Hawthorn is a common thorny shrub in the rose family that grows up to 5 feet tall on hillsides and in sunny wooded areas throughout the world. Its flowers bloom in May. They grow in small white, red, or pink clusters. Small berries, called haws, sprout after the flowers. They are usually red when ripe, but they may also be black. Hawthorn leaves are shiny and grow in a variety of shapes and sizes.
Hawthorn contains many substances that may benefit the heart. These antioxidant flavonoids, including OPCs, may help dilate blood vessels, improve blood flow, and protect blood vessels from damage.
The berries, leaves, and flowers of the hawthorn plant have been used for medicinal purposes. Most modern preparations use the leaves and flowers, which are believed to contain more flavonoids than the berries.
Benefits of Hawthorn berry
- Loaded with antioxidants
- May have anti-inflammatory properties
- May lower blood pressure
- May reduce blood cholesterol levels
- Used to aid digestion
- May have anti-aging properties
- May reduce anxiety
- Used to treat heart failure
Side effects
Not many side effects have been reported from taking hawthorn berries. Those that exist seem to range from mild to moderate. The most frequent ones people have reported are sweating, headaches, sleepiness, palpitations, mild rash, agitation, and gastrointestinal effects. While these are not life threatening events, be sure to talk with a healthcare professional if you experience any of these symptoms.
