Chinese Peony / White Peony (Paeonia lactiflora) vs Hawthorn (Crataegus oxyacantha)

Chinese Peony / White Peony (Paeonia lactiflora)

Hawthorn (Crataegus oxyacantha)

About

White peony is an upright perennial growing to 6.5 feet with large white flowers and divided, dark green leaves. Its history of use in China stretches back at least 1,500 years, and it is one of the herbs in 'Four Things Soup.' The plant is cultivated throughout northeastern China and Inner Mongolia, propagated from seed in spring or from root cuttings in winter. The root of 4- or 5-year-old plants is harvested in spring or autumn.

Hawthorn (Crataegus spp.) is a deciduous, thorny tree reaching up to about 26 ft (8 m), adorned with small lobed leaves, clusters of white blossoms, and bright red berries. Hawthorn has a long history in European medicine as a heart tonic and was traditionally used for heart disease, digestion and blood circulation. NCCIH says there is little or no quality evidence on hawthorn for most conditions, and conflicting evidence in heart failure.

Safety & precautions

Do not take during pregnancy. Use under professional guidance for hormonal conditions.

Interactions: Can interact with prescription medications for heart and blood pressure; seek professional advice if already on such drugs. Tejocote root: NCCIH notes FDA warnings that some supplements labeled tejocote root (Mexican hawthorn) actually contain yellow oleander, a toxic plant. General Safety: NCCIH says some hawthorn supplements might be safe in the short term, but no studies have tested use beyond 16 weeks, and one study suggested a specific preparation may have caused early worsening of heart failure. MSK advises that hawthorn should not replace conventional heart failure treatment.

Safety text above is printed in full and is never abbreviated. For each plant’s complete precautions, drug and food interactions and preparation notes, open its own page - both are free.