Hawthorn berries: benefits and contraindications, harm and how to take them?

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Hawthorn, or hawthorn, is a thorny shrub common in many regions of the world. In August and September, its branches become covered with bright red, small, pitted fruits. Hawthorn berries are edible and used in cooking: they are used to make compotes and jams, juice, kvass, and wine. The dried and crushed berries are added to dough, imparting a pleasant aroma and flavor to baked goods. They are also used in herbal medicine.

During World War II, hawthorn was prescribed to heart patients in place of a scarce medication. However, despite the numerous beneficial properties of its bright red berries, hawthorn also has absolute contraindications: its use is prohibited in early childhood, during pregnancy, and in those with low blood pressure.

Chemical composition and general beneficial properties of hawthorn berries

Experts attribute hawthorn's medicinal properties to its rich chemical composition. The most beneficial substances in the berries are:

Quercetin – makes blood vessels more elastic and less permeable, has antitumor activity, neutralizes free radicals, promotes proper blood supply to brain cells, prevents cardiovascular diseases and cataracts;
hyperoside – improves glucose metabolism and oxygen absorption, supports proper heart function;
Vitexin – has a vasodilating effect, activates metabolic processes in the cardiovascular system;
caffeic acid – has antibacterial properties, improves the flow of bile;
Useful properties of hawthorn
Ursolic acid – relieves inflammation, heals wounds;
Chlorogenic acid – improves kidney and liver function, has a choleretic and anti-sclerotic effect;
oleic acid – tones blood vessels, improves blood circulation in the brain and heart;
saponins – have diuretic, sedative, mild laxative and expectorant properties;
Phytosterol is a steroid that promotes muscle growth and cholesterol reduction;
Vitamin A – has antioxidant properties, strengthens the immune system, improves vision (in terms of vitamin A content, berries are compared to carrots);
B vitamins are essential for nerves, improve fat metabolism, and have a positive effect on overall health;
Vitamin C – improves immunity, promotes proper hematopoiesis and functioning of the cardiovascular system;
Vitamin P is an antioxidant that prevents cancer and stimulates the immune and cardiovascular systems.

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The fruit is also rich in calcium, potassium, iron, magnesium, copper, zinc, manganese, and molybdenum.

The main benefits of hawthorn:

tones the heart muscle;
improves oxygen circulation;
relieves tachycardia and arrhythmia;
normalizes cholesterol;
regulates blood clotting;
calms;
treats insomnia;
improves the functioning of the digestive organs;
relieves shortness of breath;
strengthens the immune system.

Main contraindications and possible harm of hawthorn

Although nature has endowed these berries with numerous medicinal properties, they should not be overused, as this can lead to side effects. Some people are strictly prohibited from consuming hawthorn berries. To be fair, it should be noted that in most cases, when dosage instructions are followed, hawthorn-based products do not cause side effects.

Please note!

However, before starting treatment with any herbal remedy, it is important to consult your doctor and find out if the chosen natural medicine has any contraindications.

Remedies from gloda berries are contraindicated in the following cases:

during pregnancy;
children under 12 years of age;
if you have a tendency to low blood pressure;
for anemia;
after a concussion;
against the background of VSD;
for diseases of the brain;
in case of exacerbation of liver diseases.

The benefits and harms of hawthorn for women

At different stages of a woman's life, these berries can be both very beneficial and dangerous if used incorrectly, so it's important to strictly adhere to the indicated dosages.

Application in cosmetology

Hawthorn extract is widely used in cosmetology. Products containing it remove blackheads, slow aging, moisturize the skin, and reduce puffiness. Masks made from crushed berries with honey and olive oil are used for these purposes.

Hawthorn for hair — Glod also strengthens hair and eliminates dandruff.

The mask is made from cognac, berry juice (10 ml each), and 2-3 tablespoons of burdock root decoction. Rub the mixture into the roots, wrap your head in a towel, and leave it on for one and a half to two hours.

A decoction of ripe fruits can be added to baths and foot soaks. These treatments have a tonic effect, relieve fatigue, and improve blood circulation.

For weight loss

In most cases, excess weight is the result of metabolic disorders. Gloda berries contain substances that improve metabolic processes. Therefore, these berries are successfully used for weight loss.

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While dieting, it's helpful to drink a hawthorn infusion: take 2 teaspoons of dried berries and 200 ml of boiling water, and let steep in a thermos for 2-3 hours. Strain the mixture and consume 40 ml three times daily (10-15 minutes before meals). This remedy is effective when combined with exercise and diet.

