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What is Hawthorn Tea?

Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

Hawthorn tea is a type of herbal fusion or tea that is made using the berries and leaves of the hawthorn bush. The berries are also sometimes used to create hawthorn extract or tincture, which can then be used to make the tea without the need to steep the crushed berries. As a dietary supplement, hawthorn tea is believed to aid in nourishing the heart and regulating blood pressure. There are also some claims that a hot cup of this type of herbal fusion will also help calm jangled nerves or other distress caused by stress or a sudden shock.

Making hawthorn tea involves steeping dried leaves, berries, or a combination of the two in a cup of hot water. Loose tea can be used, by placing a small amount of the product into what is known as a tea ball. Often constructed of stainless steel or some similar material, the body of the tea ball is perforated, allowing the water to mix with the contents. This in turn allows the berries and leaves to release nutrients into the hot water and provide what may users consider a pleasant taste. Today, it is also possible to purchase teabags that contain dried and pulverized hawthorn leaves and berries.

Hawthorn tea may interfere with medications that treat hypertension.
Hawthorn tea may interfere with medications that treat hypertension.

The purported benefits of hawthorn tea typically revolve around the combination of nutrients found in the berries and leaves. High amounts of selenium and vitamin C are present, along with significant amounts of calcium and potassium. There are also trace amounts of vitamin A, magnesium, and phosphorus, and very small amounts of various B vitamins. The end result is a supplement that is believed to have a positive effect on the heart, which in turn triggers a number of other health benefits.

Hawthorn tea is an herbal tea made from the berries and leaves of a hawthorn bush.
Hawthorn tea is an herbal tea made from the berries and leaves of a hawthorn bush.

Anecdotal evidence regarding the benefits of hawthorn tea include regulating blood pressure so that it remains within a normal range. Circulation is believed to be improved with regular consumption of the tea, while also helping to prevent hardening of the arteries. The combination of nutrients are also believed to help with various types of nervous disorders, especially generalized anxiety disorder or panic disorder, and may serve as a tonic during periods of stress.

Hawthorn tea contains many vitamins and minerals.
Hawthorn tea contains many vitamins and minerals.

As with most herbal products, there is the potential for negative interaction with prescription medications. The sedative effects of hawthorn tea could amplify the effect of anti-anxiety medication to the point that the motor skills of the individual are impaired for a short period of time. There is also the potential of interaction with antidepressants, heart medication, and blood pressure medication. Before adding hawthorn tea, hawthorn capsules or any other form of hawthorn to the daily diet, check with a health care professional to determine if the tea is likely to cause problems with your currently prescribed medications.

Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

After many years in the teleconferencing industry, Michael decided to embrace his passion for trivia, research, and writing by becoming a full-time freelance writer. Since then, he has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including WiseGEEK, and his work has also appeared in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and several newspapers. Malcolm’s other interests include collecting vinyl records, minor league baseball, and cycling.

Learn more...
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

After many years in the teleconferencing industry, Michael decided to embrace his passion for trivia, research, and writing by becoming a full-time freelance writer. Since then, he has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including WiseGEEK, and his work has also appeared in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and several newspapers. Malcolm’s other interests include collecting vinyl records, minor league baseball, and cycling.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

candyquilt

I know that hawthorn tea is very beneficial. But I'm not much fond of the taste. Or may be, it's the tea I've bought that doesn't taste great. I bought the tea in tea bags, I don't know if that's the reason.

turquoise

I drink hawthorn tea regularly for the antioxidants and to keep my heart healthy.

I used to take hawthorn berry supplements but found them to be too expensive. I now make my own hawthorn tea with dry, organic hawthorn berries that I get from the organic store. It's much cheaper and I think the tea is very nice. It's also possible to grind the berries for a homemade supplement.

I take a medication that restricts the absorption of some vitamins in my body so I also appreciate that hawthorn tea has natural vitamins and minerals.

discographer

I suffer from occasional anxiety and I'm looking for a herbal tea that I can have when anxiety occurs. I don't take any anxiety medications. I just want something that can help relax me and relieve stress once in a while.

Is hawthorn tea a good option? Does it really relieve anxiety? Does anyone here drink hawthorn tea for anxiety?

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    • Hawthorn tea may interfere with medications that treat hypertension.
      By: Wynter
      Hawthorn tea may interfere with medications that treat hypertension.
    • Hawthorn tea is an herbal tea made from the berries and leaves of a hawthorn bush.
      By: Liv Friis-larsen
      Hawthorn tea is an herbal tea made from the berries and leaves of a hawthorn bush.
    • Hawthorn tea contains many vitamins and minerals.
      By: Olexandr Kucherov
      Hawthorn tea contains many vitamins and minerals.
    • Hawthorn tea may be helpful in regulating blood pressure.
      By: Africa Studio
      Hawthorn tea may be helpful in regulating blood pressure.
    • Hawthorn tea may serve as a much-needed tonic during periods of stress.
      By: Mitarart
      Hawthorn tea may serve as a much-needed tonic during periods of stress.
    • Hawthorn tea has a sedative effect.
      By: zhagunov_a
      Hawthorn tea has a sedative effect.