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Hawthorn
Also known as mayflower for in England it flowers in May, this is the same plant the pilgrim's ship was named for. Well known as one of the best heart supporting plants out there. It is best used as a long-term tonic to be taken every day as a nourishing "food" for the heart. Diet and nutrition play a critical role in heart health as well.
Crataegus sp. (over 800 species)
Family: Rosaceae - rose
Subfamily: Almond - Apple, fleshy fruit, five-pointed star on bottom. There are 100-1000 species in North America both wild and cultivated. They hybridize readily so it's hard to identify a particular species. Most common western species is C. douglasii.
Parts used: fruits, leaves, blossoms
What's in a Name - Crataegus, sp.
Crataegus stems from the Greek kratos, meaning hard, sharp, thorn, describing the wood and branches.
Sp. There are over 800 species and each has a name in connection with the area, culture, person giving the name, etc.
Common Name: Hawthorn
Means "hedge-thorn" from the popular use in England as a hedge to create boundaries between property.
Folk Names:
May Tree, Mayblossom, Mayflower in connection with the shrub blooming in May
May Queen in reference to the white blossoms covering hill and dale in England
Bread and cheese tree for the food it provides to birds and man
Ladies meat
Whitethorn
Berries: haw, pixie pears, cuckoo’s beads, chucky cheese
History
Seeds have been found in some of the oldest sites in civilization, showing how long it has been used through history.
Ancient Greek brides used the blossoms in their hair and bouquets on their wedding days to symbolize hope, marriage, and fertility.
May day celebrations used the blossoms in crowns, garlands, and bouquets. While the Maypole was fashioned from the hawthorn tree itself.
First appeared in Greek Herbals of Dioscorides, Pliny, and Galen.
The Pilgrim’s ship was called the Mayflower in reference to hawthorn, whose May blossoms could be seen throughout the countryside in England.
Popular hedgerow plant of the British Isles, most commonly found in hedges both historically and presently. Used as “fencing” to mark off property and keep stock protected.
Native Americans used thorns like acupuncture needles for arthritic pain, to pierce and drain boils and probe wounds.
It was not used as a heart herb until the 19th century. Dr. Green from Ireland (Victorian times) successfully treated heart disease but wouldn’t share his secret. After his death in 1894 his daughter divulged the secret: hawthorn.
Adaptogen
Anti-Inflammatory
Antioxidant
Antisclerotic
Antispasmodic
Astringent
Cardiotonic
Carminative
Diuretic
Emmenagogue
Hypotensive
Hypolipidemic
Nervine
Tonic
Vasodilator
Energetics/Body Systems Affected
Cooling, drying (leaves and blossoms)
Warming, moistening (berries)
Adrenal
Cardiovascular
Emotional Heart
Constituents/Nutrients
Acetylcholine
Amines
Antioxidant
Choline
Cratetegin
Flavonoids
Hyperoside
Pectin
Phenolic acid
Proanthocyanidins
Procyandin
Tannins
Quercitin
Rutin
Treterpenoids
Vasodilator saponins
Vitamin B, C
Uses
Cardio tonic; feeds, tones, strengthens, supports and restorative to heart - go to for any heart/circulatory related issue
Can regulate blood pressure, rapid pulse, palpitations, angina, anemia, etc.
Softens and opens veins and arteries for free flow of blood, improved circulation.
Helps maintain healthy cholesterol levels.
Can dissolve calcium and cholesterol deposits which can help with hardening arteries and plaquing.
Protects heart during oxygen loss, heart attack/stroke recovery and even prevention.
Circulatory conditions including blood clotting (best when blended with yarrow)
Strengthens capillaries which helps with bruising, varicose veins, blood shot eyes, etc.
Strengthen and repair ligaments, tendons, muscles, joint lining, collagen, and spinal discs, bruising, arthritis, fractures, osteoporosis, orthopedic aid (use equal parts horsetail).
Can quiet ADHD, fidgety, can't sit still, disruptive, restless, etc.
Urinary tract support and aid, kidney issues like stones
Sore throat (berries)
Traditional uses; diarrhea, heavy menstrual bleeding, drawing action.
Enhances vitamin C activity.
Emotional Heart Use
Emotional wounds; grief, sadness, empty heart, tough relationships, etc.
