Hawthorn berries are a red-pink color. They are sweet and tart and measure just about the same size as a crabapple. They have a pit in the much like a plum or peach however so you cannot just bite into one. Traditionally they are used in candies and beverages in Asian cultures, but western cultures often eat them raw or in the form of preserves. They have been used for years as a part of traditional medicine because of their many health benefits. Keep reading to find out all the health benefits of ingesting hawthorn berries on a regular basis.

Helps Treat Angina

One of the largest benefits of consuming hawthorn berry on a regular basis is its ability to strengthen your cardiovascular system. The berries can help treat many different health conditions, one of which is angina. Angina is the technical term for chest pains, which can be indicative of a heart attack or can be a painful health condition that occurs on its own. Those who suffer from angina that cannot be treated often have to deal with the painful spasms, but hawthorn berries have been linked to a reduction of chest pains making it an option to explore.

Stabilizes Blood Pressure

Hawthorn berries also help support the cardiovascular system by helping to stabilize your blood pressure. Hawthorn berries are a unique food because they do not actually raise or lower your blood pressure. Instead, if your blood pressure is too low or too high when you ingest them, a compound found in the berry will actually help your cardiovascular system stabilize your blood pressure until it is at a healthy level. Thus, it can be a great additive for hypertension and hypotension patients.

Overall Improvement in Heart Health

Both traditional and modern medicine has praised the hawthorn berry because of how positively it can impact your heart. Not only can it help stabilize blood pressure and help treat angina, but it also increases your overall stamina, can help reduce shortness of breath, and helps to eliminate fatigue in the body. Its long list of catechins, antioxidants, and organic compounds are effectively able to fight against free radicals and preserve your overall heart health.

Reduces Anxiety

While some people debate the merits of hawthorn when it comes to psychological health, there are some case studies and anecdotal evidence that suggests the berry may be able to help treat anxiety stress and depression. Traditional medicine doctors often prescribe the berry to those who suffer the loss of a family member or a broken heart because it is said to help improve a person’s overall mood. Due to its unique enzyme makeup, it is proposed that it can impact hormone levels which may be responsible for helping to level off a person’s mood.

Digestive Aid

Hawthorn berries have been used for centuries by Asian cultures as a digestive aid, and for a good reason. The fiber in hawthorn berries helps to streamline the digestive process while the organic compounds that make up the berry interact with the gut flora to help the body get more nutrients out of ingested food. Regular consumption of hawthorn berries links with the reduction of many common digestive issues including cramping, bloating, ulcers, constipation, colon cancer, and more.

Strengthens Your Immune System

While the antioxidants in hawthorn berries are eliminating free radicals and other dangerous toxins from your body, there are many more benefits going on behind the scenes. One of these benefits is a strong immune system as the high levels of vitamin C in hawthorn berries can boost the activity of the white blood cells. White blood cells are responsible for fighting off infection and disease, so any compound that strengthens them is a friend to your body.

Gives You an Energy Boost

If you find yourself tired at the end of the day or waking up tired it may be time to try a natural energy booster. Hawthorn berries can offer you a great burst of energy. The best part is that is sustainable and will not lead to a crash later in the day. Regular consumption of hawthorn berries will expand your coronary blood vessels. This allows your body to circulate a larger amount of blood through the body. This allows all parts of your body to get high levels of oxygenation which in turn improves your energy levels, helps strengthen your cognitive skills, and even boosts your metabolism.

Reduces High Cholesterol

Studies on animals found that extract from the hawthorn berry may be a natural remedy to help reduce high cholesterol. This is likely because hawthorn berries have a lot of organic compounds and antioxidants that help to remove free radicals that can form plaque from the body. To receive this benefit, you would need to consume hawthorn berry extract or the berries themselves on a regular basis.

Help Treat and Prevent Intestinal Infections

Hawthorn berries help improve your immune system and aid your digestive system. Therefore it is only logical that they help eliminate intestinal infections. The berry helps strengthen your natural gut flora which in turn can fight off invaders much more effectively. There is some proof that ingestion of hawthorn berries may even be able to treat things like tapeworms.

Treat Skin Conditions

When used as an exterior paste, hawthorn berries can also treat some common skin maladies. This includes boils, ulcers, and sores. Usually, people grind the berry and apply it straight to the affected skin. Traditional medicine doctors also use hawthorn berries to treat itching, sores, and even frostbite. There is also some evidence that its anti-inflammatory compounds are useful for treating acne, psoriasis, and eczema.