Hawthorn Berries
Common Names: hawthorn, English hawthorn, harthorne, haw, hawthorne
Throughout history, Hawthorn has had its reputation both as a symbol of hope, and as a symbol of evil. At one time, Christianity regarded the plant as sacred, due to the belief that it furnished Christ's crown of thorns. Both the Greeks and Romans associated Hawthorn with marriage and fertility.
Today, Hawthorn Berries are one of the most popular herbs used in Europe, and gaining wider acceptance in the United States. Primary chemical constituents of this herb include Vitamin C, flavonoids (quercetin, quercetrin), glycosides, proanthocyanidins, anthocynaidins, saponins, tannins, and cratetegin (most prevalent in the flowers, then leaves, then berries).
Hawthorne Berries contain powerful antioxidants and natural bioflavonoids that support the health of the entire cardiovascular system. This herb can actually help regulate both high and low blood pressure, in addition to slowly breaking down cholesterol and fat deposits in the body.
With its high content of bioflavonoids, Hawthorn Berries best support the heart. Hawthorn increases the body's ability to utilize oxygen, and the heart's ability to utilize calcium. This herb can actually help regulate both high and low blood pressure, in addition to slowly breaking down cholesterol and fat deposits in the body. The bioflavonoids help strengthen the contractive force of the heart, and gently dilate and relax the coronary blood vessels, improving overall circulation.
When used to support weight loss programs, Hawthorn Berries help reduce water retention by expelling excess salt from the body. This botanical has also been known to reduce nervous tension, alleviate insomnia and aid digestion.
More recently, hawthorn leaf and flower have been used for heart failure, a weakness of the heart muscle that prevents the heart from pumping enough blood to the rest of the body, which can lead to fatigue and limit physical activities. Hawthorn is also used for other heart conditions, including symptoms of coronary artery disease (such as angina).
