Berries That Look Like Hawthorn – Here is a beautiful fruit that appears in Lebanon around August; in North America there are apparently more than 800 varieties of this tree (aubépine in French) but I have never seen anyone eat the fruit! The hawthorn tree produces beautiful white flowers around May; a few months later they turn into beautiful reddish berries. This tree can live over 400 years.
It is an excellent medicine for the treatment of heart problems such as high blood pressure, palpitations, angina, anxiety and poor circulation in the legs. It has been used in herbal medicine for thousands of years.
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Berries That Look Like Hawthorn
Besides being eaten as it is, it is also dried in the sun and drunk as tea with other herbs in winter. It’s also made into jam in the fall, before the birds eat it all!
Why Birds Can Eat Hawthorns
I am Joumana Accad and was born and raised in Beirut. I finished high school in France and moved to the US in 1979. I am a mother of two grown children and a former school teacher, pastry chef, caterer and translator. Taste of Beirut started as a blog in 2009 and its main purpose is to share my beloved Lebanese heritage with the world through recipes, anecdotes and cultural tidbits. Written by Ariane Lang, BSc, MBA and SaVanna Shoemaker, MS, RDN, LD — Medically reviewed by Kathy W. Warwick, R.D., CDE, Nutrition — Updated December 13, 2021
This nutrient-rich berry has a tart, tangy flavor and a mild sweetness. They range in color from yellow to dark red (
For hundreds of years, people have used hawthorn berries as an herbal remedy for digestive problems, heart problems, and high blood pressure. In fact, berries have been an important part of traditional Chinese medicine since at least 659 A.D. (
Antioxidants help neutralize unstable molecules called free radicals that can harm your body when they are at high levels.
Identifying Hawthorn And Blackthorn
Free radicals can come from certain foods. You can also have higher levels of it due to exposure to environmental toxins such as air pollution and cigarette smoke (
Polyphenols are associated with various health benefits due to their antioxidant activity, including a lower risk of (
Although preliminary research in animals and cells is promising, more human studies are needed to evaluate the effects of hawthorn berries on disease risk.
Summary Hawthorn berries contain plant polyphenols, which have antioxidant properties that have been linked to various health benefits.
How Fast Does A Hawthorn Grow?
Research has found that chronic inflammation is linked to many diseases, including type 2 diabetes, asthma, and certain cancers (
In a study in mice with liver disease, hawthorn berry extract significantly lowered levels of inflammatory compounds, leading to reduced inflammation and liver injury (
In one study, researchers gave vitexin – a compound found in hawthorn leaves – to mice with respiratory conditions. This treatment reduces the production of molecules that trigger inflammation and reduces the response of white blood cells to inflammation (
These promising results from animal and test-tube studies suggest the supplement may offer anti-inflammatory benefits for humans. However, more studies are needed.
Crataegus Yellow Berries With Green Leaves In Romania Stock Image
Summary Hawthorn berry extract has shown anti-inflammatory potential in test tube and animal studies. However, human studies are still needed.
In traditional Chinese medicine, hawthorn berries are one of the most commonly recommended foods to help treat high blood pressure (
Animal studies show that hawthorn can act as a vasodilator, meaning it can relax blocked blood vessels, ultimately lowering blood pressure (
A 10-week study looked at the effects of taking hawthorn extract in 36 people with slightly elevated blood pressure.
Hawthorn Berries Crataegus Pinnatifida Organic Dried Fruit
The researchers found that those who took 500 mg of the extract daily had reduced diastolic blood pressure – the bottom number of the blood pressure reading (
In a 2006 study, researchers gave 1,200 mg of hawthorn extract to 79 people with type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure daily for 16 weeks. People who took the extract experienced more increases in blood pressure than those in the placebo group (
However, more studies are needed to support these findings. It is also important to note that using the extract is not the same as eating the berries.
Summary Some research suggests that hawthorn berries may reduce blood pressure by helping to expand blood vessels. However, further studies are needed.
Top 10 Trees And Shrubs With Berries For Birds
Some studies show that hawthorn extract can improve blood cholesterol levels thanks to its flavonoid and pectin content. Pectin is a type of fiber involved in cholesterol metabolism (
Imbalanced levels of blood cholesterol — particularly high triglycerides and low HDL (good) cholesterol — play a role in atherosclerosis, or the buildup of plaque in your blood vessels (
If plaque continues to build up, it can completely block a blood vessel, leading to a heart attack or stroke.