Opens heart center; enhances emotional wellbeing, fostering love, empathy and connection.
Help during times of change; new ways of feeling and thinking.
Nerves; anxiety, stress, insomnia, bad dreams, restlessness, overactive mind and body, vertigo, can lift the spirits, etc. (combine with other nervine herbs for best results)
Trauma, shock, PTSD, death of loved one, heartbreak, etc.
Helps balance mood; mood swings, menopause
Fosters courage and love for self and others.
Softens and opens hard substances both physical and emotional.
Tincture; a whole tincture can be made by gathering flowers and leaves in the spring, then tincture berries in the fall and add both tinctures together for a powerful heart tonic.
Tea (1 oz berries to 1 pint water, simmer for 15 minutes, 2 tsp per cup)
Powder, capsules, sprinkle
Herbal honey
Food; raw berries, jam, syrup, or jelly
Hawthorn has around 900 species and ranges from a hedge to a shrub or tree. It grows in woodland areas, abandoned fields, pastures and scrub and can be found in parks and the garden. It can be easily cultivated in your garden by purchasing a tree or shrub from your local nursery.
Plant in full sun with moist soil, although it isn't too picky about growing conditions.
Gather blossoms and leaves in the spring when partially to fully open.
Berries are harvested in the fall when deep red, avoiding any with rot. Be mindful of the stony seeds when processing.
Safety/Dosage
Hawthorn can take up to three months for any effects to be noticed and it may need to be taken indefinitely as a tonic since it does not accumulate in the system. Daily "food" for the heart.
1 cup tea or 1 tsp extract in the morning and evening.
Consult a physician before use, if taking heart medications/pharmaceuticals.
Symbolism
Hope
Happiness
Marriage
Fertility
New Life
Balance
Protection
Love
Myth/Folklore
Folklore was deeply connected to plants and herbs during in Ancient times and during the Dark Ages when superstition ruled the heart and mind. Myths and legends usually have truths connected to them so I like to look for symbolism in these historic beliefs, though some are just silly.
Hymen, Greek god of the wedding ceremony, carried hawthorn in his sacred flaming torch.
Christians believed that Christ's crown of thorns was made from hawthorn branches and held the tree sacred. A hawthorn grove is found on part of the Mount of Olives just outside Jerusalem.
Romans placed hawthorn leaves in baby cradles to ward off evil spirits.
May Day celebrations were surrounded with the hawthorn shrub. The Maypole was originally constructed of hawthorn wood to last for years. Garlands and crowns were made to decorate doors and houses, preventing evil spirits from entering.
Celtics believed fairies lived in hawthorn groves.
Poetry/Literature/Art
Hawthorn Identification & Images
Backyard Medicine (quotes from old herbals and recipes, with dosages), p. 65
Botany in a Day, p.95
Breverton’s Complete Herbal, p. 162 (History, lore)
Floriography, p. 74
Healing Plants of the Rocky Mountains, p. 76
Herbal Health Secrets by Richard M. Lucas, p. 138 (case studies)
Mountain States Medicinal Plants by Briana Wiles, p. 117
Nutritional Herbology by Mark Pedersen, p. 107 (details of actions and constituents)
Peterson Field Guides: Western Medicinal Plants and Herbs, p. 295
Planetary Herbology by Michael Tierra, p. 259
Practical Herbalism (full list of constituents and actions, preparations and dosages) p. 171
Prescription for Herbal Healing by Phyllis A. Balch, p. 79
Prescription for Nutritional Healing by Phyllis A. Balch, p. 115 list of phytochemicals and actions
Rodale’s Illustrated Encyclopedia of herbs, p. 275
Rosemary Gladstar’s Medicinal Herbs: A Beginner’s Guide, p. 144
The Complete Medicinal Herbal by Penelope Ody, p. 51
The Green Pharmacy Herbal Handbook by James A. Duke, p. 125
The Healing Garden by Gayle Povis Allerman, p. 134
The Herbal Kitchen by Kami McBride, p. 70
The How to Herb Book by Keith and Gordon, p. 36 (specific conditions and how to use)
The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Healing Remedies, p.119
The New Age Herbalist by Richard Mabey, p. 104
The New Healing Herbs by Michael Castleman, p. 342 (Includes case studies)
