Hawthorn was a well known plant in the ancient world. The Greeks and Romans linked it to hope, marriage, and fertility. Greek bridesmaids wore fragrant hawthorn blossoms, and brides carried a bough. The Romans placed hawthorn leaves in babies' cradles to ward off evil spirits. Christianity changed hawthorn's image dramatically. Christ's crown of thorns was reputedly made of hawthorn, and as a result, it became a symbol of bad luck and death.

Over the centuries, however, hawthorn shed its bad reputation and came to be used medicinally. 17th century English herbalist Nicholas Culpeper praised it as a singular remedy for the stone (kidney stones), and no less effectual for dropsy (congestive heart failure). American pioneers also used the plant for heart problems. Many 19th century physicians prescribed it for the severe chest pain known as angina, and congestive heart failure (a serious heart problem with fluid buildup and shortness of breath after minor physical activity).

Hawthorn may be used safely in long-term treatment for heart weakness or failure , palpitations, angina pectoris, and high blood pressure. Herbalists also suggest it for kidney stones and as a sedative for chronic insomnia.

Hawthorn may help the heart in several ways: It may open (dilate) the coronary arteries, improving the heart's blood supply. It may increase the heart's pumping force. In addition, it may eliminate some types of heart-rhythm disturbances (arrhythmias). And some evidence suggests it may help limit the amount of cholesterol deposited on artery walls.

In Germany, where herbal medicine is more mainstream than it is in the United States, about three dozen hawthorn-based heart medicines are available. German physicians prescribe it to normalize heart rhythm, reduce the likelihood and severity of angina attacks, and prevent cardiac complications in elderly patients with influenza and pneumonia.

Although hawthorn is considered safe and may be effective in the treatment of angina, congestive heart failure, and cardiac arrhythmias, these are serious, potentially life-threatening conditions requiring professional medical care. You must consult your physician if you'd like to use hawthorn as part of your overall treatment plan.

German physicians prescribe 1 teaspoon of hawthorn tincture upon waking and before going to bed for periods of up to several weeks. To mask its bitter taste, mix it with sugar, honey, or lemon, or mix it into an herbal beverage blend. For an infusion, herbalists recommend using 2 teaspoons of crushed leaves or fruits per cup of boiling water. Steep for 20 minutes and drink up to 2 cups per day.

Large amounts of hawthorn may cause sedation and/or a significant drop in blood pressure, possibly resulting in faintness. The FDA lists hawthorn as an herb of "undefined safety." This heart stimulant should be used only by those diagnosed with angina, cardiac arrhythmias, or congestive heart failure, and then only in consultation with a physician. Children and pregnant and nursing women should not use hawthorn.