Hello: Hawthorn leaves are sour and neutral in nature. They return to the lung meridian and have the effects of relieving itching, astringing sores, and lowering blood pressure. They can be used to treat paint sores, ulcers that are not astringent, and other common Hypertension; it can be used externally to soak feet as a foot bath, or it can be used to soak in water instead of tea to prevent and treat hypertension and hyperlipidemia, and improve vascular activity.