HERBAL MONOGRAPHS ENGLISH HAWTHORN/271spasmodic gastrointestinal disturbances and sluggishness of
the bowels. It is also used for menstrual complaints,
nervousness, hysteria and general debility. It is used
topically for inflammation of the mouth and throat, rhinitis,
toothache, earache, headache and influenza. The oil is used
in mouthwashes.Homeopathic Uses: The drug is used in homeopathy to treat
nervous gastrointestinal disorders, but efficacy has not been
proven.CONTRAINDICATIONS
Use of the drug is contraindicated during pregnancy.PRECAUTIONS AND ADVERSE REACTIONS
General: No health hazards or side effects are known in
conjunction with the proper administration of designated
therapeutic dosages. The drug possesses a small potential for
sensitization.Pregnancy: The drug is not to be used during pregnancy.DOSAGE
Mode of Administration: Since the efficacy for the claimed
uses is not documented and there is a certain risk involved, a
therapeutic application cannot be recommended. English
Chamomile is used in folk medicine as a fluid extract,
tincture, elixir, wine, syrup, ointment and powder.Preparation: To prepare a decoction, add 3 g drug to 100 ml
water. An infusion is prepared using 7 to 8 capitula per cup.
A liquid rub is prepared using 1 dsp diluted in 250 ml water.Daily Dosage: The average single dose of the drug is 1.5 g at
the main meals. The average daily dose of an infusion is 50
ml to 200 ml. When used as a bath additive, add 50 g to 10
liters of water. Liquid rubs are applied as poultices or washes
2 to 3 times daily.Homeopathic Dosage: 5 drops, 1 tablet or 10 globules every
30 to 60 minutes for acute conditions. For chronic condi-
tions: 1 to 3 times daily; Parenterally: 1 to 2 ml sc acute 3
times daily; Chronic: once a day (HAB1)Storage: Store in well-sealed glass or metal containers
protected from moisture.LITERATURE
Damiani P et al., (1983) Fitoterapia 54:213.
Herisset A et al., (1971) Plant Med Phytother 5(3):234.
Herisset A et al., (1974) Plant Med Phytother 8(4):306 and 287.
Holub M, Samek Z, (1977) Collect Czech Chem Commun 42:
1053.
Isaac O, Chamaemelum nobile (L.) Allioni - Rdmische Kamille.
In: ZPT 14(4):212. 1993.
Further information in:
Hansel R, Keller K, Rimpler H, Schneider G (Hrsg.), Hagers
Handbuch der Pharmazeutischen Praxis, 5. Aufl., Bde 4-6
(Drogen), Springer Verlag Berlin, Heidelberg, New York, 1992-
1994.
Hausen B, Allergiepflanzen, Pflanzenallergene, ecomed
Verlagsgesellsch. mbH, Landsberg 1988.
Leung AY, Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients Used
in Food Drugs and Cosmetics, John Wiley & Sons Inc., New
York 1980.
Steinegger E, Hansel R, Pharmakognosie, 5. Aufl., Springer
Verlag Heidelberg 1992.
Teuscher E. Biogene Arzneimittel, 5. Aufl., Wiss. Verlagsges.
mbH Stuttgart 1997.
Wichtl M (Hrsg.), Teedrogen, 4. Aufl.. Wiss. Verlagsges.
Stuttgart 1997.English Hawthorn
Crataegus laevigata
TRADE NAMES
Hawthorn, Hawthorn Extract (available from numerous
manufacturers and as a combination product), Hawthorne
Berries, Hawthorn Flowers, Leaves & Berries, Standardized
Hawthorn Extract, Hawthorn Extract, Hawthorn Power,
Time Release Hawthorn Power, HeartCare
DESCRIPTION
Medicinal Parts: The medicinal parts are generally white
thorn flowers, leaves, fruit, and various mixtures of different
plant parts.Flowers and Fruit: The white flowers are in richly-blos-
somed cymes. The sepals are usually short, more or less
triangular, entire-margined or, particularly the American
variety, fairly long with glandular tips. The petals are usually
separate, orbicular, crenate, white or occasionally red. There
are 10 to 20 stamens and 1 to 5 carpels, which are more or
less fused to the receptacle. There are 2 ovules, the upper one
is sterile and covers the lower fertile one like a cap. There is
1 seed in each chamber. The false fruit is ovoid or globose
and crowned by the remains of the sepals. It is red, black, or
yellow and mealy.Leaves, Stem and Root: Hawthorn is a bulky shrub or small
tree, 1.5 to 4 m high with hard wood and usually thorny
branches. The leaves have many forms. They are shallow, 3
to 5 lobed, with the lobes pointed forward. The leaves are
unevenly serrate, obovate, yellowish-green, and glossy.Characteristics: The flowers have an unpleasant smell and a
slightly bitter taste; the fruit has a sour taste.