Hawthorn berries grow on trees and shrubs native to Europe, North America and Asia. They belong to the Crataegus genus and are nutrient-rich. They have been used medicinally for centuries to alleviate digestive problems, heart failure and to reduce blood pressure.
If you’re looking for a hawthorn berry supplement, Health's Harmony Hawthorn Berry 4:1 Extract is a nutrient-rich capsule with 665 milligrams of hawthorn berry per serving.
First used in traditional Chinese medicine, hawthorn berries are an herbal remedy with a range of health benefits. Its leaves and fruit are used medicinally and are high in antioxidants and potential anti-inflammatory properties. They range from yellow to deep red to black and have a tart, mildly sweet taste. They grow on shrubs and small trees and are in the rose family. They became popular as a medicinal aid in Europe and North America in the late 1800s to treat digestive issues, high blood pressure, heart failure and digestive issues.
The botanical name is Crataegus oxyacantha. Other names include English hawthorn, whitethorn, mayblossom, maybush and Mayflower.
Hawthorn berries have been used medicinally for over a thousand years, but their exact benefits require further research for full verification.
Hawthorn berry supplements are easy to add to your diet. Hawthorn berry supplements typically include the berry, its leaves and the plant’s flowers. The berry has the most concentrated amount of antioxidants. They are difficult to find in their raw form, but capsules and tinctures are readily available online or in your health food store. You can mix the liquid extract, powder or tincture into your favorite juice, smoothie or shake. You can also consume hawthorn berry tea using its dried leaves or buying specially made tea.
Hawthorn comes in capsules, dried leaves or flowers, liquid tinctures and extracts. If you have difficulty swallowing pills, consider another form of hawthorn berry supplement. Tinctures and extracts are easy to mix with your favorite juice, tea, smoothie or shake. Hawthorn berry may also be in juices, jams and other food products.
The most common hawthorn berry supplement dose is daily between 250 and 500 milligrams. Some studies suggest that the minimum dosage for effectiveness is 300 milligrams. It’s important to note that the Food and Drug Administration does not regulate herbal supplements. Consult with your doctor before taking hawthorn berry supplements to ensure that they are safe for use.
Capsules are often made with gelatin, an animal by-product. If you are vegetarian or vegan, look at the ingredient list to ensure no gelatin was used.
Hawthorn berry supplements are generally considered safe to consume. Mild side effects may include nausea and dizziness. If you take prescribed medications for heart health, blood pressure or cholesterol, consult with your doctor before taking hawthorn berry supplements. It’s important to note that hawthorn berry supplements will not stop an angina attack.
Hawthorn berry supplements range in price from $9-$15 depending on form and quality.
A. Yes. The leaves, fruit and flowers are all edible.
A. Hawthorn berries may have a mild sedative effect. It relaxes the nervous system and promotes an overall calm.
A. If you are taking heart medications, you should not take hawthorn berry supplements. It may also negatively interact with sedatives or sleep medications. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not take hawthorn berry supplements.
Health's Harmony Hawthorn Berry 4:1 Extract
What you need to know: These capsules contain 665 milligrams of antioxidant-rich hawthorn berries per serving for immune support.
What you’ll love: The 4:1 hawthorn berry extract is lab-verified and gives you 2660 milligrams of fresh berries to last for four full months.
What you should consider: These capsules are not vegan and are made with gelatin.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Swanson Premium Hawthorn Berry Capsules
What you need to know: They are made locally in the United States and contain 565 milligrams per capsule.
What you’ll love: This capsule is cost-effective and comes with a 100% money-back guarantee.
What you should consider: Capsules may be difficult to swallow for consumers who have trouble ingesting pills.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Hawthorn Berry Extract by Horbaach
What you need to know: This potent extract is rich in antioxidants to support overall wellness.
What you’ll love: Tinctures are easy to mix in with juice or your favorite smoothie. It’s naturally free of gluten and genetically modified organisms.
What you should consider: Some consumers may not like the taste of hawthorn berry extract.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Want to shop the best products at the best prices? Check out Daily Deals from BestReviews.
Sign up here to receive the BestReviews weekly newsletter for useful advice on new products and noteworthy deals.
Lilliana Winkworth writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.