Red Hawthorn Berries Edible – 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
These nutrient-rich berries have a tart flavor and a mild sweetness. Their color ranges from yellow to dark red (
Table of Contents
Red Hawthorn Berries Edible
For hundreds of years people have used the hawthorn berry as an herbal remedy for digestive problems, heart problems and high blood pressure. In fact, the berry has been an important part of traditional Chinese medicine since at least 659 AD (
Hawthorn Berry Brownie Cake W/ Hawthorn Berry Buttercream Frosting
Antioxidants help neutralize unstable molecules called free radicals, which can harm your body when present in high levels.
Free radicals can come from certain foods. They can also be caused by environmental toxins such as air pollution and cigarette smoke (
Due to their antioxidant activity, polyphenols have been linked to numerous health benefits, including a reduced risk of (
Although initial research in animals and cells is promising, more human studies are needed to evaluate the effects of hawthorn berries on disease risk.
How To Get Rid Of Hawthorn Trees [a Thorough Guide]
Summary The hawthorn berry contains plant polyphenols, which have antioxidant properties that have been linked to numerous health benefits.
Research has found that chronic inflammation is linked to many diseases, including type 2 diabetes, asthma, and certain types of cancer (
In a study of mice with liver disease, hawthorn berry extract significantly lowered levels of inflammatory compounds, resulting in a reduction in liver inflammation and injury (
In one study, researchers gave mice with respiratory diseases vitexin — a compound found in hawthorn leaves. This treatment reduced the production of molecules that trigger inflammation and decreased the white blood cell response to inflammation (
Texture, Background. Hawthorn Berries, How, Vnitethorn, Crataegus, A Thorny Shrub Or Tree Of The Rose Family, With White, Pink, Or Red Blossoms And Small Dark Red Fruits (haws). Stock Photo, Picture And
These promising results from animal and test-tube studies suggest the supplement could offer anti-inflammatory benefits in humans. However, more research is needed.
Summary Hawthorn berry extract has demonstrated anti-inflammatory potential in test-tube and animal studies. Nevertheless, research on humans is necessary.
In traditional Chinese medicine, the hawthorn berry is one of the most recommended foods to treat high blood pressure (
Animal studies show that hawthorn can act as a vasodilator, meaning it can relax constricted blood vessels and ultimately lower blood pressure (
Indian Hawthorn Berries Information And Facts
A 10-week study looked at the effects of taking hawthorn extract in 36 people with mildly elevated blood pressure.
The researchers found that those who took 500 mg of the extract daily had reduced diastolic blood pressure — the bottom number on a blood pressure reading (
In a 2006 study, researchers gave 79 people with type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure 1,200 mg of hawthorn extract daily for 16 weeks. The people who took the extract experienced more blood pressure improvements than those in the placebo group (
However, further studies are needed to substantiate these results. It’s also important to note that using an extract is not the same as eating the berries.
Red Berries Crataegus Hawthorn Medicinal Herb Stock Photo 1170969226
Summary Some research suggests that hawthorn berries may lower blood pressure by helping to dilate blood vessels. However, further studies are needed.
Some studies suggest that hawthorn extract may improve blood cholesterol levels thanks to its flavonoid and pectin content. Pectin is a type of fiber involved in cholesterol metabolism (
Imbalanced blood cholesterol levels — particularly high triglycerides and low (good) HDL cholesterol — play a role in atherosclerosis, or plaque buildup in your blood vessels (
If plaque continues to build up, it can completely block a blood vessel, which can lead to a heart attack or stroke.
Spicy & Sweet Hawthorn Ketchup: Reviving A Traditional Recipe
In an animal study, mice that received two doses of hawthorn extract had lower total and LDL (bad) cholesterol and 28-47% lower liver triglyceride levels compared to mice that did not receive the extract (
Similarly, a 6-week study in rats showed that rats fed hawthorn berry supplements had significantly lower fasting triglycerides and LDL (bad) cholesterol (
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 harmful plaque buildup in the carotid artery (
While this research is promising, more human studies are needed to assess the effect of hawthorn extract on blood cholesterol levels.
Snail On Hawthorn Bush Image & Photo (free Trial)
Summary Animal and human research suggests that taking hawthorn extract may help lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels. However, more human research is needed.
