Plant Comparison
Midland Hawthorn vs Valerian
A side-by-side comparison of two medicinal plants — every documented constituent, action, use, safety note and cited source, assembled automatically from the Omnia Sana database.
At a glance
Midland Hawthorn and Valerian: they share 6 indicated uses (arthritis / joint pain, inflammation (general), insomnia / sleeplessness, …); 4 pharmacological actions in common.
Evidence face-off — shared uses
| Condition | Midland Hawthorn | Valerian | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arthritis / joint pain | 1/10 | 8/10 | Stronger for Valerian |
| Inflammation (general) | 1/10 | 8/10 | Stronger for Valerian |
| Insomnia / sleeplessness | 1/10 | 10/10 | Stronger for Valerian |
| Menstrual cramps | 1/10 | 8/10 | Stronger for Valerian |
| Muscle spasm | 1/10 | 8/10 | Stronger for Valerian |
| Skin irritation | 1/10 | 8/10 | Stronger for Valerian |
Evidence scores (1–10) are computed from the tier of each cited source. “Comparable” means the two scores are within one point. Follow a score to its detailed sources.
Key Constituents
The principal cardioactive and antioxidant constituents, the basis for extract standardisation.
Additional antioxidant constituents of the flower, leaf and fruit.
Sesquiterpenes thought to be key contributors to the sedative, GABA-A-modulating action.
Unstable iridoid esters historically of pharmacological interest, though their contribution to the whole-root effect is debated.
Responsible for the root's characteristic strong aroma.
Pharmacological Actions
Traditional & Indicated Uses
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from sedative action
inferred from antispasmodic action
inferred from antispasmodic action
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from sedative action
Safety, Cautions & Contraindications
Generally safe and well tolerated. High doses may cause low blood pressure and sedation. May interact with cardiac glycosides (digoxin) and antihypertensive drugs. Consult a physician before using with existing heart medications.
Duke (2002) rates hawthorn (Crataegus spp., including C. laevigata) as a triple-plus herb (+++) with Commission E approval (score 2-3) for decreasing cardiac output in functional Stage II heart insufficiency (NYHA). Clinical evidence supports hawthorn standardized extracts (80-500 mg, standardized to flavonoids or procyanidins) for angina, arrhythmia, atherosclerosis, and hypertension. Hawthorn may potentiate digitalis and other cardiac medications and is not considered suitable for self-medication without professional guidance (Duke, 2002).
Generally well tolerated for short-to-medium term use. May cause vivid dreams, morning grogginess, or headache in some individuals. Avoid combining with alcohol, sedatives, or anaesthetics. Do not drive immediately after taking high doses. Do not use in children under 3 years. Abrupt discontinuation after long-term use may cause withdrawal symptoms.
Duke (2002) does not appear to include a primary entry for Valeriana officinalis (European valerian) in the sections searched. The entry found was for Indian valerian (Valeriana jatamansi). Commission E approves European valerian for restlessness and sleep disorders. Dose: 400–900 mg standardized root extract before bedtime. Interactions include potentiation of CNS depressants and sedatives.
External Ids
Botanical Description
Small deciduous tree or large shrub with thorny branches and glossy, shallowly lobed leaves (less deeply cut than common hawthorn). Clusters of small, five-petalled white (occasionally pink) flowers with a strong scent appear in spring, followed by small red berries (haws), each usually containing two seeds (nutlets).[1]
Tall, upright perennial herb with hollow, grooved stems and opposite, pinnately divided leaves. Small, pale pink to white, sweetly scented flowers are borne in dense, domed clusters (cymes) at the top of the stem; the dried root has a distinctive strong, earthy, 'dirty sock' smell.[12]
Habitat
Grows in woodland, woodland edges, hedgerows and scrub, typically on richer, damper soils than common hawthorn; native to western and central Europe.[1]
Grows in damp meadows, ditches, riverbanks and marshy ground, tolerating both sun and partial shade; native to Europe and parts of Asia and naturalised in North America.[12]
Harvesting
Flowers are picked as they open in spring, leaves are picked with the young flowering shoots, and the ripe red berries (haws) are gathered in autumn; all three parts are used, often combined, in hawthorn preparations.[1]
The rhizome and roots are dug in autumn of the second year, once the strong characteristic aroma has developed, then cleaned and dried.[12]
Traditional Uses
Hawthorn flower, leaf and berry have a long European tradition, and substantial modern clinical study, as a cardiovascular tonic - supporting heart function, mild circulatory complaints and calming nervous tension - reflected in its traditional use for 'heart strengthening' and its modern standing as a well-studied botanical for mild heart failure symptoms.[1]
Preparations
Leaf-and-flower extract standardised to flavonoid or oligomeric proanthocyanidin content, taken as tablets or capsules; the best-studied clinical form.
