Hawthorn Leaf Tea

Western style (mug/pot)

2-3 g per 250 ml.

90-95 degC water

5-7 minutes, covered; strain

Re-steep: once; add ~2-3 minutes

Gongfu style (optional/unorthodox):

4-6 g/100 -120 ml.

90 degC water

The first infusion should be 15-20 sec; Stretch out for 5-6 rounds.

Iced / cold brew

5-8 g/L cold filtered water.

Refrigerate 6-8 hrs; strain

Traditional cardiovascular use, leaf 1 and 1 flower: The EU herbal monograph recognize hawthorn leaf & flower as traditional remedy for mild cardiac symptoms - palpitations - and related nervousness.

Adjunct heart failure symptom relief meta-analyses Report improved exercise tolerance/symptom scores when combined with usual care standardized hawthorn extract (usually leaf flower, WS 1442).

Blood pressure (modest): Hawthorn preparations resulted in small but statistically meaningful SBP/DBP cuts over 10 weeks-6 months in a 2025 meta analysis of randomised trials. earlier systematic reviews point in one direction.

Polyphenols: Hawthorn leaves contain flavonoids and proanhocyanidins, which have antioxidant activity; Recent analyses characterise these compounds.

Heart medicines: If you take any prescription treatments for heart conditions or blood pressures (e.g. beta-blockers, calcium-channel blockers, nitrates, digoxin) or have a diagnosed cardiac condition, please consult your doctor before regular use (possible additive effects).

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Safety data are sparse - avoid medicinal strength unless directed by a clinician.

Surgery/low blood pressure: Use conservatively if scheduled for surgery or at risk for low BP - discuss with your healthcare professional.

Unusual symptoms should be discontinued. Keep out of reach of kids.