Plant Description
Medical Properties
DosageCaution & Interaction
Efficacy Studies
& Other Clinical Data
Helpful Links 
Latin (botanical) name:
Cretaegus Oxycanthus
Common names: Hawthorne Berry, May, Mayblossom, Quick, Thorn, Whitethorn, Haw, Hazels, Gazels, Halves, Hagthorn, Ladies' Meat, Bread and Cheese Tree
Plant Description: Hawthorne is a small, thorny tree or shrub that grows to a height of 30 feet and lives for many years. Native to the Mediterranean region including North Africa and all of Europe and central Asia, Hawthorne can also now be found in many areas of North America. Each blossom possesses a single seed-vessel which produces brilliant red clusters of berries. These berries are rich in flavonoids and proanthocyanidins. The trunk, branches, and stems are very hard wood, and the bark, which is white, contains the alkaloid Crataegin, isolated in greyish-white crystals, and bitter to the taste. Formerly, the timber and root wood was used for making small articles such as combs and boxes. The wood has a fine grain and takes a beautiful polish.
Interesting Historical Notes: According to Christian legend, the Crown of Thorns was believed to be made of Hawthorne. Because of this, the herb was thought to possess miraculous healing properties. In ancient Greece, Hawthorne was a symbol of hope and happiness, while in Rome, it was considered a potent charm.
Medicinal Properties &Uses: Hawthorne is quickly becoming well known for its effects on the cardiovascular system, specifically the heart. Hawthorne has three major effects on the heart. First, it improves coronary circulation. The flavonoids and proanthocyanidins in the Hawthorne Berry are powerful antioxidants that exert a beneficial effect on blood vessels. It helps to increase the cardiac output of blood volume and increase the efficiency of the heart. This helps improve the oxygen flow to the heart muscle itself (hypoxaemia) and helps alleviate the pain associated with angina. Second, the heart muscle is strengthened. Hawthorne Berry is very effective in the treatment of patients with congestive heart failure. It also helps decrease high blood pressure by making the heart more efficient at pumping blood. Third, studies have shown that Hawthorne can normalize cardiac arrhythmias. It is especially effective in studies that involved arrhythmic tachycardia and paroxysmal tachycardia. Additionally, since Hawthorne Berry is known to have a relaxing effect on the cardiovascular system and reducing blood pressure, it is a helpful treatment for patients who suffer from hypertension.
Dosage: 10-30 drops in water or juice, 2-3 times daily or as needed. Shake well before using.
Cautions & Interactions: Keep out of reach of children.
Efficacy Studies & Other Clinical Data: Helpful Links:
Disclaimer (U.S. Only): These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. These products are not intended to diagnose, cure, treat, or prevent any disease.
Common names: Hawthorne Berry, May, Mayblossom, Quick, Thorn, Whitethorn, Haw, Hazels, Gazels, Halves, Hagthorn, Ladies' Meat, Bread and Cheese Tree
Plant Description: Hawthorne is a small, thorny tree or shrub that grows to a height of 30 feet and lives for many years. Native to the Mediterranean region including North Africa and all of Europe and central Asia, Hawthorne can also now be found in many areas of North America. Each blossom possesses a single seed-vessel which produces brilliant red clusters of berries. These berries are rich in flavonoids and proanthocyanidins. The trunk, branches, and stems are very hard wood, and the bark, which is white, contains the alkaloid Crataegin, isolated in greyish-white crystals, and bitter to the taste. Formerly, the timber and root wood was used for making small articles such as combs and boxes. The wood has a fine grain and takes a beautiful polish.
Interesting Historical Notes: According to Christian legend, the Crown of Thorns was believed to be made of Hawthorne. Because of this, the herb was thought to possess miraculous healing properties. In ancient Greece, Hawthorne was a symbol of hope and happiness, while in Rome, it was considered a potent charm.
Medicinal Properties &Uses: Hawthorne is quickly becoming well known for its effects on the cardiovascular system, specifically the heart. Hawthorne has three major effects on the heart. First, it improves coronary circulation. The flavonoids and proanthocyanidins in the Hawthorne Berry are powerful antioxidants that exert a beneficial effect on blood vessels. It helps to increase the cardiac output of blood volume and increase the efficiency of the heart. This helps improve the oxygen flow to the heart muscle itself (hypoxaemia) and helps alleviate the pain associated with angina. Second, the heart muscle is strengthened. Hawthorne Berry is very effective in the treatment of patients with congestive heart failure. It also helps decrease high blood pressure by making the heart more efficient at pumping blood. Third, studies have shown that Hawthorne can normalize cardiac arrhythmias. It is especially effective in studies that involved arrhythmic tachycardia and paroxysmal tachycardia. Additionally, since Hawthorne Berry is known to have a relaxing effect on the cardiovascular system and reducing blood pressure, it is a helpful treatment for patients who suffer from hypertension.
Dosage: 10-30 drops in water or juice, 2-3 times daily or as needed. Shake well before using.
Cautions & Interactions: Keep out of reach of children.
Efficacy Studies & Other Clinical Data: Helpful Links:
Disclaimer (U.S. Only): These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. These products are not intended to diagnose, cure, treat, or prevent any disease.
