Hawthorn – nature’s wonder in your cup! What is this plant and why is it worth discovering?

Hawthorn is not just a popular ornamental plant known for its white or pink flowers and red berries – it’s also a true treasure of herbal medicine. It has been used for centuries as a natural aid for the heart, circulatory system and immunity. In this blog post, you’ll find out what hawthorn is, what its properties and uses are, what it helps with, and whether drinking it might cause any side effects. Discover the secrets of this plant rooted in legend and folk tradition, and check out unique yerba mate and guayusa blends with hawthorn available in our store!

Summary:

1. What is hawthorn and what does it look like?
2. Hawthorn – properties and uses in herbal medicine
3. Hawthorn – side effects. What should you know?
4. Hawthorn in legends and folk beliefs
5. Yerba mate and guayusa with hawthorn – a perfect combination of tradition and the power of nature

What is hawthorn and what does it look like?

Hawthorn is a long-lived shrub or small, thorny tree from the rose family (Latin Rosaceae), genus Crataegus. It can be found in many parts of the world – from European forests, across mountainous areas of Asia, to North America. It grows wild, but is also often planted in parks and gardens due to its decorative flowers and globular red berries. There are over 200 species and varieties, the most well-known being common hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) and midland hawthorn (Crataegus laevigata). It typically reaches a height of 3 to 5 metres, although some specimens may grow up to 10 metres.

A characteristic feature of hawthorn is its heavily branched twigs ending in thorns, which serve a protective function. In spring, usually in May, hawthorn is covered with small white or pink flowers grouped in clusters – these flowers are not only beautiful, but also valuable for their health properties. In the autumn, the plant produces small red fruits resembling miniature apples – these, along with the flowers and leaves, are the parts most commonly used in phytotherapy (herbal medicine).

Hawthorn is highly resistant to adverse weather conditions, which is why it’s been found for centuries at forest edges, along roadsides and in hedgerows. As a medicinal plant, it is used both in dried form and as extracts, tinctures, capsules or infusions. No wonder – hawthorn owes its medicinal properties to a wealth of valuable active compounds, such as flavonoids (including rutin and quercetin), procyanidins, chlorogenic acid, phytosterols, as well as vitamins C, A and E.

For hundreds of years, herbalists used hawthorn’s fruits, flowers and leaves in therapy for heart conditions and circulatory disorders. Today, its use is increasingly revisited in everyday products – such as tea, herbal blends, and even modern yerba mate or guayusa blends, offering beneficial effects in a delicious form.

Hawthorn – properties and uses in herbal medicine

What sets hawthorn apart from many other medicinal plants is its remarkably beneficial impact on the heart and circulatory system. For centuries, it was used in traditional medicine as a natural remedy to improve heart function – not only supporting circulation, but also helping to lower blood pressure and providing calming effects.

Today, thanks to modern research, we now know hawthorn’s chemical composition and can precisely determine its health benefits. Hawthorn contains, among others:

• Flavonoids (e.g. quercetin, rutin) – antioxidant action, strengthening blood vessels;
• Procyanidins – positively affect the elasticity of blood vessels;
• Triterpenes – have anti-inflammatory properties;
• Phenolic acids and phytosterols – support the immune system and have anti-atherosclerotic effects;
• Vitamins C and E – antioxidants protecting cells against oxidative stress.

Thanks to this, hawthorn exhibits a broad range of health-promoting properties:

It’s no surprise hawthorn is often called “the heart plant” – both in the literal and symbolic sense.

Hawthorn – side effects. What should you know?

Although hawthorn is a natural plant commonly used in herbal medicine, its consumption – like any active substance – may come with certain limitations. In most cases, it is safe, especially in the form of infusions and teas, but a few key points should be noted, particularly when hawthorn is used regularly or in larger doses.

These side effects are very rare and typically occur with significant overdosing of products containing concentrated hawthorn extracts. Infusions made from dried flowers or fruits consumed in moderation are generally well tolerated even with regular use.

When should you be cautious?

Generally, hawthorn is considered a safe plant and well-tolerated by most people, however, there are situations where its use should be approached carefully. This primarily concerns individuals taking cardiac medications – such as those for high blood pressure, arrhythmia or heart failure. Hawthorn may interact with these preparations, enhancing their effects and potentially causing excessive drops in blood pressure or slowing of the heartbeat. Therefore, anyone undergoing pharmacological treatment should consult a physician before incorporating hawthorn into their daily routine, especially in the form of concentrated supplements.

