Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Hawthorn (Crataegus species) has a long history of use in traditional European herbal medicine for various cardiovascular conditions, including mild heart failure and associated symptoms such as edema (fluid retention). Traditional herbalists believed hawthorn could strengthen the heart and improve circulation, indirectly helping to reduce swelling in the legs and ankles due to its mild diuretic and cardiotonic effects. Historical texts and folk practices often cite hawthorn preparations—teas, tinctures, or extracts—as remedies for "dropsy," an old term for edema related to heart weakness.

Modern scientific studies have focused primarily on hawthorn's effects on heart function rather than directly on edema. Several clinical trials and reviews indicate that hawthorn extract may improve symptoms and exercise capacity in mild heart failure, which sometimes includes a reduction in edema. The mechanism is thought to involve positive inotropic effects, vasodilation, and improved coronary blood flow, rather than a direct diuretic action. However, strong, high-quality studies specifically targeting edema as a primary endpoint are lacking. Thus, while scientific evidence supporting hawthorn for edema specifically is limited, its traditional use for conditions associated with fluid retention is well documented.

In summary, the use of hawthorn for edema is primarily justified by tradition, with limited but plausible indirect scientific support stemming from its cardiovascular benefits.

More about hawthorn
More about Edema

Other ingredients used for Edema

Other health conditions supported by hawthorn

Products containing hawthorn

Vitabase Blood Pressure Support
Metagenics Cardiogenics® Intensive Care
Pure Encapsulations Hawthorn Extract
Douglas Laboratories Hawthorne Max-V
Thorne Heart Health Complex Q-10 Plus
Pure Encapsulations Ultra Pure Pack
Pure Encapsulations UltraNutrient®
Pure Encapsulations UltraNutrient®
Pure Encapsulations UltraNutrient®
Pure Encapsulations Vascular Relax