Hawthorn
Leaves, flowering tops and fruits of the bush are used.
It contains glycoside-type flavonoids with similar action as digoxin.
As for traditional use, their attributed properties are poorly evidence-based: cardiotonic, antianginal, antiarrhythmic, hypnotic.
Indication by the Commission E of German Ministry of Health: heart failure.
At latest update no published data on excretion into breast milk was found.
Few and mild side effects have been described. Given their lack of toxicity with usual doses, consumption at minimal doses and for short periods during lactation would have little or no risk.
The studies that attempted to show a galactogogue effect are scarce with very poor quality and inappropriated methodology (Nikolov 1951).
The best galactogogue result may be obtain by frequent on-demand breastfeeding and a proper technique. Do not use it as galactogogue without medical control.
Precautions when taking herbal teas:
1. Make sure you have got it from a reliable source: poisonings have occurred by confusion with another plant that either has toxic properties, contains heavy metal toxins or food poisoning through contamination with bacteria or fungi.
2. Do not take it in large amounts. The "natural" products are not good by themselves: plants contain active substances from which has been obtained much of our traditional pharmacopoeia and can cause poisoning if consumed in huge quantity or prolonged time.
Very Low Risk
Compatible. Not risky for breastfeeding or infant.
Low Risk
Moderately safe. Mild risk possible. Follow up recommended. Read the Comment.
High Risk
Poorly safe. Evaluate carefully. Use a safer alternative. Read the Comment.
Very High Risk
Not recommended. Cessation of breastfeeding or alternative.
Synonyms
- Weissdorn
Writings
- Crataegus laevigata (Latin, botanical name)
- Crataegus monogyna (Latin, botanical name)
- Crataegus oxyacantha (Latin, botanical name)
- Боярышник (Cyrillic)
References
- EMA European Union herbal monograph on Crataegus spp. 2014 Full text (in our servers)
- Mortel M, Mehta SD. Systematic review of the efficacy of herbal galactogogues. J Hum Lact. 2013Abstract
- Sim TF, Sherriff J, Hattingh HL, Parsons R, Tee LB. The use of herbal medicines during breastfeeding: a population-based survey in Western Australia. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2013Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
- ABM. Comité de Protocolos de la Academia Médica de Lactancia Materna. ABM Protocolo Clínico #9: Uso de Galactogogos para Iniciar o aumentar la tasa de secreción de Leche Materna. Breastfeed Med. 2011 Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
- ABM. Academy Of Breastfeeding Medicine Protocol Committee. ABM Clinical Protocol #9: Use of galactogogues in initiating or augmenting the rate of maternal milk secretion (First Revision January 2011). Breastfeed Med. 2011Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
- Holubarsch CJ, Colucci WS, Meinertz T, Gaus W, Tendera M; Survival and Prognosis: Investigation of Crataegus Extract WS 1442 in CHF (SPICE) trial study group. The efficacy and safety of Crataegus extract WS 1442 in patients with heart failure: the SPICE trial. Eur J Heart Fail. 2008Abstract
- Daniele C, Mazzanti G, Pittler MH, Ernst E. Adverse-event profile of Crataegus spp.: a systematic review. Drug Saf. 2006Abstract
- [No authors listed] Management of insomnia: a place for traditional herbal remedies. Prescrire Int. 2005Abstract
- Rigelsky JM, Sweet BV. Hawthorn: pharmacology and therapeutic uses. Am J Health Syst Pharm. 2002Abstract
- WHO. World Health Organization. Geneva. WHO monographs on selected medicinal plants. Volume 2. WHO monographs. 1999 Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
- NIKOLOV P, AVRAMOV NR. [Investigations on the effect of Foeniculum vulgare, Carum carvi, Anisum vulgare, Crataegus oxyacanthus, and Galga officinalis on lactation]. Izv Meditsinskite Inst Bulg Akad Naukite Sofia Otd Biol Meditsinski Nauki. 1951Abstract