Pregnant and breastfeeding women should also be cautious when using hawthorn – there is insufficient research confirming its safety during these periods. Caution is likewise recommended for individuals with chronic illnesses, particularly those affecting the heart and circulatory system. It’s also important to remember that – although hawthorn offers beneficial support to the cardiovascular system – it should not be used as a substitute for medications prescribed by a doctor! In any case involving regular, medicinal use of hawthorn, it is worth seeking specialist advice. This allows you to enjoy its benefits with full awareness and peace of mind.

How can you safely benefit from hawthorn and its healing powers?

To enjoy hawthorn’s beneficial properties without risk, it's best to use it:

• in the form of infusions or teas – 1-2 cups a day is more than enough;
• as part of a balanced herbal blend – such as tea, yerba mate or guayusa mixtures, where the quantity is properly adjusted;
• while taking into account your own health condition – those with blood pressure or heart problems should be mindful.

If you include hawthorn in your daily routine in a thoughtful way and in suitable amounts, it can become a valuable ally in caring for your health – with no unnecessary risk!

Hawthorn in legends and folk beliefs

Before hawthorn made its way into medicine cabinets, capsules and modern teas, it was deeply rooted in culture and folk tradition. Its presence in legends, myths and beliefs dates back to ancient and medieval times. People long saw more than just a simple shrub in it – they treated it as a symbol of protection, life, and spiritual connection with nature. Hawthorn flowers, thorns and fruits all held magical and ritual significance, and in some cultures, beliefs surrounding this plant have survived to this day.

Hawthorn often appeared at the edges of worlds – it was planted on the boundaries of villages, near homes and cemeteries. It was believed to protect against evil spirits, misfortune and disease. In its shade, prayers were offered for healing, fertility or protection from storms. Over time, hawthorn also gained symbolic significance in religion and folk rituals, further solidifying its unique place in the collective imagination of many generations.

• In many cultures, it was considered a symbol of protection and health – planted near homes to ward off evil forces and protect inhabitants from disease.
• In Celtic mythology, hawthorn was regarded as the “fairy tree” – a meeting place for beings from another world. Meanwhile, in Christian tradition, it is often associated with suffering and sacrifice – according to some legends, the crown of thorns of Jesus was made from hawthorn branches.
• Hawthorn teas and infusions were used as aphrodisiacs, heart tonics and elixirs of youth – our grandmothers’ grandmothers knew this plant well!

Hawthorn's history and symbolism only add to its charm – it’s no surprise that today we return to these traditions with renewed energy, combining them with other plant superfoods such as yerba mate and guayusa.

Yerba mate and guayusa with hawthorn – a perfect combination of tradition and the power of nature

If you want to incorporate hawthorn into your daily routine in a tasty and convenient way – be sure to try the products available in our store featuring yerba mate and guayusa with hawthorn flowers. It’s a perfect fusion of the energising power of South American leaves with the gentle action of hawthorn!

These blends are a great choice not only for those who value health and natural ingredients, but also for those who enjoy exploring new and interesting flavours. In these variations, hawthorn brings a unique aroma, subtly sweet flavour and a range of health benefits.

Now that you know what hawthorn is, its uses and properties, and what it is good for – there’s nothing left but to try it for yourself! Hawthorn tea is not only delicious, but also a valuable support for your body – especially when combined with the natural power of yerba mate or guayusa.

Check out our products featuring hawthorn and discover how nature can strengthen the body and mind – every day!

Sources of information:

1. Wikipedia: Hawthorn, Crataegus.
2. K. Yalçın Dokumacı, N. Uslu, H. Hacıseferoğulları, Determination of Some Physical and Chemical Properties of Common Hawthorn (Crataegus Monogyna Jacq. Var. Monogyna), Erwerbs-Obstbau, 2021.
3. S. Dahmer, E. Scott, Health Effects of Hawthorn, American Family Physician, 2010.
4. Q. Chang, Z. Zuo, F. Harrison, M. S. S. Chow, Hawthorn, Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, 2002.