Hawthorn leaf and flower, as well as the berries, are quite edible and are found in many different cuisines throughout the world. Hawthorn enjoys a long and enduring history as the herb to strengthen your heart, both physically and emotionally. One of the oldest known medicinal plants. Common health benefits include: lowers blood pressure, antioxidant, to treat angina sufferers. Hawthorn is also a relaxant, heart tonic, astringent, diuretic and antispasmodic.