Crataegus (hawthorn) is a homeopathic and herbal remedy traditionally associated with the heart and circulation. In homeopathic practice it is thought of as a gentle cardiac tonic, linked with tiredness on exertion, an ageing or labouring heart, and general circulatory support.
This page covers where Crataegus comes from, the complaints it is classically used for, the symptom picture practitioners recognise, and the forms and potencies it usually appears in.
The short version: Crataegus is the hawthorn remedy long associated with gentle support for a tired, ageing or hard-working heart.
What is Crataegus and where does it come from?
Crataegus is made from hawthorn (Crataegus oxyacantha and related species), a thorny hedgerow shrub with white blossom and red berries. Both the berries and the young shoots have a long folk history as a heart tonic. In homeopathy the mother tincture and low potencies are the forms most often used, prepared from the fresh ripe fruit.
What is Crataegus traditionally used for?
In homeopathic tradition, Crataegus is above all a heart remedy. People reach for it when:
- The heart feels tired and overworked — often called the ‘old person's heart’ remedy.
- Fatigue and breathlessness on exertion, with a wish to rest.
- A sense of feebleness in the circulation, with cold hands and low stamina.
- Support during recovery when someone feels their heart is labouring after illness.
- Nervous, anxious flutterings around the chest in sensitive people.
Who typically reaches for Crataegus?
The classic picture is the older person, or anyone run-down, whose heart feels weary and whose energy flags on the smallest effort. It is regarded as a slow-acting, restorative remedy rather than one for acute crises. Because the heart is involved, this is very much an area where professional oversight matters: Crataegus is used within self-care, not as a substitute for proper cardiac assessment.
What forms and potencies does Crataegus come in?
Crataegus is unusual among homeopathic remedies in that it is used mainly as a mother tincture and in very low potencies, where its gentle tonic action is thought to sit closest to the herbal tradition. You may also see it in combination heart-support formulas and in drop or ampoule form. As it concerns the heart, use it under professional guidance and alongside, never instead of, proper medical care.
Your natural toolkit — and which to reach for
You will find hawthorn used in supportive homeopathic preparations such as the one below.
Crataegus Injeel - Ampoules — reach for this if you want a hawthorn-based homeopathic preparation for gentle circulatory support.
Featured products
Crataegus Injeel - Ampoules
A hawthorn-based homeopathic ampoule preparation for gentle heart and circulation support.
Explore the full United Remedies range — blending homeopathy from Heel, Guna and Sanum with Weleda’s plant-based topicals and Zooki’s liposomal supplements.
Common questions
What is Crataegus best known for?
It is best known as a gentle homeopathic and herbal heart tonic, traditionally associated with a tired or ageing heart and fatigue on exertion.
Is Crataegus fast-acting?
No. It is regarded as a slow, restorative remedy used over time rather than for sudden acute events.
How is Crataegus usually taken?
It is often used as a mother tincture or in low potencies. Because it concerns the heart, use it within professional guidance and never in place of proper cardiac care.
Note: This page is for general education and is not medical advice. Homeopathic remedies are used within a tradition of self-care and are not a substitute for professional diagnosis or treatment. If symptoms are severe, persistent or worsening, please speak to a qualified health professional.