All parts of the hawthorn tree (leaves, flowers, berries) have been used for centuries to support cardiovascular health, emotional well-being and to aid digestive system upset. Heart health is perhaps the most well-known use of hawthorn, as it has been shown to lower blood pressure
through vasodilation (relaxing of the blood vessels) which also eases blood flow and reduces concerns for blod clots. Vasodilation from hawthorn has also been shown to reduce syptoms of angina by increasing blood flow to the heart. However, this also means that you should exercise caution when taking hawthorn with beta-blockers or calcium channel blockers (CCBs) because the hawthorn can increase the effect of these medications.
Outside of heart benefits, Hawthorn is also known as a digestive aid by stimulating bile secretions to help clean out stagnant food in the GI tract and improve digestion and absorption of certain nutrients. Indigenous groups in North America and Europe have used hawthorn berries for stomach upset and heart conditions for many centuries and Celtic traditions believed Hawthorn trees were home to faery folk so they often planted hawthorn trees to protect their family and home.
Hawthorn is a genus of the Rosaceae family with many subspecies native to northern and eastern portions of North America, Europe, Asia, and North Africa. It is a hardy tree ability to withstand most growing conditions although it does not like boggy, water-logged soil. The brilliant white flowers bloom in May and the deep red fruits last throughout winter (or as long as the birds will let them!). Be careful when harvesting, however, because the long thorns on the branches can prick you.
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