Last Updated on June 1, 2025 by Nico
Hawthorn berries are known for their bright red color and for being full of healthy antioxidants. This hawthorn tincture recipe is simple to make and can help to protect against heart disease, improve circulation, and more.
The hawthorn tree (known scientifically as crataegus monogyna) has a long history in herbal medicine, dating back to ancient times. In Greek and Roman traditions, hawthorn berries, leaves, and flowers were used to treat heart conditions and digestive issues. During the Middle Ages, European herbalists used hawthorn berries to improve circulation and in traditional Chinese medicine, hawthorn berries have been used to support digestion.
There are over 200 specialties of hawthorn and the trees are native to North America, Europe, and Asia. You can forage for the ripe berries between August and November (if you get to them before the birds do!).Hawthorn berries can be used to make hawthorn syrup, hawthorn tea, jam, and even vinegar! You can also make hawthorn extract by steeping the berries in vinegar rather than alcohol and adding this to homemade salad dressings or herbal remedies like fire cider. Hawthorn is a good tree to know about since the berries are packed with so many nutrients and are so versatile. Making hawthorn berry tincture is a great way to preserve the nutritional benefits and be able to consume them over a long period.
Health benefits of hawthorn berry tincture
Supports heart health – Hawthorn berries can improve heart problems by supporting blood flow and strengthening the heart muscle. This can help manage conditions like heart failure and high blood pressure.
Helps to reduce blood pressure – Hawthron can help to relax blood vessels and lower blood pressure.
Boosts circulation – Hawthorn can support and improve the overall function of our circulatory system, which can increase energy levels and reduce tiredness.
Rich in antioxidants – Hawthorn bright red berries contain flavonoids and proanthocyanidins that protect the body from oxidative stress and free radical damage.
Supports digestion – Hawthorn berries can support digestive health by stimulating digestive enzymes and reducing symptoms of indigestion and bloating.
Anti-inflammatory properties – Hawthorn tincture can help to reduce inflammation in the body.
Support immune health – The berries have a high level of vitamin C which can support the immune system.
How to make hawthorn berry tincture
Tools
An airtight container with a plastic lid – I use a glass mason jar with parchment paper between the metal lid and tincture or extraction to prevent the alcohol from corroding the metal.
Small amber glass bottles with dropper tops – I use these ones
A fine mesh strainer, cheesecloth, or coffee filter
A small funnel
A knife or muddler (or some way to mash fresh berries – you could use a food processor)
Supplies
Fresh or dried hawthorn berries – Here’s source for dried hawthorn berries
80-proof vodka (or 40% alcohol) – If you want to avoid alcohol, you can swap out the alcohol for store-bought apple cider vinegar or food-grade glycerin. I buy this apple cider vinegar in bulk. If you’re using fresh berries, consider using a high-proof alcohol, which will be more effective at preventing spoilage from the water content in the plant.
For complete measurements, see the printable recipe card below.
Instructions
If you’re using fresh berries, wash them thoroughly and remove any leaves and stems. You’ll need enough berries to fill your jar ¾ of the way full.
Mash the berries using a muddler or blitz them briefly in a food processor or cut them in half using a knife. We do this to maximise how much of the berry is exposed to the alcohol when steeping and will result in a stronger tincture.
Add the mashed berries to a clean glass jar.
If you’re using dried berries, fill a glass jar ⅓ of the way full. They will expand as they soak up the alcohol.
Cover them in alcohol and make sure they are completely submerged.
Add a lid to the jar and shake it a few times.
Leave the jar to sit in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight for 6-8 weeks. Try to remember to shake it a few times a week to keep everything submerged in the alcohol.
After 8 weeks, use cheesecloth or a coffee filter to strain off the tincture. I like to use cheesecloth or a coffee filter (as opposed to a mesh strainer) to strain off fresh plant material because they more finely strain off the tincture. You want to avoid having plant material left behind in your tincture because it can spoil the tincture more quickly.
Add the tincture to a dropper bottle and that’s it! Store in a dark, cool place.
How much hawthorn berry tincture to take?
I like to take 1 dropper full per day 2-3 times per day during stressful times to support my body. You can start by taking small amounts and work your way up.
How long does hawthorn berry tincture last?
Like many homemade alcohol-based herbal tinctures, this tincture has a long shelf life if stored away from direct sunlight. I like to use the tincture within 1-2 years.
Ways to consume hawthorn berry tincture
Directly – You can take the tincture directly by using the dropper to add the dosage under your tongue. Allow it to sit there for 30 seconds and then swallow.
Diluted in water or juice – Add the dosage to a cup of water or juice and drink it to dilute the taste.
In a cup of tea – Add the dosage to your favourite herbal tea for added nutrition.
In a smoothie – Add the dosage to your morning smoothie – don’t worry it won’t impact the flavour.
Disclaimer: I’m not a medical professional and do not intend to offer medical advice in any content I create. I offer information for educational purposes and, as always, get your physician’s advice or the advice of your health care provider before trying new herbal remedies. There are always possible unintended consequences of trying a new herbal remedy such as an allergic reaction or unexpected side effects like interactions with other medication.
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How To Make Hawthorn Berry Tincture
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- If you’re using fresh berries, wash them thoroughly and remove any leaves and stems. You’ll need enough berries to fill your jar ¾ of the way full.
- Mash the berries using a muddler or blitz them briefly in a food processor or cut them in half using a knife. We do this to maximise how much of the berry is exposed to the alcohol when steeping and will result in a stronger tincture.
- Add the mashed berries to a steralised glass jar.
- If you’re using dried berries, fill a glass jar ⅓ of the way full. They will expand as they soak up the alcohol.
- Cover them in alcohol and make sure they are completely submerged.
- Add a lid to the jar and shake it a few times.
- Leave the jar to sit in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight for 6-8 weeks. Try to remember to shake it a few times a week to keep everything submerged in the alcohol.
- After 8 weeks, use cheesecloth or a coffee filter to strain off the tincture. I like to use cheesecloth or a coffee filter (as opposed to a mesh strainer) to strain off fresh plant material because they more finely strain off the tincture. You want to avoid having plant material left behind in your tincture because it can spoil the tincture more quickly.
- Add the tincture to a dropper bottle and that’s it! Store in a dark, cool place.
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