What Do Hawthorn Berries Do?

Description

• The hawthorn is is a thorny shrub that is part of the rose family and is commonly found on hillsides and in sunny wooded areas. The hawthorn berry tree can grow up to 5 feet tall. The small berries that sprout from the hawthorn shrub are known as haw. They often grow in small pink, red or white clusters. Hawthorn leaves are shiny and can be a variety of sizes and shapes.

Function

• The hawthorn berry and the leaves of the hawthorn plant have an anti-inflammatory as well as an antioxidant, antispasmodic and astringent properties. The hawthorn berry can also act as a cardiac tonic, digestive aid, diuretic, hypertensive, hypotensive and sedative agent.

Antioxidant Flavonoids

• The most popular component of the hawthorn berry are the antioxidant flavonoids that benefit heart health. The antioxidant flavonoids help to dilate blood vessels, protect blood vessels from damage and help to increase blood flow. Hawthorn berries should not be used in the treatment of heart conditions without the supervision of your doctor.

Heart Health

• The cardiotonic component of hawthorn berries is used in modern medicine in order to treat a wide variety of heart conditions. These conditions include irregular heartbeat, chest pain, high blood pressure, congestive heart failure and hardening of arteries. The hawthorn berry can be used to remove inflammation in and strengthen the heart and vascular system. This berry can also help to eliminate lipid deposits, which can improve circulation.

Other Uses

• The hawthorn berry can also be used to treat inflammation in all portions of the body. It can be helpful in the treatment of insomnia, hemorrhoids and in the regeneration of varicose and spider veins.