Standardized root extract taken shortly before bedtime, the form most used in clinical research.
Dosage
The EU herbal monograph on Crataegus spp., folium cum flore gives dry extracts in divided daily doses of 240-900 mg (single dose 80-450 mg) or, for one quantified extract, 570-1750 mg daily (single dose 190-350 mg), in adults and elderly. If symptoms persist longer than 2 weeks a doctor should be consulted, and hawthorn is never used as a substitute for prescribed heart medication without medical supervision. Educational reference only, not a prescription.
The EU herbal monograph gives 1-2 g of the comminuted leaf and flower in 150 mL of boiling water as an infusion, up to 4 times daily (maximum 6 g daily), in adults and elderly. Educational reference only, not a prescription.
Commission E and clinical research commonly suggest around 400-900 mg standardized root extract taken 30-60 minutes before bedtime. Educational reference only, not a prescription.
References
Drug Class Interactions
Lookalikes Review
Pairings
Not documented
Valerian and hops are traditionally combined for sleep; a controlled trial found the valerian-hops combination shortened the time to fall asleep more than valerian alone. Both add to sedation, so expect stronger drowsiness.[18, 19]
Valerian and passionflower are both mild GABA-acting sedatives often blended in sleep and calming formulas; combined use may enhance relaxation but also additive drowsiness.[19, 20]
Valerian and lemon balm are a classic calming pair acting on the GABA system to improve sleep quality; combined use may increase sedation.[19]
Dangerous Lookalikes
Not documented
References & Sources
- Fong, H.H.S. and Bauman, J.L (2002) 'Hawthorn', Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing, 16(4), pp. 1-8. doi:10.1097/00005082-200207000-00002 Traditional / reference
https://doi.org/10.1097/00005082-200207000-00002 - Orhan, I.E (2018) 'Phytochemical and Pharmacological Activity Profile of Crataegus oxyacantha L. (Hawthorn) - A Cardiotonic Herb', Current Medicinal Chemistry, 25(37), pp. 4854-4865. doi:10.2174/0929867323666160919095519 Traditional / reference
https://doi.org/10.2174/0929867323666160919095519 - Ahmadipour, B., Kalantar, M., Abaszadeh, S. and Hassanpour, H (2024) 'Antioxidant and antihyperlipidemic effects of hawthorn extract (Crataegus oxyacantha) in broiler chickens', Veterinary Medicine and Science, 10(3), pp. e1414. doi:10.1002/vms3.1414 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1002/vms3.1414 - Rigelsky, J.M. and Sweet, B.V (2002) 'Hawthorn: pharmacology and therapeutic uses', American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy, 59(5), pp. 417-422. doi:10.1093/ajhp/59.5.417 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1093/ajhp/59.5.417 - Saeedi, G., Jeivad, F., Goharbari, M., Gheshlaghi, G.H. and Sabzevari, O (2018) 'Ethanol Extract of Crataegus Oxyacantha L. Ameliorate Dietary Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Rat', Drug Research, 68(10), pp. 553-559. doi:10.1055/a-0579-7532 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1055/a-0579-7532 - Mecheri, A., Benabderrahmane, W., Amrani, A., Boubekri, N., Benayache, F., Benayache, S. and Zama, D (2019) 'Hepatoprotective Effects of Algerian Crataegus oxyacantha Leaves', Recent Patents on Food, Nutrition & Agriculture, 10(1), pp. 70-75. doi:10.2174/2212798410666180730095456 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.2174/2212798410666180730095456 - Benabderrahmane, W., Lores, M., Benaissa, O., Lamas, J.P., de Miguel, T., Amrani, A., Benayache, F. and Benayache, S (2019) 'Polyphenolic content and bioactivities of Crataegus oxyacantha L. (Rosaceae)', Natural Product Research, 35(4), pp. 627-632. doi:10.1080/14786419.2019.1582044 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1080/14786419.2019.1582044 - Ali, M., Muhammad, S., Shah, M.R., Khan, A., Rashid, U., Farooq, U., Ullah, F., Sadiq, A., Ayaz, M., Ali, M., Ahmad, M. and Latif, A (2017) 'Neurologically Potent Molecules from Crataegus oxyacantha; Isolation, Anticholinesterase Inhibition, and Molecular Docking', Frontiers in Pharmacology, 8, pp. 327. doi:10.3389/fphar.2017.00327 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2017.00327 - Cuevas-Duran, R.E., Medrano-Rodriguez, J.C., Sanchez-Aguilar, M., Soria-Castro, E., Rubio-Ruiz, M.E., Del Valle-Mondragon, L., Sanchez-Mendoza, A., Torres-Narvaez, J.C., Pastelin-Hernandez, G. and Ibarra-Lara, L (2017) 'Extracts of Crataegus oxyacantha and Rosmarinus officinalis Attenuate Ischemic Myocardial Damage by Decreasing Oxidative Stress and Regulating the Production of Cardiac Vasoactive Agents', International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 18(11), pp. 2412. doi:10.3390/ijms18112412 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms18112412 - Alp, H., Soner, B.C., Baysal, T. and Sahin, A.S (2014) 'Protective effects of Hawthorn (Crataegus oxyacantha) extract against digoxin-induced arrhythmias in rats', Anatolian Journal of Cardiology, 15(12), pp. 970-975. doi:10.5152/akd.2014.5869 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.5152/akd.2014.5869 - Rothfuss, M.A., Pascht, U. and Kissling, G (2001) 'Effect of long-term application of Crataegus oxyacantha on ischemia and reperfusion induced arrhythmias in rats', Arzneimittel-Forschung, 51(1), pp. 24-28. doi:10.1055/s-0031-1299998 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0031-1299998 - Khan, A., Akram, M., Thiruvengadam, M., Daniyal, M., Zakki, S.A., Munir, N., Zainab, R., Heydari, M., Mosavat, S.H., Rebezov, M. and Shariati, M.A (2022) 'Anti-anxiety Properties of Selected Medicinal Plants', Current Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, 23(8), pp. 1041-1060. doi:10.2174/1389201022666210122125131 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.2174/1389201022666210122125131 - Rastogi, S., Pandey, M.M. and Rawat, A.K.S (2015) 'Traditional herbs: a remedy for cardiovascular disorders', Phytomedicine, 23(11), pp. 1082-1089. doi:10.1016/j.phymed.2015.10.012 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phymed.2015.10.012 - European Medicines Agency (2016) 'European Union herbal monograph on Crataegus spp., folium cum flore'. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=European%20Union%20herbal%20monograph%20on%20Crataegus%20spp.%2C%20folium%20cum%20flore - Hendel, N. and Hendel, M (2014) 'Hedgerow Medicine'. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Hedgerow%20Medicine - Pittler, M.H., Guo, R. and Ernst, E (2008) 'Hawthorn extract for treating chronic heart failure'. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Hawthorn%20extract%20for%20treating%20chronic%20heart%20failure - Duke, J.A (2002) 'Handbook of Medicinal Herbs, Second Edition'. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Handbook%20of%20Medicinal%20Herbs%2C%20Second%20Edition - Tankanow, R., Tamer, H.R., Streetman, D.S., Smith, S.G., Welton, J.L., Annesley, T., Aaronson, K.D. and Bleske, B.E (2003) 'Interaction study between digoxin and a preparation of hawthorn (Crataegus oxyacantha)', Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, 43(6), pp. 637-642. doi:10.1177/0091270003253417 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1177/0091270003253417 - Pittler, M.H., Guo, R. and Ernst, E (2008) 'Hawthorn extract for treating chronic heart failure', Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2008(1), pp. CD005312. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD005312.pub2 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD005312.pub2 - Pittler, M.H., Guo, R. and Ernst, E (2008) 'Hawthorn extract for treating chronic heart failure', Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2008(1), pp. CD005312. