The bright red berry of Hawthorn is not only appetizing to the eyes but is also jam-packed with medicinal benefits.
But that is not all, so stick with the article till the end to unveil all other important benefits of Hawthorn berry.
Table of Contents Show
Overview of Hawthorn Berry
Hawthorn species are the cousins of Rose as they also belong to the Rosaceae family and consist of thorns.
Let’s take a closer look at the table to learn more about the other features of Hawthorns.
| Traits | Identifications |
|---|---|
| Common Names | Hawthorn Berry Tree; Haws |
| Scientific Name | Crataegus species |
| Habit | Shrubs, sub-shrubs or small trees |
| Native Range | Northern Temperate Regions to Central America |
| Fruit | Pome (like Apple & Pear) |
| Total Species | 1,095 |
| Toxicity | Non-Toxic to Humans or Pets |
| USDA Zones | 3 to 8 |
| Flowering Season | April and May |
| Flower Structure | Color: White or Pink With Both Male and Female Parts Petals: Five |
| Fruit Color | Red to Dark-Red (Rarely Yellow) |
| Fruit Texture | On Taste: Variable (Hard, Dry, Powdery to Crispy and Juicy) On Appearance: Shiny and Smooth |
Major Benefits of Hawthorn Berry
Thanks to Hawthorn berry’s multiple benefits, you can utilize them from medicinal use to their application in multiple cuisines.
So, let’s dive into the Hawthorn berry benefits without further ado.
1. Keeps Heart Diseases at Bay
“Hawthorn berries each day, keep cardio diseases away!” This must be assigned as a new tagline for these berries.
The berries have cardiotonic properties because they contain quercetin, a natural substance that reduces the risk of heart disease.
Meanwhile, the drink made from berries is said to be cardiotonic, a great way to compensate for the ailing heart.
2. Source of Antioxidants
Studies reveal that Hawthorns are a great source of natural antioxidant compounds that prevent Cancer cell growth.
Similarly, the previous study also stated that quercetin in Hawthorn berries helps the body fight breast Cancer.
Moreover, these antioxidants help lower the risks of Asthma, type 2 diabetes, and some Cancers.
Likewise, it also reports that the antioxidant effects of Hawthorn berries are also applicable to preventing the proliferation of lung Cancer cells.
Hence, a daily intake of Hawthorn berries can save you from developing Cancers if you want to remain Cancer-free.
3. Hawthorn Berry for Skin Rejuvenation
Chlorogenic acids present in the berries prevent the formation of greasy oils and open the skin pores.
Thus, you can consume Hawthorn berries to fight acne and oil skin problems.
Furthermore, the antioxidant compounds of Hawthorn berries are said to revitalize the skin.
Likewise, their anti-inflammatory properties serve as a natural sunscreen to keep skin safe.
You can also consume berries in any form to get these advantages. But wait, there’s more!
Hawthorn berry extracts can also be used to prevent these skin conditions.
- Premature skin aging (caused due to collagen degradation of skin)
- Wrinkle formation
- Abnormal sebum (oil) levels
- Acne scars (use along with vitamin E)
Furthermore, you can apply the berry extracts directly to the skin.
4. Controlling High Cholesterol and Lipid Levels
A study on the effects of Hawthorn on metabolic syndrome showed that the pectin fibers of Hawthorn could alleviate the levels of lipids.
They can prevent the condition known as Hyperlipidemia.
Furthermore, a good gut prevents you from having irregular bowel movements due to harmful gut bacteria.
So, grab Hawthorn berries instead of greasy foods to enhance your liver and gut health.
5. Anti-microbial Effects of Hawthorn Berry
One of its benefits is the ability of Hawthorn berry extract to inhibit and eradicate microorganisms that spoil food products.
The chemical constituents present in the berries discourage the growth of bacteria and prevent foods from getting bad.
Likewise, berry extracts effectively control harmful fungi (especially Candida albicans).
Thus, Hawthorn berries have anti-microbial properties for effectively deterring harmful growth of microorganisms.