For centuries people have used hawthorn berries and extract to treat digestive problems, particularly indigestion and stomach pain (
The 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 essential for maintaining healthy digestion (
An observational study in people with slow digestion found that every extra gram of fiber people consumed was associated with a 30-minute reduction in the time between bowel movements (
Ripe Hawthorn Berries Hi Res Stock Photography And Images
In addition, hawthorn extract was observed in a rat study to drastically reduce the intestinal transit time of food in the digestive system (
In addition, research in rodents suggests that compounds in hawthorn berries may enhance the production and activity of digestive enzymes – enzymes needed to digest foods high in fat and protein (
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 foods high in fat and protein.
Hawthorn berries may help prevent premature skin aging caused by collagen breakdown due to excessive sun or UV light exposure.
Impressive Health Benefits Of Hawthorn Berry
A test-tube study found that a blend of hawthorn and ginseng extract may prevent signs of aging by inhibiting wrinkling and increasing skin hydration (
Research suggests that this effect could be due to the antioxidant content in the hawthorn berry. Still, research in this area is limited and human studies are needed.
Summary Some research suggests that hawthorn berries may help reduce 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 unclear what specific role hawthorn played (
Hawthorn (crataegus Monogyna). Red Haws, Or Hawthorn Berries, On A Branch With Leaves Stock Photo
Hawthorn appears to have few side effects compared to traditional anti-anxiety medications. That’s one of the reasons why scientists continue to explore it as a potential treatment for central nervous system disorders such as anxiety and depression (
However, these studies have used different types of hawthorn products, not necessarily the berry specifically. Further research is required.
If you’re interested in trying a hawthorn supplement to manage your anxiety, don’t stop using your current medications and be sure to discuss it with a doctor beforehand to make sure it’s safe for you.
Summary Scientists are studying hawthorn supplements as a possible treatment for anxiety. However, there is currently not much research on this purpose. More studies are needed on the effects of hawthorn berries on anxiety.
The Red Hawthorn Berries On Thorny Branches Hawthorn (crataegus) On Blurred Background. Edible Fruit Stock Photo
The hawthorn berry is best known for its traditional use in the treatment of heart failure, among other traditional medicines. Heart failure is a condition in which the heart cannot pump blood properly.
Several studies have shown that the hawthorn berry can have positive effects without serious side effects in people with heart failure (
Studies mostly show improvements in heart function and heart failure symptoms — like shortness of breath and fatigue (
However, some evidence suggests that hawthorn may be harmful in certain cases of heart failure. One study found that taking it with conventional treatments increases the risk of heart failure progressing (
Ten Of The Best European Berries To Forage
Summary In some traditional medicine practices, people often take hawthorn berries along with other traditional medicines for heart failure. However, it can be harmful when combined with conventional heart failure medications.
Hawthorn berries can be hard to find at your local grocery store. However, you may be able to find it at farmers markets and health food stores.
Hawthorn berry supplements usually contain the berry along with the leaves and flowers, although some only contain the leaves and flowers.
Different brands and forms of hawthorn supplements have different dosage recommendations. Typical dosages are 250-500 mg three times a day. However, research has yet to determine an optimal effective dose (
Hawthorn: Foraging And Using
Keep in mind that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates dietary supplements like hawthorn under less stringent regulations than over-the-counter or prescription drugs.
Look for products that have received a seal of approval from independent organizations that rate the effectiveness and quality of dietary supplements, such as: B. United States Pharmacopeia (USP), NSF International or ConsumerLab.
Summary You can eat hawthorn berries in many ways or take them as a dietary supplement. However, appropriate doses are not yet defined and more research is needed.
Not many side effects have been reported from taking hawthorn berries. Those that exist seem to range from easy to moderate.
Hawthorn Berries: Nature’s Restaurant: A Complete Wild Food Guide
The most frequently reported symptoms are sweating, headache, drowsiness, palpitations, mild skin rash, restlessness and gastrointestinal problems (
Although these are not life-threatening events, be sure to speak to a doctor if you experience any of these symptoms.
Summary Side effects from eating hawthorn berries are usually mild. These commonly include sweating, headache, drowsiness, palpitations, mild skin rash, restlessness, and gastrointestinal effects.
The use of medicinal herbs as alternative treatments for various diseases is becoming more and more common