Hawthorn, known in Latin as Crataegus monogyna, grows in sunny, warm places. In spring, this shrub's white blossoms decorate the edges of woodlands, and in fall, its brilliant red berries are visible from small distance. Hawthorn flowers, leaves and berries have long been used to prepare medicinal teas and tinctures, and in recent years hawthorn has become popular with natural healers for treating heart ailments. Preparation for Tea Pour 1 cup of boiling water over 1 tsp. of hawthorn flowers or leaves - or a mixture of the two. Steep the tea for 10 min.; strain. Drink 1 cup of the tea every morning and evening over many months.