Hawthorn berries are the small, red fruits, or “haws,” that grow on shrubs and trees belonging to the Crataegus genus. These deciduous plants are found globally, with hundreds of species distributed across Europe, North America, and Asia. Historically, the berries, leaves, and flowers have been used for centuries in traditional health practices, particularly in Europe and China, associated with supporting the circulatory system. Their high concentration of beneficial compounds, such as flavonoids and antioxidants, contributes to their traditional use.
Identifying Hawthorn and Its Natural Habitat
Hawthorn trees and shrubs are adaptable plants that thrive in a variety of environments, making them a common sight in many temperate regions. They are typically found growing in open woodlands, along the edges of fields, and most notably, as dense, thorny hedges in rural landscapes. Hawthorns prefer full sun or light shade and can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including thin or rocky ground, which contributes to their widespread presence.
Identifying the plant involves looking for several distinct features, regardless of the specific Crataegus species. The branches are often twisted and bear sharp thorns, which is one reason they have been used for centuries to create livestock barriers. The leaves are small, typically 2 to 6 centimeters long, and are deeply lobed with toothed edges, sometimes described as looking like a tiny hand or mitten.
In spring, the hawthorn is easily recognizable by its clusters of white or occasionally pink flowers, which usually bloom around May. These flowers give way to the berries, which ripen in the late summer or autumn. The haws are small, crimson-red fruits, about 0.5 to 1.5 centimeters in diameter, featuring a tiny five-pointed star shape at the base, a remnant of the flower.
When foraging, positive identification is necessary before consumption to avoid potentially harmful look-alikes. While all hawthorn species are considered edible, the plant can be confused with others, such as Blackthorn. The berries fruit most prolifically in sunny spots, and they are ripe when they are deep red and slightly soft to the touch.
Commercial Sources for Hawthorn Berries
For those who prefer not to forage, hawthorn berries are widely available through commercial retailers in several convenient forms. Health food stores and specialty tea shops often stock dried hawthorn berries, which are suitable for making herbal teas and infusions. The dried berries may also be used in cooking for jams, jellies, or even savory sauces like ketchup, due to their mild, slightly tart flavor.
Online supplement retailers and dedicated herbalists provide the most diverse range of hawthorn products. These sources typically offer more concentrated forms, such as liquid extracts, tinctures, and standardized capsules or tablets. Standardized extracts are processed to contain a specific amount of active compounds, such as flavonoids or oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs), which are the components believed to provide the most benefit.
When purchasing commercial products, look for brands that specify third-party testing to ensure quality and purity. Independent testing provides assurance about the ingredients, as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not approve dietary supplements before they are sold. Additionally, seeking organically sourced products can minimize exposure to pesticides and other contaminants.
Safe Preparation and Usage Guidelines
Hawthorn berries can be prepared for consumption in various ways, from simple teas to concentrated extracts. To make a simple infusion, steep one to two teaspoons of dried hawthorn berries or a mixture of the leaves and flowers in hot water for about 10 to 15 minutes, consuming this up to three times per day. For liquid extracts or tinctures, common suggested dosages often range from 0.5 to 2 milliliters, taken orally two to three times daily.
A general recommended starting dosage for standardized hawthorn extract is between 160 milligrams and 900 milligrams per day, typically divided into multiple doses. However, hawthorn may interact with many prescription medications, especially those used to treat heart conditions, such as digoxin or beta-blockers. These interactions could potentially enhance the effects of the drugs, leading to unintended side effects like a drop in blood pressure.
Any person taking heart medication or any prescription drug should consult a healthcare professional before starting hawthorn. Individuals who are pregnant or nursing should also avoid using hawthorn. Hawthorn is generally well-tolerated, but common side effects can include mild dizziness, nausea, or digestive upset.