During pregnancy

There's no consensus among experts on whether hawthorn-based remedies can be used during pregnancy and breastfeeding. On the one hand, it can cause uterine contractions, which can lead to miscarriage or premature birth. On the other hand, a dilute decoction of the fruits and flowers is beneficial for expectant mothers as a sedative, a remedy for swelling, and blood congestion.

Please note!

During breastfeeding, a decoction of hawthorn stimulates lactation, but at the same time can cause allergies in the child.

For women's health

Glod remedies are considered beneficial for the female reproductive system. An infusion of the berries and flowers helps normalize the menstrual cycle. The drink is prepared by combining 3 tablespoons of the flower and berry mixture with 3 cups of boiling water. Let it steep for 2-3 hours. Take one glass before meals. The treatment course is 2 weeks. After a 7-day break, the treatment can be repeated. Glod is also beneficial for women going through menopause. A drink made from it normalizes hormonal balance, calms the nerves, and relieves headaches and hot flashes.

How to take hawthorn for medicinal purposes

Berries for medicinal purposes are harvested after they are fully ripe. Properly dried, the raw material can be stored for up to 8 years without losing its properties.

Tincture

An alcohol tincture of glod is made from 25 grams of berries and 100 ml of alcohol or vodka. The mixture is infused in a cool, dark place for about two weeks, after which it can be used for treatment. Typically, 30-60 drops are taken 15 minutes before each main meal. This tincture is commonly prescribed for heart conditions (especially in the early stages of hypertension), nervous disorders, and insomnia.

Infusion

An infusion is the simplest and most versatile herbal remedy made from holod. It has a positive effect on people with heart defects, neuroses, circulatory problems, and arrhythmia, and has a calming and mild hypnotic effect. To prepare the infusion, add 200 ml of boiling water to each tablespoon of dried berries. Let the infusion steep (preferably in a thermos) for several hours before use.

Decoction

A decoction of holod has proven beneficial for many ailments, including:

sleep disorders;
dizziness;
problems with the thyroid gland;
headaches, heart pain and rheumatic pain;
liver dysfunction;
tachycardia;
high blood sugar;
climacteric state;
prostate diseases.

Preparation method: Pour 20 g of berries into a cup of hot water and steep for 10 minutes. Then let steep for 3 hours. Take 20 ml.

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Tea

Both the berries, leaves, and flowers of the plant are excellent for making tea. This drink has the same medicinal properties as other hawthorn-based herbal remedies. To enhance the flavor, you can add currant, strawberry, raspberry, or rosehip leaves and berries. This tea is excellent for drinking at night—it promotes relaxation and restful sleep. You can drink up to 3 cups during the day.

For the heart and blood vessels

Hawthorn stimulates cardiac function and improves coronary circulation; it is prescribed to individuals with hypertension. While it doesn't lower blood pressure on its own, its complex effects on the cardiovascular system help normalize vascular pressure. Hawthorn-based remedies are useful after myocardial infarction and for the comprehensive treatment of shortness of breath, congestive heart failure, angina, arrhythmia, atherosclerosis, high cholesterol, and coronary heart disease.

Good to know!

Drinks and infusions made from holod support the tone and elasticity of blood vessels.

For the gastrointestinal tract

Hawthorn has a beneficial effect on those with liver and biliary tract diseases. Drinks made from it are helpful for diarrhea and stomach cramps. In folk medicine, it is used to treat intestinal infections and gastrointestinal ulcers.

For heartburn, an infusion of hawthorn and mint, taken in equal quantities (1 teaspoon of the mixture per 1 cup of boiling water, steep for 30-60 minutes), is helpful. It helps relieve irritation and inflammation of the stomach lining and is beneficial for those with gallbladder and liver problems. If berries are unavailable, the remedy can be prepared from flowers (using a similar method).

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it possible to grow the plant at home?

Hawthorn is an easy-to-grow plant, making it suitable for growing in the garden or yard, for example, as a hedge. It is quite possible to grow it from a seed, but this is a rather lengthy and labor-intensive process. It is easier to plant a seedling, which in 2-3 years will grow into a small tree or bush (depending on how it is pruned and shaped). The plant produces its first harvest at 5 years of age.

Is hawthorn used in cooking?

Hawthorn is also well-known in cooking. Its berries are used to make jams, juices, purees, syrups, marmalades, kissels, compotes, pastilles, and dietary candies. These fruits pair well with most berries and fruits. Hawthorn berries are used to make wine and liqueurs, and in China, they are used to make the popular medicinal tea called Ba Bao.

For centuries, humanity has known about the medicinal properties of hawthorn. However, to ensure its berries bring only benefits, it is important to always remember the rules for consuming this valuable natural remedy.