Black Hawthorn Berries – English hawthorn is a deciduous small tree or large shrub belonging to the Rosaceae (rose) family. While it was introduced to North America in the 1800s, it has only recently become a problem on the West Coast. Hawthorn branches have many stout spines, and the bark is smooth, pale and gray. Its leaves are alternate, leathery and deeply lobed. The flowers grow in clusters of 10-20, are white with a hint of pink, and have 5 petals. The plant also has clusters of single-seeded red berries. The seeds are widely dispersed by birds.
English hawthorn resembles the native black hawthorn. The leaves of the black hawthorn are only weakly lobed, and its fruits are black rather than bright red.
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Black Hawthorn Berries
English hawthorn grows in many soil types, but seems to prefer moist, disturbed sites. In its native range, it often grows as a forest understory. Here in Oregon, it can be found growing in riparian areas, grasslands, forests, woodlands, and abandoned fields. Once established, it can survive moderate drought
Hawthorn Tree Care
English hawthorn can grow in a thorny thicket that suppresses native vegetation and makes it difficult for wildlife to move around. It also hybridizes with native hawthorn, which can reduce the native hawthorn population and create a weedier, more competitive variety. Birds may prefer your berries over those of native berry plants, which can reduce regeneration of native plants. By Ariane Lang, BSc, MBA and SaVanna Shoemaker, MS, RDN, LD – Medical Review Kathy W. Warwick, R.D., CDE, Nutrition – Updated December 13, 2021
These nutrient-rich berries have a tart, tangy flavor and mild sweetness. Their color ranges from yellow to dark red.
For hundreds of years, people have used hawthorn as a medicinal herb for digestive problems, heart problems, and high blood pressure. In fact, the berry has been a key part of traditional Chinese medicine since at least 659 AD.
Antioxidants help neutralize unstable molecules called free radicals, which can damage the body in large quantities.
Essential Health Benefits Of Hawthorn Berry
Free radicals can come from certain foods. Their levels may also be higher due to exposure to environmental toxins such as air pollution and cigarette smoke (
Polyphenols have many health benefits due to their antioxidant effects, including a lower risk (
Although initial research in animals and cells is promising, more human studies are needed to assess the effects of hawthorn berries on disease risk.
Summary Hawthorn berries contain plant polyphenols, which have antioxidant properties that provide many health benefits.
Crataegus Douglasii (black Hawthorn) Berries
Research has shown that chronic inflammation is linked to many diseases, including type 2 diabetes, asthma, and certain cancers.
In a study on mice with liver disease, hawthorn berry extract significantly reduced levels of inflammatory compounds, which reduced liver inflammation and liver damage (
In one study, researchers gave vitexin, a compound found in hawthorn leaves, to mice with breathing problems. This treatment reduced the production of inflammatory molecules and reduced the inflammatory response of white blood cells (
These promising results from animal and test-tube studies suggest that the supplement may have anti-inflammatory benefits in humans. However, further research is needed.
Hawthorn Berry Vectors & Illustrations For Free Download
Summary Hawthorn berry extract has shown anti-inflammatory effects in test-tube and animal experiments. Still, human research is needed.
In traditional Chinese medicine, hawthorn berries are one of the most commonly recommended foods for the treatment of high blood pressure (
Animal studies show that hawthorn acts as a vasodilator, meaning it relaxes narrowed blood vessels, ultimately lowering blood pressure (
A 10-week study looked at the effects of taking hawthorn extract in 36 people with mildly elevated blood pressure.
Are Hawthorn Berries Edible?
The researchers found that those who took 500 mg of the extract per day showed a decrease in diastolic blood pressure, the bottom line of blood pressure.
In a 2006 study, researchers gave 79 people with type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure 1,200 mg of hawthorn extract every day for 16 weeks. People taking the extract improved their blood pressure more than the placebo group (
However, further 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 lower blood pressure by helping to dilate blood vessels. However, further studies are needed.
Fresh Berries Of Black Hawthorn In The Black Bowl On The Old Wooden Table Closeup. Top View Stock Photo, Picture And Royalty Free Image. Image 64388282
Some studies show that hawthorn extract can improve blood cholesterol levels thanks to its flavonoid and pectin content. Pectin is a type of fiber that is involved in cholesterol metabolism (
Unbalanced blood cholesterol levels—especially high triglycerides and low HDL (good) cholesterol—play a role in atherosclerosis, or the buildup of plaque in the 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, mice that received two doses of hawthorn extract had lower total and LDL (bad) cholesterol levels and 28-47% lower liver triglyceride levels compared to mice that did not receive the extract (
Hand Drawn Ink Illustration Of Hawthorn Berries Stock Vector
Similarly, a study in 6-week-old rats showed that when the rats were fed a hawthorn berry supplement, fasting triglycerides and LDL (bad) cholesterol levels were significantly reduced.
Finally, a 6-month study of 64 people with atherosclerosis found that taking hawthorn extract at a dose of 2.3 mg/kg (5 mg/kg) significantly reduced the thickness of harmful plaques in carotid arteries.
Although this research is promising, further human studies are needed to assess the effects of hawthorn extract on blood cholesterol.
Summary Animal and human research suggests that consumption of hawthorn extract may lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels. However, more human research is needed.
Hawthorn Berries: Identify, Harvest, And Make An Extract |
For centuries, people have used the berries and extract of hawthorn to treat digestive problems, especially indigestion and stomach pain.
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 the growth of healthy gut bacteria, which are vital to maintaining healthy digestion (
An observational study of people with slow digestion found that every additional gram of dietary fiber people ate was associated with a 30-minute reduction in the time between bowel movements.
Additionally, a study in rats observed that hawthorn extract dramatically reduced the transit time of food through the gut.
Hawthorn — Wild Foods And Medicines
In addition, research in rodents suggests that compounds in hawthorn berries may increase the production and activity of digestive enzymes—namely, enzymes needed to digest 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 breakdown caused by excessive sun exposure or ultraviolet light.
A test-tube study found that a mixture of hawthorn and ginseng extract can prevent the signs of aging by inhibiting the formation of wrinkles and increasing the skin’s moisture content (
Fruit Of Black Hawthorn, MÁt̸Ŧen IlĆ [senĆoŦen], Crataegus Douglasii, A Week After The Peak Of Sweetness
According to research, this effect is 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 reduce the signs of aging due to their antioxidant content.
In an older 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 not clear what specific role hawthorn played (
Hawthorn has few side effects compared to traditional anti-anxiety medications. This is one reason scientists continue to research it as a potential treatment for central nervous system disorders such as anxiety and depression.
The History, Mythology, And Offerings Of Hawthorn
However, these studies used different types of hawthorn products, not necessarily the berry specifically. More research is needed.
If you want to try a hawthorn supplement for anxiety, don’t stop taking your current medications and be sure to talk to 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 studies are needed on the effects of hawthorn on anxiety.
Hawthorn is best known in the traditional context of treating heart failure, alongside other traditional medicines. Heart failure is a condition in which the heart cannot pump blood properly.
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Several studies have suggested that hawthorn berries may have beneficial effects without serious adverse effects in people with heart failure.
Studies mostly show improvements in heart function and symptoms of heart failure – such as shortness of breath and fatigue.
However, some evidence suggests that hawthorn may be harmful in certain types of heart failure. One study showed that taking it along with conventional treatments increases the risk of heart failure progression.
Summary In some traditional medicine practices, people usually take hawthorn along with other traditional medicines to treat heart failure. However, it can be harmful when combined with traditional heart failure medications.
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Hawthorn berries are hard to find in your local grocery store. However, you may find it