The Traditional Uses of Hawthorn: A Closer Look

What Is Hawthorn and How Has It Been Traditionally Used?

So what is hawthorn? Hawthorn is a flowering shrub indigenous to Asia, Europe and North America. Like other members of the rose family, this hardwood shrub produces fragrant blossoms and sharp thorns for self-protection. Hawthorns produce red fruits or berries that are botanically known as haws.

What is hawthorn used for? In traditional herbal systems, hawthorn was valued as a botanical that complemented balanced lifestyle practices, across different life stages. Today, hawthorn remains an ingredient of interest for formulators and herbal practitioners exploring botanicals.

Hawthorn in Wellness Products: Formulation Applications

Hawthorn berries may not be as widely recognized as blueberries, açaí, elderberries, goji berries, or cranberries, but they hold a long-standing place in traditional herbal practice. Valued for centuries by herbalists across Europe and Asia, hawthorn has been used thoughtfully long before modern wellness trends took shape. As consumers look beyond familiar berry ingredients, hawthorn has a place in contemporary products that draw on this established tradition.

1. Hawthorn Berry Supplement Capsules and Powder Mixes - The most common hawthorn products will be found in the vitamin and supplement aisles of your local natural foods market, grocery store, or pharmacy. There are many brands offering hawthorn in these formats, which makes differentiation in a crowded market increasingly important. Partnering with a trusted supplier—one that prioritizes rigorous safety practices, thorough documentation, and consistent testing—helps ensure ingredient quality and supports long-term trust with your customers.
2. Culinary and Natural Food Product Applications - The hawthorn berry is used to make condiments, snacks and liquors in many world cuisines. You can find it as the star ingredient in Garisar’s Hawthorn Marmalade or as a tart addition to sweet chili sauces and ketchups. Hawthorn berry powder is also used to bring the “sour” flavors of sweet and sour sauces on American-style Chinese menus.
3. Hawthorn Teas - Hawthorn berry tea is a traditional preparation with a naturally pleasant flavor that can be enjoyed on its own or lightly sweetened with sugar or honey. It’s commonly featured in branded tea blends, often paired with hibiscus or complementary fruits. If you're looking for other herbs to pair hawthorn with, try combining hawthorn with herbs like ginkgo, motherwort and linden, creating balanced and approachable tea formulations.

How to Make Hawthorn Berry Tea

If you're wondering how to make hawthorn berry tea tea, use this quick step-by-step recipe:

• Boil 8-12 oz of water (microwave or stove-top).
• Add 1 tsp of dried hawthorn berries into the boiling water.
• Add any other herbs and dried fruits to change the tea's flavor profile.
• Simmer gently for 10 minutes.
• Pour into desired mug or cup.
• If using hawthorn leaves and flowers, steep in hot water for 5-10 minutes instead.



Hawthorn Tinctures and Syrups - Hawthorn tinctures are a popular supplement format because they offer both convenience and versatility for consumers. Liquid extracts are easy to take, simple to adjust by serving size, and integrate seamlessly into daily routines—whether added to water, tea, or taken directly. Many wellness brands offer hawthorn in tincture form because it allows for efficient extraction of the plant material and a shelf-stable product that fits modern lifestyles. For consumers who prefer alternatives to capsules or tablets, tinctures provide an approachable option while giving brands flexibility in formulation and delivery.