› Health benefits
Historically, hawthorn has been used for heart disease and digestive and kidney problems. It has also been used for anxiety.
Hawthorn has been studied for heart failure in people. Older, short-term studies have suggested that hawthorn may have benefits in patients with heart failure. Two longer-term studies completed in 2008 and 2009, including a two-year trial that involved 2,700 people in 13 European countries, did not confirm the earlier results.
› How much do I need?
The dosage varies depending on age and what it is being used for. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels, and consult your pharmacist, physician or other healthcare professional before using.
No serious safety problems have been reported with hawthorn usage. Side effects of hawthorn can include dizziness, nausea and digestive symptoms. It may have harmful interactions with some drugs.
› Dietary supplements
Hawthorn leaves, flowers and berries can be turned into extracts and may be sold as capsules, tablets or liquids.
Source: National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health
Please consult your health care provider before making changes to your vitamin/supplement regimen.