Hawthorne Berry is a tiny red berry that grows on the Hawthorne shrub. The berry has strong antioxidant properties and has been used as an herbal remedy since ancient times. Hawthorne Berry is loaded with bioflavonoids, potent antioxidants found in many fruits that are said to be many times more powerful than the antioxidant vitamins, A, C and E. Hawthorne Berry is widely used as a heart tonic, particularly in Europe. It can be used to help regulate blood pressure and break down cholesterol and fat that may contribute to heart disease. Hawthorne Berry protects arterial walls from damage caused by the build up of plaque. It can also help the body use oxygen more effectively by helping coronary blood vessels to dilate (expand). When blood vessels dilate, they carry oxygen, blood and nutrients throughout the body to all of the vital organs. By doing this, Hawthorne Berry also helps the heart use minerals like calcium, which plays a very important part in the chemical processes that allow the cardiovascular system to function properly. In addition, the herb can be used to reduce angina (chest pain caused by constriction in the chest) by helping blood flow to and from the heart more easily. The bioflavonoids in Hawthorne Berry also help the heart muscle pump more efficiently. Though the herb appears to be most effective when taken as a preventive measure, it can be used to treat active symptoms of heart disease as well.