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD005312.pub2 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD005312.pub2 - Ghasemzadeh Rahbardar, M. and Hosseinzadeh, H (2024) 'Therapeutic potential of hypnotic herbal medicines: A comprehensive review', Phytotherapy Research, 38(6), pp. 3037-3059. doi:10.1002/ptr.8201 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.8201 - Block, K.I., Gyllenhaal, C. and Mead, M.N (2004) 'Safety and efficacy of herbal sedatives in cancer care', Integrative Cancer Therapies, 3(2), pp. 128-148. doi:10.1177/1534735404265003 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1177/1534735404265003
- Chandra Shekhar, H., Joshua, L. and Thomas, J.V (2024) 'Standardized Extract of Valeriana officinalis Improves Overall Sleep Quality in Human Subjects with Sleep Complaints: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Clinical Study', Advances in Therapy, 41(1), pp. 246-261. doi:10.1007/s12325-023-02708-6 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1007/s12325-023-02708-6 - Shinjyo, N., Waddell, G. and Green, J (2020) 'Valerian Root in Treating Sleep Problems and Associated Disorders-A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis', Journal of Evidence-Based Integrative Medicine, 25, pp. 2515690X20967323. doi:10.1177/2515690X20967323 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1177/2515690X20967323 - Borras, S., Martinez-Solis, I. and Rios, J.L (2021) 'Medicinal Plants for Insomnia Related to Anxiety: An Updated Review', Planta Medica, 87(10-11), pp. 738-753. doi:10.1055/a-1510-9826 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1055/a-1510-9826 - Nunes, A. and Sousa, M (2011) 'Use of valerian in anxiety and sleep disorders: what is the best evidence?', Acta Medica Portuguesa, 24(Suppl 4), pp. 961-966. Meta-analysis / review
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Use%20of%20valerian%20in%20anxiety%20and%20sleep%20disorders%3A%20what%20is%20the%20best%20evidence%3F - Tammadon, M.R., Nobahar, M., Hydarinia-Naieni, Z., Ebrahimian, A. and others (2021) 'The Effects of Valerian on Sleep Quality, Depression, and State Anxiety in Hemodialysis Patients: A Randomized, Double-blind, Crossover Clinical Trial', Oman Medical Journal, 36(2), pp. e255. doi:10.5001/omj.2021.56 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.5001/omj.2021.56 - Alternative Medicine Review (2004) 'Monograph: Valeriana officinalis', Alternative Medicine Review, 9(4), pp. 438-441. Meta-analysis / review
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Monograph%3A%20Valeriana%20officinalis - Soltani, A., Bahrami, F., Bahari, Z., Shankayi, Z. and others (2021) 'The effects of Valerian on sleep spindles in a model of neuropathic pain', Sleep Science, 14(Spec 2), pp. 133-139. doi:10.5935/1984-0063.20200110 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.5935/1984-0063.20200110 - Mineo, L., Concerto, C., Patel, D., Mayorga, T. and others (2017) 'Valeriana officinalis Root Extract Modulates Cortical Excitatory Circuits in Humans', Neuropsychobiology, 75(1), pp. 46-51. doi:10.1159/000480053 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1159/000480053 - Jacobs, B.P., Bent, S., Tice, J.A., Blackwell, T. and Cummings, S.R (2005) 'An internet-based randomized, placebo-controlled trial of kava and valerian for anxiety and insomnia', Medicine (Baltimore), 84(4), pp. 197-207. doi:10.1097/01.md.0000172299.72364.95 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1097/01.md.0000172299.72364.95 - Alkharfy, K.M. and Frye, R.F (2007) 'Effect of valerian, valerian/hops extracts, and valerenic acid on glucuronidation in vitro', Xenobiotica, 37(2), pp. 113-123. doi:10.1080/00498250601050420 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1080/00498250601050420 - Garges, H.P., Varia, I. and Doraiswamy, P.M (1998) 'Cardiac complications and delirium associated with valerian root withdrawal', 280(18), pp. 1566--1567. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Cardiac%20complications%20and%20delirium%20associated%20with%20valerian%20root%20withdrawal - Hoffmann, D (2003) 'Medical Herbalism'. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Medical%20Herbalism - Bent, S., Padula, A., Moore, D., Patterson, M. and Mehling, W (2006) 'Valerian for sleep: a systematic review and meta-analysis', 119(12), pp. 1005--1012. doi:10.1016/j.amjmed.2006.02.026 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amjmed.2006.02.026 - Francis, A.J. and Dempster, R.J (2002) 'Effect of valerian, Valeriana edulis, on sleep difficulties in children with intellectual deficits: randomised trial', 9(4), pp. 273--279. doi:10.1078/0944-7113-00110 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1078/0944-7113-00110 - Duke, J.A (2002) 'Handbook of Medicinal Herbs, Second Edition'. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Handbook%20of%20Medicinal%20Herbs%2C%20Second%20Edition - Ortiz, J.G., Rassi, N., Maldonado, P.M., Gonzalez-Cabrera, S. and Ramos, I (2006) 'Commercial valerian interactions with [3H]Flunitrazepam and [3H]MK-801 binding to rat synaptic membranes', Phytotherapy Research, 20(9), pp. 794-798. doi:10.1002/ptr.1960 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.1960 - Bent, S., Padula, A., Moore, D., Patterson, M. and Mehling, W (2006) 'Valerian for sleep: a systematic review and meta-analysis', The American Journal of Medicine, 119(12), pp. 1005-1012. doi:10.1016/j.amjmed.2006.02.026 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amjmed.2006.02.026 - Koetter, U., Schrader, E., Kaeufeler, R. and Brattstroem, A (2007) 'A randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled, prospective clinical study to demonstrate clinical efficacy of a fixed valerian hops extract combination (Ze 91019) in patients suffering from non-organic sleep disorder', Phytotherapy Research, 21(9), pp. 847-851. doi:10.1002/ptr.2167 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.2167 - Ghasemzadeh Rahbardar, M. and Hosseinzadeh, H (2024) 'Therapeutic potential of hypnotic herbal medicines: A comprehensive review', Phytotherapy Research, 38(6), pp. 3037-3059. doi:10.1002/ptr.8201 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.8201 - Ngan, A. and Conduit, R (2011) 'A double-blind, placebo-controlled investigation of the effects of Passiflora incarnata (passionflower) herbal tea on subjective sleep quality', Phytotherapy Research, 25(8), pp. 1153-1159. doi:10.1002/ptr.3400 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.3400 - Practical Self Reliance 'Foraging Wild Valerian For Better Sleep'. Available at: https://practicalselfreliance.com/foraging-valerian/ Traditional / reference
https://practicalselfreliance.com/foraging-valerian/ - Dayan, A.D (2024) 'Death of Socrates: a likely case of poison hemlock (Conium maculatum) poisoning', Clinical Toxicology (Philadelphia, Pa.), 62(1), pp. 56-60. doi:10.1080/15563650.2024.2309328 Clinical study
https://doi.org/10.1080/15563650.2024.2309328 - King County Noxious Weeds (2024) 'Poison hemlock (Conium maculatum) identification and control'. Available at: https://kingcounty.gov/en/dept/dnrp/nature-recreation/environment-ecology-conservation/noxious-weeds/identification-control/poison-hemlock Traditional / reference
https://kingcounty.gov/en/dept/dnrp/nature-recreation/environment-ecology-conservation/noxious-weeds/identification-control/poison-hemlock
Generated automatically from the Omnia Sana plant database and its cited sources. For educational purposes only — not medical advice. Always consult a qualified practitioner before using medicinal plants.