Hawthorne Berry (crataegus oxycantha) is a tiny red berry – something like a miniature apple – that grows on the Hawthorne bush or tree. The thorny deciduous bush grows to a height of 30 feet and yields beautiful pink or white flowers in the spring. It is also called the mayflower, haw, or maybush.
The hard wood of the Hawthorne has been valued for its lovely finish when made into objects, and for its high temperatures when burned as firewood.
Though the wood is useful, the real value of the Hawthorne is in the berries. The berry has been used as an herbal remedy since ancient times. The Greeks used it as a heart tonic in the first century A.D. The ancient Romans and Greeks viewed Hawthorne as a symbol of love and marriage. The Romans also believed Hawthorne to be charmed, able to ward off evil spirits. Hawthorne has been the object of legends as well, for example, that the thorns in the crown of Jesus were made from its thorny branches.
Hawthorne Berry is loaded with bioflavonoids. These are potent antioxidants found in many fruits. Many believe they are much more powerful than the antioxidant vitamins A, C, and E. In addition to bioflavinoids, Hawthorne contains cardiotonic amines, polyphenols, and is a source of the B vitamins, Vitamin C, and many other valuable nutrients.
Hawthorne Berry is known as the heart herb, and for good reason. It can help regulate blood pressure as well as to break down cholesterol and fat that may contribute to heart disease. It protects arterial walls from damage of plaque build up. It can also help coronary blood vessels to dilate. This allows the body to use oxygen more effectively. When blood vessels dilate, they more effectively carry oxygen, blood, and nutrients to every part of the body. This also helps the heart use minerals more effectively.
The bioflavonoids in Hawthorne Berry (mentioned above) also help the heart muscle pump more efficiently. Healthier arteries mean healthy circulation, increased endurance, maintaining healthy blood pressure, and maintaining healthy blood vessels. It is most effective as prevention medicine but can also be used to treat heart disease as well.
More than any heart condition, congestive heart failure has been studied in connection with Hawthorne Berry. The recommended dosage is 160 to 900 mg of liquid extract each day or 120 to 240 mg of standardized capsules or tablets three times per day. It might take up to six weeks for the effects of Hawthorne Berry to be noticed.
Hawthorne has also been used to relieve occasional problems with digestion, sleeplessness due to nervous tension, and sore throats. People on weight loss diets often use Hawthorne Berry to reduce water retention and rid the body of excess salt. As a strong antioxidant, it may also protect the immune system by enhancing the activity of the heart medication Digoxin. It can also counteract the effects of nasal decongestants that contain phenylephrine since this chemical constricts blood vessels. Some enjoy cooking with the berries as they would other fruits, making Hawthorne Berry pie, and or Hawthorne juice.
Hawthorne Berry is available in capsules or tinctures but most herbalists prefer the fluid extract. Teas can also be made from dried Hawthorne berry leaves, flowers, and berries.
Hawthorne Berry is considered to be among the safest herbal supplements. Some rare side effects may include nausea, rapid heartbeat, or headache. There are some drug interactions possible also, so people using the herb should consult a physician if they are taking any prescription medications. Though most effective when used over time, Hawthorne has been shown to be safe for long-term use, with no toxic side effects and with few interactions with prescriptions drugs.
Though this article has covered many of the benefits of the hawthorn berry herb, more are detailed on our website at More Than Alive. Visit us today and learn how whole hawthorn berries can make a profound impact on the health of your heart.
