Herb Notes: The Benefits of Hawthorn

Let’s get to the heart of the matter, shall we? When it comes to hawthorn, the first thing herbalists tend to think about is the organ that pumps blood throughout our bodies: the heart. And while hawthorn can be a wonderful herbal ally for the heart, there’s so much more to know about hawthorn’s benefits beyond its affinity for the cardiovascular system.

Want to learn more about the many gifts of hawthorn?

Let’s dive into three key health benefits of hawthorn…

1. Hawthorn for Heart Health

Hawthorn leaf, hawthorn flower, and hawthorn berry can all support heart health. The hawthorn plant can help support healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Presumably one of the reasons that hawthorn can be so supportive for the heart is that it is rich in flavonoids that can help protect the cardiovascular system.

As Rosalee de la Forêt notes in her Hawthorn Plant Profile on HerbMentor, “Much of the heart disease in the western world is related to chronic inflammation and regularly enjoying herbs and foods high in these flavonoids can protect the heart from oxidative stress.” ¹

When thinking about hawthorn for heart health, it’s also important to note the following contraindications:

• People taking heart medications, such as digitalis and beta blockers should consult with an experienced practitioner before taking hawthorn
• Hawthorn should not be used with people who have diastolic congestive heart failure.

2. Hawthorn for the Nervous System

Just as hawthorn can support physical heart health, hawthorn can also support emotional heart health. When I have experienced heartbreak or grief, I reach for hawthorn to help soothe my nervous system. One of my favorite remedies for heartbreak is a jam with the hawthorn fruit. I find this tasty jam of hawthorn fruit to be nourishing, grounding, and uplifting.

3. Hawthorn for Stagnant Digestion

In addition to supporting heart health, hawthorn can also help ease stagnant digestion. As Rosalee de la Forêt notes, “In Chinese Medicine the traditional indication for hawthorn berries was for indigestion caused by food stagnation especially in relation to too much greasy foods and meats.” ²

It’s also important to note that large amounts of the leaf and flower can cause upset stomach in some people.

A few frequently asked questions about hawthorn…

Does hawthorn reduce inflammation?

Hawthorn can have an anti-inflammatory effect in the body, but this does not necessarily mean that hawthorn will reduce inflammation for every body.

What preparation of hawthorn should I make?

There are so many different types of hawthorn extracts and hawthorn treats you can make! Some of my favorite hawthorn berry extracts include hawthorn berry tincture, hawthorn berry tea, and hawthorn berry glycerite. I also love to make a hawthorn berry jam and a hawthorn shrub to enjoy as a mixer. With the leaf and flower of hawthorn I like to make hawthorn extracts like tea, tinctures, and shrubs.

Where does the hawthorn plant grow?

 The hawthorn plant is widely distributed throughout the world. Hawthorn is native to Europe, Asia, and parts of Africa.

Written by Tara Ruth

Tara Ruth is an herbalist and the Communications Director at LearningHerbs. She graduated from the California School of Herbal Studies’ Community Herbalist Program and is a total herb nerd. Tara is passionate about teaching folks how to become confident home herbalists. In her free time, you can find Tara hiking in the forest and waving to all the plants along the way.