Hawthorn Berry Extract Vegetarian - 2 oz. Hawthorn leaves, flowers and berries have been used for generations by herbalists as a cardiovascular tonic. Hawthorn supports cardiovascular health by enhancing cardiac muscle tone and vascular integrity.*

Product Warnings: Using Hawthorne may potentiate the effects of some pharmaceutical heart medications - consult with your physician before using this product, as the medication dosage may need to be lowered. Use with caution in cases of colitis and ulcers.

Hawthorne, sometimes spelled Hawthorn, is also known by the names Haw, May Blossom, May Day Flower, and White Thorn. The genus name "Crataegus" comes from the Greek, "kratos", referring to the hardness of the wood. In Celtic folklore, fairies are said to 'hang out' in Hawthorne groves. Hawthorne comes from a small, spiny tree indigenous to the Mediterranean region. Throughout history, Hawthorne has had its reputation both as a symbol of hope, and as a symbol of evil. At one time, Christianity regarded the plant as sacred, due to the belief that it furnished Christ's crown of thorns. Both the Greeks and Romans associated Hawthorne with marriage & fertility. Hawthorne Berries have been used since the 19th century to support the heart, and to normalize cardiovascular functions. Today, Hawthorne Berries are one of the most popular herbs used in Europe, and gaining wider acceptance in the United States. Primary chemical constituents of this herb include Vitamin C, flavonoids (quercetin, quercetrin), glycosides, proanthocyanidins, anthocynaidins, saponins, tannins, and cratetegin (most prevalent in the flowers, then leaves, then berries). Hawthorne Berries appear to work best when taken as a preventative herb, possibly helping reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. With its high content of bioflavonoids, Hawthorne Berries best support the heart. Hawthorne increases the body's ability to utilize oxygen, and the heart's ability to utilize calcium. This herb can actually help regulate both high and low blood pressure, in addition to slowly breaking down cholesterol and fat deposits in the body. The bioflavonoids help strengthen the contractive force of the heart, and gently dilate & relax the coronary blood vessels, improving overall circulation. For this reason, Hawthorne Berries have been used to lower high blood pressure & high cholesterol, as well as increase low blood pressure. When used to support weight loss programs, Hawthorne Berries help reduce water retention by expelling excess salt from the body. This botanical has also been known to reduce nervous tension, alleviate insomnia and aid digestion. Hawthorne can also be used to strengthen joint lining, collagen and spinal discs. The common name Hawthorne includes the species Craetegus douglasii, Craetegus columbiana, Craetegus cuneata, Craetegus pinnatifida, and other Craetegus species, which are used interchangeably with Craetegus oxyacantha.