In one animal study, rats that received two doses of hawthorn extract had lower total and LDL (bad) cholesterol, as well as 28-47% lower liver triglyceride levels, compared to rats that did not receive the extract (
Wreath Of Hawthorn Berries, Ling And …
Similarly, a 6-week study in mice showed that when mice were given hawthorn berry supplements, they had significantly reduced fasting triglyceride and LDL (bad) cholesterol levels (
Finally, a 6-month study of 64 people with atherosclerosis found that taking hawthorn extract at a dose of 2.3 mg per pound (5 mg per kg) of body weight significantly reduced the thickness of dangerous plaque formation in the carotid arteries (
Although this research is promising, more human studies are needed to evaluate the effects of hawthorn extract on blood cholesterol.
Summary Research in animals and humans shows that taking hawthorn extract can help lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels. However, more human research is needed.
Hawthorn Tree With Red Berries Shaped Like Cherry On Green Background And Leaves Stock Photo
People have used hawthorn berries and extracts for centuries to treat digestive problems, especially indigestion and stomach aches (
Berries contain fiber, which has been shown to aid digestion by reducing constipation and acting as a prebiotic. Prebiotics are foods that nourish and promote healthy gut bacteria, which are important for maintaining healthy digestion (
An observational study in people with slow digestion found that every additional gram of dietary fiber people consumed was associated with a 30-minute reduction in the time between bowel movements (
Additionally, a rat study found that hawthorn extract dramatically reduced the intestinal transit time of food in the digestive system (
With A Friend Like Hawthorn
Furthermore, research in rats shows that compounds in hawthorn berries can increase the production and activity of digestive enzymes – those needed for the digestion of fatty and protein-rich foods (
Summary People have used hawthorn berries as a digestive aid for centuries. It can help relieve constipation and increase the production of enzymes needed to digest fatty and protein-rich foods.
Hawthorn berries can help prevent premature skin aging caused by collagen degradation due to excessive sun exposure or ultraviolet light.
A test-tube study found that a mixture of hawthorn and ginseng extracts can prevent signs of aging by preventing the formation of wrinkles and increasing skin moisture (
A Complete Guide To Washington Hawthorn Trees
Research suggests that this effect may be due to the antioxidant content of hawthorn berries. However, research in this area is limited, and human studies are needed.
Summary Some research suggests that hawthorn berries may help reduce the signs of aging due to their antioxidant content.
In a longer study of 264 people with anxiety, a combination of hawthorn extract, magnesium, and California poppy significantly reduced anxiety levels compared to a placebo. However, it is unclear what specific role hawthorn plays (
Hawthorn appears to have fewer side effects than traditional anti-anxiety medications. That’s one reason scientists continue to research it as a potential treatment for central nervous system disorders such as anxiety and depression (
Hawthorn, May, Maythorn, Whitethorn, Crataegus Monogyna/laevigata
However, these studies have used a variety of hawthorn products, not necessarily the berry specifically. More studies are needed.
If you want to try hawthorn supplements to manage your anxiety, don’t stop using your current medication, and be sure to discuss it with a healthcare professional first to make sure it’s safe for you.
Summary Scientists are investigating hawthorn supplements as a potential treatment for anxiety. However, there is currently not much research on them for this purpose. More research on the effects of hawthorn berries on anxiety is needed.
Hawthorn berries are well known for their use in a traditional context in treating heart failure, along with other traditional medicines. Heart failure is a condition in which the heart cannot pump blood properly.
Detail Of Common Hawthorn, Full Of Ripe Red Berries In Autumn Stock Image
Various studies have suggested that hawthorn berries may have beneficial effects without severe adverse effects in people with heart failure (
Most studies show improvements in heart function and symptoms of heart failure — such as shortness of breath and fatigue (
However, some evidence has suggested that hawthorn may be harmful in certain cases of heart failure. One study found that taking it along with conventional treatment increased the risk of developing heart failure (
Summary In some traditional medical practices, people usually take hawthorn berries along with other traditional remedies for heart failure. However, it may be dangerous when combined with conventional drugs for heart failure.
Watercolor Illustration Of Hawthorn Red Berries And Green Leaves On Branches. Botanical Art. Hand Drawn Clipart Stock Photo
Hawthorn berries may be difficult to find in your local grocery store. However, you may be able to find it at farmers markets and specialty health food stores.
Hawthorn berry supplements usually contain berries along with