Hawthorn Berry Capsules

Hawthorn leaf, flower, and berry have been praised by herbalists over the centuries for their heart-elevating properties. Hawthorn has a long history of use in traditional western herbalism and is revered for its affinity for the heart. While the leaf and flower are also considered for their healthful values, it is the berry that is often sought after in herbal preparations. Crataegus laevigata and C. monogyna are two species within the same genus that are commonly found on the herb market. Hawthorn can be seen growing wild in hedgerows and alongside forested areas around the United Kingdom, Europe, and the United States. Crataegus is a thorny shrub or tree with tri-lobed leaves and white flowers which bear bright red berries in the fall. A member of the Rosaceae family, this tree was considered sacred to some ancient cultures and has a host of folklore surrounding it. Hawthorn’s use extends back to the Middle Ages, with some accounts going back as far as ancient Greece. For hundreds