Hawthorn

Photo: Pernilla Gäverth

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By Pernilla Gäverth

November 23, 2024
3:39 pm
Los Angeles, CA

Botanical name: Crataegus spp. Family: Rosaceae Parts used: leaves, flower, berries Energetics: slightly cooling, neutral Taste: sour European culture has long been fascinated with hawthorn, and many myths and bits of folklore surround this thorny tree. Besides beeing used for medicine, the hard wood of the tree was made into tools and the thick, thorny nature of the tree made it a pupular choice as a natural fence and hedge. People in China also have a well-developed relationship with hawthorn, often using it for stagnant digestion. In the spring, hawthorn trees produce a plethora of lovely white to pink flowers. Following pollination, the tree begins to form many bunches of berries that ripen in late summer. These berries are dry and mealy and can range form bitter to sweet,

Botanical name: Crataegus spp.
Family: Rosaceae
Parts used: leaves, flower, berries
Energetics: slightly cooling, neutral
Taste: sour

European culture has long been fascinated with hawthorn, and many myths and bits of folklore surround this thorny tree. Besides beeing used for medicine, the hard wood of the tree was made into tools and the thick, thorny nature of the tree made it a pupular choice as a natural fence and hedge. People in China also have a well-developed relationship with hawthorn, often using it for stagnant digestion.

In the spring, hawthorn trees produce a plethora of lovely white to pink flowers. Following pollination, the tree begins to form many bunches of berries that ripen in late summer. These berries are dry and mealy and can range form bitter to sweet, depending on species.

Hawthorn is a tree in the rose family that grows all over the Northern hemisphere. There are more than 280 species.
In mythology and symbolism hawthorn is a pagan symbol of fertility and has ancient associations with May Day.

Maypoles can be found in many parts of Europe, especially in spring. A maypole is a prop that is used to help celebrate warmer weather. Poles may be seen as more convenient than trees because they can be raised and taken down easily from a chosen location. The middle of an empty flat field is ideal for maypole celebrations and maypole dancing. The maypole dance is a tradition that is at least 2000 years old

The meaning of the maypole dance is to celebrate the spring and the upcoming summer seasons. It is also a celebration of nature and fertility. It is believed to have started in Roman Britain around 2,000 years ago, when soldiers celebrated the arrival of spring by dancing around decorated trees thanking their goddess Flora. Throughout history until today different maypole traditions exists in a lot of countries. The celebrations are not always held on 1 May, maypole celebrations also happen in the States, Malta, Scandinavia, Canada and Italy.

Hawthorns blossoming marks the point at which spring turns into summer.

There are many uses of hawthorn. It has long been grown as a hedging plant and is a popular choice in wildlife gardens.
The young leaves, flower buds and young flowers are all edible. They can be added to green salads and grated root salads.
The hawthorn leaves, berries, flowers are used as medicine. They are good for heart-related illness, cardiac weakness, stagnant digestion and regulating bloodpressure. In other words hawthorn seems to improve blood circulation and affect blood flow from the heart. Their plant properties are antioxidant, astringent, diuretic, digestant and aslo works as a relaxing nervine. Hawthorn can be prepared in many forms such as tea, tincture, vinegar and food.

Western herbalists tend to use the berries more freqvently; however, the flower and leaf have gotten more attention in reserach studies in recent years. The berries can be eaten like food and enjoyed in a variety of ways, including infused into vinegar, or made into honeys, jams or even ketchup. The leaves and flowers make a delicious, slightly tannic tea that is reminiscent of black tea.

A Hawthorn nourishing infusion blends together hawthorn leaves, flowers and berries and is a delicious way to support your heart health. The taste is slightly astringent, with the delicat perfume of the flowers and leaves complementing the sweetness of the berries. I love to drink this as an iced tea on a hot summerday or as a warm tea during the winter months!

Enjoy the wonders of nature!