> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://betonica-school-of-herbal-medicine.ghost.io/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # How can Hawthorn help with hypertension? - URL: https://betonica-school-of-herbal-medicine.ghost.io/how-can-hawthorn-help-with-hypertension/ - Published: 2026-11-02T15:46:45.000Z - Updated: 2026-11-02T15:46:45.000Z - Author: 489512 With creamy white flowers ushering in Springtime, and the bright red fruits a staple of Autumnal walks, you may have seen this tree and wondered what medicine it holds. *Crataegus spp.*, commonly known as hawthorn, has a strong affinity with the cardiovascular system (CVS) and is one of the most important heart-supporting allies in the herbal dispensary. The cardiotonic effect on the heart and circulatory system is due to hawthorn’s chemical makeup, mainly in the form of heart strengthening polyphenols (Fisher, 2018, Pengelly, 2004). Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a common condition of the CVS, and can be supported with herbal medicine (Hoffman, 1990). There are many *Crataegus* species, however the primary medicinal species in western herbal medicine (used interchangeably) are *Crataegus monogyna* and *Crataegus laevigata* (Fisher, 2018). Native to Europe and Britain, Hawthorn has long been used as a medicine. In the Middle Ages, Hawthorn was taken for many ailments, and considered a symbol of hope (Chevallier, 2023). The first recorded use of hawthorn for cardiovascular diseases was in the 1800s (Fisher, 2018). ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/c7/38/c73825ce-926e-4074-bdb7-340dec180829/content/images/2026/10/data-src-image-50fc4d10-45eb-4d65-9305-c1d0442a02ca.png) **Figure 1** *Crataegus monogyna* leaves and fruits (Archaeodontosaurus, 2021). Hawthorn grows abundantly in UK hedgerows and woodlands. It is not featured on conservation red lists (BSBI, 2026). **What is hypertension?** Hypertension is diagnosed when the force of blood pushing against your artery walls is consistently too high. This force can put added pressure on your blood vessels and heart, as well as other organs (Cleveland Clinic, 2026). The NHS considers high blood pressure to be a reading of 140/90mmHg (or 135/85 if the reading is taken at home) (NHS, 2024). Several factors, including genetic predisposition, stress, diet and lifestyle can contribute to higher blood pressure (Hoffman, 1990). Many people with hypertension have no symptoms, however if left untreated the condition could worsen, leading to higher risks of heart attack and stroke (NHS, 2024). **How can hawthorn help and how does it work?** Hawthorn regulates and normalises blood pressure (both high and low) by working with the body’s natural processes (Chevallier, 2023). The cardiotonic and vasodilating actions help strengthen heart muscles and relax the blood vessels, this allows blood to flow easier, which in turn reduces blood pressure (Fisher, 2018, & McIntyre, 2019). Antioxidant properties of flavonoids within the flowers and berries can help to prevent degeneration of the coronary vessels (Chevallier, 2023). Polyphenols help prevent (or reduce) build-up of plaque in the vessels, which could otherwise lead to blockages and higher pressure (Pengelly, 2004). ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/c7/38/c73825ce-926e-4074-bdb7-340dec180829/content/images/2026/10/data-src-image-c13ace40-e55b-4f1d-978c-ee8682fbdfea.png) **Figure 2** Crataegus monogyna leaves and flowers (Josepgesti, 2022). **Hawthorn medicine** The flowers, leaves and berries can be used in treatment of high blood pressure. Some practitioners suggest incorporating hawthorn into the diet as a food. In herbal medicine hawthorn is most commonly prescribed as a tincture and as a tea (Hoffman, 2003). **Safety** Hawthorn is considered a safe herb, but may increase the effects of heart medications. Caution is advised when combining hawthorn with pharmaceutical heart medication, and consistent monitoring of blood pressure recommended (McIntyre, 2019). Always seek the advice of a medical professional before taking hawthorn in conjunction with other heart medication. Hawthorn is safe to take during pregnancy and breastfeeding (Bone & Mills, 2013). **What next?** Consider seeing a herbalist if you think you have high blood pressure and would like some advice on diet and lifestyle support, as well as further information on what herbal medicine can offer. --- **Social media post** ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/c7/38/c73825ce-926e-4074-bdb7-340dec180829/content/images/2026/10/data-src-image-07a11bba-73c7-4649-a99a-c96d3c651904.png) **Figure 3** *Crataegus monogyna* (Mendl, 2025) Did you know this familiar tree is a powerful herb for regulating blood pressure? Head over to the blog to read about what hawthorn can do, and how it can help. Also check out the fantastic @herbal.reality and @betonicaschoolofherbalmedicine Both invaluable resources for herbal knowledge! --- **References** Bone, K. & Mills, S. (2013). Principles and practice of phytotherapy. (2nd ed.). Churchill Livingstone Botanical Society of Britain & Ireland (BSBI). (2026). *Crataegus monogyna Jacq.* *(Hawthorn).* https://bsbi.org/taxa/2cd4p9h.f6c/crataegus-monogyna Chevallier, A. (2023). *Encyclopedia of herbal medicine.* Dorling Kindersley. Cleveland Clinic. (2026). *High blood pressure (hypertension).* https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4314-hypertension-high- blood-pressure Fisher, C. (2018). *Materia medica of western herbs*. Aeon Books. Hoffman, D. (1990). *The new holistic herbal*. Element. Hoffman, D. (2003). *Medical Herbalism*. Healing Arts Press. McIntyre, A. (2019). *The complete herbal tutor* (2nd ed.). Aeon Books. NHS. (2024). *High blood pressure.* https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/high-blood-pressure/ Pengelly, A. (2004). *The constituents of medicinal plants* (2nd ed.). Cabi. **Figures** Archaeodontosaurus (2021). *Crataegus monogyna* \[Photograph\]. Wikimedia Commons. https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File: (MHNT)\_Crataegus\_monogyna\_-\_Fruits.jpg Josepgesti (2022). *Crataegus monogyna* \[Photograph\]. Wikimedia Commons. https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Crataegus\_monogyna,\_Santa\_ Coloma\_de\_Farners.jpg Mendl, R. (2025). *Crataegus monogyna* \[Photograph\]. Wikimedia Commons. https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Crataegus\_monogyna\_in\_Tsna\_ Minsk\_Belarus.jpg