Hawthorn Berry Extract by SWAN LIFE
 
Hawthorn Berry
 
Crataegus, commonly referred to as Hawthorn Berry, is a shrub native to the northern regions of Europe, America, Africa and Asia. The shrubs almost look to be small trees and can be anywhere from 15 to 50 feet tall. The bark of the shrub is a smooth grey color and is adorned with circular white flowers. Hawthorn has been used in many ancient cultures including Japanese and Chinese as a natural remedy to many ailments.
 
The Hawthorn Berry ripens throughout late summer and late autumn. The color can be anywhere from a yellow-orange to a deep red. When ready to be harvested, the fruit is picked from the tree with care to avoid the spiny branches. Berries can be used fresh after picking for optimal potency. For later use, the berries can be dehydrated or frozen.
 
The consumption of Hawthorn Berry has many possible benefits:
 
Antioxidants are vital for eliminating free radicals from the body. Free radicals attack the body on a cellular level and contribute to chronic health conditions such as heart disease and cataracts. Antioxidants prevent further tissue damage by decomposing these free radicals. Hawthorn Berry is loaded with polyphenols which is a strong antioxidant. Research suggests that Hawthorn Berry may have powerful antiinflammatory properties which are linked to many ailments.

In ancient Chinese cultures, people used Hawthorn Berry to help alleviate high blood pressure. Studies suggest that the consumption of Hawthorn Berry relaxes veins and blood vessels to ultimately lower blood pressure. It has also been used in many cultures to aid digestive issues such as abdominal pain and indigestion. Hawthorn Berry is high in fiber which aids digestion and can relieve constipation. Studies suggest that Hawthorn Berries significantly reduce the time food sits in the digestive track and promotes healthy digestion.