The Russian name of this plant – boyaryshnik – refers to one boyar's (Russian noble man) wife who was very kind, she helped the common people all her life. When she died, her body turned into a bush laden with fruits, that were able to cure many diseases. The Latin name for this plant is translated as "strong" or "hard", indicating its extremely hard bark, which was used to produce the handles of combat weapons.

Absolutely all parts of this plant are used in medicine. Hawthorn leaves are good for the heart, its flowers are recommended to older people to stimulate heart muscle contractions. However, brewed hawthorn fruit is the best "beauty elixir" there is due its high content of a natural collagen equivilant.
In Asian countries, hawthorn tea is one of the most popular drinks. Sweets made from hawthorn fruits – marmalade and candies – are often served as an appetizer to this tea.