hawthorn

Botanical Name: Crataegus spp.

Part Used: Berries, Leaves, Flowers

Energetics: Cooling

Taste: Sour, Sweet, Astringent

Botany: Hawthorn is a large genus of deciduous shrubs and trees in the rose family, with over 200 species found in temperate regions throughout the world. The trees can reach up to 50 feet in height, and have dense, thorny branches with lobed leaves and clusters of white or pink flowers in the spring. The fruits, known as haws, are small red or black berries that ripen in the fall and persist through the winter.

History: Hawthorn has a long history of use in traditional European medicine, with records dating back to ancient Greece and Rome. It has been used to support cardiovascular health, digestion, and emotional well-being. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, hawthorn is used to support digestion and reduce food stagnation.

Actions:

Cardiovascular tonic: Hawthorn is best known for its ability to support cardiovascular health. It can help to improve circulation, reduce blood pressure, and support healthy cholesterol levels.

Digestive tonic: Hawthorn is also a mild digestive tonic, helping to improve digestion and reduce symptoms of indigestion, bloating, and gas.

Nervine: Hawthorn has a calming effect on the nervous system, helping to reduce stress and anxiety.

Emotional Support: Hawthorn is known to support emotional balance, helping to ease feelings of sadness and grief.

Constitutional Herbalism: Hawthorn is a great herb for people who have a tendency towards stagnation, both physically and emotionally. It helps to move things along, whether it be stagnant blood flow, digestive function, or emotions. Hawthorn can also be helpful for those who feel emotionally guarded, as it can support the opening of the heart.

Growing: Hawthorn is a hardy shrub or small tree that prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. It can tolerate a range of soil types and pH levels, and is relatively drought tolerant once established. Hawthorn can be propagated by seed or cuttings, and is best pruned in the late winter or early spring.

Processing: The leaves, flowers, and berries of hawthorn can all be dried for later use. The berries are typically harvested in the fall and can be dried whole or mashed into a pulp for drying. The leaves and flowers can be harvested in the spring and early summer and dried in a warm, well-ventilated area. The dried plant material can then be used to make teas, tinctures, or capsules.