Common Hawthorn (Crataegus oxyacantha)

Common Hawthorn (Crataegus oxyacantha) is a member of the Rosaceae family, native to Europe, Western Asia, and North Africa. Traditionally, its fruits, leaves, and bark have been used for infusions, decoctions, and powders.

This herb is particularly valued for its sedative, tonic, and anti-inflammatory actions, and has a long history of use in european herbal medicine, mediterranean herbal traditions, and japanese kampo medicine.

Common Hawthorn (Crataegus oxyacantha) dried pieces of the herb arranged on a wooden table for reference — Common Hawthorn (Crataegus oxyacantha) dried pieces of the herb arranged together on a wooden table for reference, used in teas and remedies.

Quick Facts / Key Information

Common Name	Common Hawthorn
Scientific Name	Crataegus oxyacantha
Plant Family	Rosaceae
Genus	Crataegus
Species	oxyacantha
Native Range	Europe, Western Asia, North Africa
Plant Parts Used	Fruits, Leaves, Bark
Primary Medicinal Actions	Sedative, Tonic, Anti-Inflammatory
Primary Traditional Systems	European Herbal Medicine, Mediterranean Herbal Traditions, Japanese Kampo Medicine
Historical Preparation Methods	Infusion, Decoction, Powder

Botanical Identity

Scientific Name: Crataegus oxyacantha
Common Name: Common Hawthorn
Synonyms / Alternative Names: Thornapple, Blackthorn, Thorned Hawthorn
Plant Family: Rosaceae
Genus: Crataegus

Botanical Description

Growth Habit: Perennial shrub.
Height: It typically grows to a height of 2 to 5 meters.
Leaves: Simple leaves with acute apices, opposite arrangement, upper surface glabrous, lower surface with stomatal bands and pubescence.
Flowers: Flowers are white to pinkish with five to seven petals arranged in a solitary or clustered inflorescence, exhibiting actinomorphic symmetry and bearing five stamens with distinct anthers and a superior ovary with two styles.
Stems: Woody, branched, with opposite or alternate phyllotaxis, and bearing thorn-like stipitate glands along the nodes.

Traditional Uses / Historical Use

Traditional Systems

European Herbal Medicine
Mediterranean Herbal Traditions
Japanese Kampo Medicine

Historical Preparation Methods

Infusion
Decoction
Powder
Tincture

Medicinal Actions

Sedative: In herbal texts, considered a mild sedative, in rest-related herbal contexts.
Tonic: Traditionally described as a soothing tonic, for broad-use formulations.
Anti-inflammatory: In herbal literature, noted as a warming anti-inflammatory, in tissue-soothing contexts.
Astringent: As described in traditional systems, a moderate astringent, for skin-related applications.

Active Compounds

Glycoside: A chemical class frequently found in roots, leaves, and seeds.
Flavonoid: A chemical class commonly identified in plant tissues, especially flowers and leaves.
Phenolic Acid: Simple phenolic molecules widely distributed across plant tissues.
Tannin: A group of compounds frequently present in plant tissues exposed to herbivory.

Modern Research Overview

Contemporary research on this plant includes areas such as chemical analysis, laboratory-based studies, and observational research. Detailed summaries of published findings are not included at this stage and will be added during future content updates.

Safety & Contraindications

General Precautions: Precautionary considerations have been reported in relation to this herb.
Contraindications: The use of this herb has been associated with reported contraindications in some situations.
Allergies: Reports of allergic reactions to this herb are not well documented in available sources.
Drug Interactions: Available information regarding interactions with pharmaceutical drugs is limited.
Toxicity: Reports indicate that this herb may exhibit toxic properties in some contexts.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: Information addressing pregnancy and breastfeeding-related safety for this herb is limited.

Preparation & Usage Methods

Infusion: Dried or fresh plant parts are infused in hot water and consumed as a beverage.
Decoction: Decoctions are made by heating plant material in water for an extended time.
Poultice: This method uses direct contact between plant material and the skin.
Tincture: Tinctures are liquid extracts produced through alcoholic maceration.
Powder: Powdered preparations use finely milled plant parts.

Growing, Harvesting & Storage

Growing / Cultivation

Soil: Prefers loamy soil with well-drained conditions. Typically grows best in organically rich soils.
Sunlight: Thrives in partial sun. Tolerates full sun to partial shade.
Watering: Prefers well-balanced moisture levels. Tolerates periodic dry conditions.