should not take hawthorn?
Little is known about the safety of hawthorn during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. You should talk to your doctor before using it if you are in these groups.
One study showed that a specific hawthorn product might have caused heart failure to get worse. Always check with your doctor first.
Common questions about hawthorn
Is hawthorn safe for the heart?
Can I take hawthorn for weight loss?
What is the danger with tejocote root?
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Where this information comes from
Written from NCCIH, a public-domain resource from the U.S. National Institutes of Health. Information retrieved 2026-08-21.
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