There’s a rumor that just won’t quit: that Hawthorn is poisonous. I’m here to set the record straight! Not only is Hawthorn completely safe, but it’s actually a powerhouse of health benefits for both humans and our furry friends.
Every part of the Hawthorn plant is safe
From the leaves and flowers to those bright red berries, every part of the Hawthorn plant is non-toxic and great for snacking or natural remedies. The berries have a unique, slightly tart and mealy flavor. They’re perfect for whipping up homemade jams, jellies, liqueurs, or even a cozy tea. You can dive deeper into the details of Hawthorn berries right here. If you’re more of a tea person, the leaves and flowers (fresh or dried) make a wonderful brew that’s famously good for heart health.
So, what’s the secret? Hawthorn leaves and flowers are packed with flavonoids and procyanidins—natural pigments that do some pretty cool work in our bodies. They interact with enzymes to give your heart a little extra love. Hawthorn extracts and teas are known to improve circulation in the coronary vessels, making them a go-to recommendation for supporting an aging heart. Check out these articles for more on Hawthorn flowers and Hawthorn leaves.
Those little red berries (which look a bit like tiny apples!) contain the same beneficial compounds as the rest of the plant, just in slightly lower concentrations. You can eat them straight off the bush or dry them for later. One quick heads-up: it’s best to keep the berries away from babies and toddlers, simply because there hasn’t been enough research on how their little systems handle them. If you’re looking to add Hawthorn to your routine, you’ll usually find it as:
- Dried leaves, flowers, and berries
- Powders, tablets, capsules, or dragees
- Tinctures or fresh plant juices
Hawthorn is safe for pets, too
Good news for pet parents: Hawthorn is non-toxic for animals as well. In fact, you’ll often find Hawthorn-based supplements and natural remedies specifically designed to support heart health in dogs. You can read more about Hawthorn for dogs here. And yes, it’s just as safe for cats!
For the horse lovers out there, Hawthorn can be a great supplement for equine heart health, especially as horses get older. No need to worry about poisoning here. Even birds get in on the action—wild birds and chickens absolutely love pecking at the berries, and it’s a perfectly healthy snack for them.