6. Anti-inflammatory Effects of Hawthorn Berry
Hawthorn berry is an excellent remedy for alleviating inflammation-related pain and redness.
Berry extracts have been studied for inflammation caused by itchiness in the knees, elbows, and scalps.
Epicatechin is the type of polyphenol that gives Hawthorn fruits their anti-inflammatory properties.
Hence, regular intake of berries may prevent inflammation caused by many diseases like type-2 diabetes and Asthma.
7. Hawthorn Berry as Anxiety Reliever
Anxiety is a problem caused by a disorder in the Central Nervous System. However, you can use Hawthorn berry extract to lower these problems.
Now you don’t have to get anxious anymore. Just consume the berries and find yourself with relief from an anxious heart.
8. Application of Hawthorn Berry in Animal Therapy
Animal research states that berries help remove bad cholesterol and promote cardioprotective effects.
One teaspoon of these berries mixed in one pound of food for pets can provide the necessary antioxidants.
9. Aesthetic Benefits
Just imagine a Hawthorn bonsai tree with red-colored berries in your living room. Sounds fun, right?
Additionally, Hawthorn bonsai is most attractive during the berry-forming season.
Dark-red fruits with green foliage coherently provide a sense of tranquility to the mind.
Moreover, for Hawthorn bonsai to produce berries, provide them with phosphoric or potassium-rich fertilizer with less nitrogen during the blooming period.
Health Considerations to Hawthorn Berry
Although you can use Hawthorn berries for different purposes, they also have some side effects for humans under certain conditions.
Meanwhile, furry companions are entirely safe from Hawthorn berries and are applicable for treating many pet-related health complexities.
However, it is essential to take preventive care under certain circumstances, like if you are;
- Suffering from low blood pressure-related conditions.
- Taking medications containing digoxin.
- During pregnancy period.
- Under 12 years of age.
Under any unforeseen circumstance, if symptoms due to ingestion or consumption of the berries are visible, do not hesitate to give a call on any one of the numbers.
- The Animal Poison Control Center (ASPCA): (888) 426-4435
- American Association of Poison Control Centers(AAPCC): 800-222-1222
Furthermore, Hawthorn plants consist of thorns. Try to keep your pets away from plants to reduce the risk of injury.
After all, prevention is always better than cure.
How to Use Hawthorn Berry?
Like how it offers various medicinal benefits, there are multiple ways to leverage them.
One way is you can directly consume the berries to get medicinal benefits.
Additionally, you can convert Hawthorn berries into jams, tea, and juices to supplement your regular meals.
Similarly, add flakes of dried Hawthorn berries to the top of your breakfast cereal.
Furthermore, prepare berry tea if you want to be innovative and brag about delicious dishes in front of friends and family.
Recipe for Preparation
You do not want to deny a hot cup of Hawthorn berry tea on a cold morning, do you?
Hence, follow the steps for preparing this quick beverage.
- Take one teaspoon of berries.
- Boil a cup of water and pour over fresh berries.
- Leave the berries for 10 to 15 minutes in hot water.
- Strain the tea to separate the berries.
- Add cinnamon sticks or honey to supplement your berry tea. Enjoy!
Where to Buy Hawthorn Berries?
Fresh berries on top of the kitchen desk are a must for anyone who loves harvested fruits.
Here are some of the online vendors with Hawthorn berries for sale.
| Sites/Shops | Delivery Period |
|---|---|
| Etsy | Within 9 days |
| Amazon | Within 4 to 5 days |
| Starwest Botanicals | Within 1 to 6 days |
| Instacart | Immediately ships |
| Wild Terra Apothecary | Within 1 to 3 days |
Final Thoughts!
Hawthorn berries are one of the few plants offering various calibers of uses in multiple fields. Moreover, pets are usually safe from berries.
But some cases require precautions as studies to understand berries’ interaction with various drugs are still underway.
Hence, due to the vast array of benefits of the fruits, it is not wrong to entitle them to a wonder berry.
