Hawthorn
(Crataegus laevigata, C. oxyacantha, C. monogyana & related species)
Family: ROSACEAE
Energetics: Cooling, Drying
Taste: Sweet, sour,
Tissue State(s): Hot, Stagnant, Lax.
Parts Used: Berry, Flower, Leaf.
Systems affected: Heart, Blood, Central Nervous System, Cardiovascular System
Key Components: Saponins, Glycosides, Flavonoids, Vitamin B, Vitamin C, Choline, Acetylcholine, Quercitin, Triterpenoids, Cratetegin, Rutin, Procyanidin, Ascorbic Acid, Tannins.
Preparations: Infusion (leaves & flowers), Decoction (berries). Syrup, Jam, Jelly, Tincture, Powdered, Pills, Capsules, Flower essence.
Actions:
Foundational: Astringent.
Primary: Hypotensive. Diuretic.
Secondary: Tonic (cardiac). Antioxidant.
Uses: Hawthorn is considered THE herb for the heart. Dealing with heavy heart & grief. Helps to create a healthy energetic boundary around our own heart. The bioflavonoids, antioxidants and procyanidins that are in Hawthorn are amazing for toning and nourishing the heart. One way Hawthorn works is by dilating the arteries and allowing blood to more freely flow, as well as releasing constrictions and blockages. Strengthens the heart muscle while also helping to normalize blood pressure. Excellent both as a preventative as well as part of a treatment plan for high or low blood pressure, heart disease, edema, angina and arrhythmia. Hawthorn also helps to maintain healthy cholesterol. Aside from its obvious amazing heart affinity, hawthorn is also specific for stabilizing collagen & supporting the health and repair of ligaments, tendons & muscles. If you bruise easily, consider adding hawthorn to your regiment as it is also excellent for strengthening capillaries. Because if its affinity for the heart it is also a go to herb to help work through and alleviate the intense feelings that accompany deep sadness and grief. ADD/ADHD in kids and adults, ASD, Autism, SPD. Help with those intense feelings that many with these diagnosis find it hard to cope with. Nourishes the blood which can strengthen the immune system. Also a helpful herb to support vision.
Indications: Skin that is red, dry and irritated especially on the backs of the hands, wrists and up forearms. Allergies, food allergies
Growing: A slow grower but can live up to 200 years! Different species tolerate different climates better than others so choose a species that fits the conditions of the environment you live in. Which species you choose will decide if your Hawthorn is small and shrub-like or a tall strong tree. Does well in Full sun or partial shade, like the edge of a forest. Does best in a more alkaline soil but doesn't complain. Can find at many nurseries but also is a good self-sower and you can often easily dig up and transplant a young sampling that is growing beneath the mother plant. The berries can be harvested from about September through October.
Contraindications & other Important Info: Hawthorn does not store in the body and has no cumulative action so it is important to take regularly when using as a tonic. Ok that wasn't really a contraindication but good to know!
Energetics: Cooling, Drying
Taste: Sweet, sour,
Tissue State(s): Hot, Stagnant, Lax.
Parts Used: Berry, Flower, Leaf.
Systems affected: Heart, Blood, Central Nervous System, Cardiovascular System
Key Components: Saponins, Glycosides, Flavonoids, Vitamin B, Vitamin C, Choline, Acetylcholine, Quercitin, Triterpenoids, Cratetegin, Rutin, Procyanidin, Ascorbic Acid, Tannins.
Preparations: Infusion (leaves & flowers), Decoction (berries). Syrup, Jam, Jelly, Tincture, Powdered, Pills, Capsules, Flower essence.
Actions:
Foundational: Astringent.
Primary: Hypotensive. Diuretic.
Secondary: Tonic (cardiac). Antioxidant.
Uses: Hawthorn is considered THE herb for the heart. Dealing with heavy heart & grief. Helps to create a healthy energetic boundary around our own heart. The bioflavonoids, antioxidants and procyanidins that are in Hawthorn are amazing for toning and nourishing the heart. One way Hawthorn works is by dilating the arteries and allowing blood to more freely flow, as well as releasing constrictions and blockages. Strengthens the heart muscle while also helping to normalize blood pressure. Excellent both as a preventative as well as part of a treatment plan for high or low blood pressure, heart disease, edema, angina and arrhythmia. Hawthorn also helps to maintain healthy cholesterol. Aside from its obvious amazing heart affinity, hawthorn is also specific for stabilizing collagen & supporting the health and repair of ligaments, tendons & muscles. If you bruise easily, consider adding hawthorn to your regiment as it is also excellent for strengthening capillaries. Because if its affinity for the heart it is also a go to herb to help work through and alleviate the intense feelings that accompany deep sadness and grief. ADD/ADHD in kids and adults, ASD, Autism, SPD. Help with those intense feelings that many with these diagnosis find it hard to cope with. Nourishes the blood which can strengthen the immune system. Also a helpful herb to support vision.
Indications: Skin that is red, dry and irritated especially on the backs of the hands, wrists and up forearms. Allergies, food allergies
Growing: A slow grower but can live up to 200 years! Different species tolerate different climates better than others so choose a species that fits the conditions of the environment you live in. Which species you choose will decide if your Hawthorn is small and shrub-like or a tall strong tree. Does well in Full sun or partial shade, like the edge of a forest. Does best in a more alkaline soil but doesn't complain. Can find at many nurseries but also is a good self-sower and you can often easily dig up and transplant a young sampling that is growing beneath the mother plant. The berries can be harvested from about September through October.
Contraindications & other Important Info: Hawthorn does not store in the body and has no cumulative action so it is important to take regularly when using as a tonic. Ok that wasn't really a contraindication but good to know!
Sources:
Herbs for Children's Health: Rosemary Gladstar. Pg 18-19; Rosemary Gladstar's Medicinal Herbs: Rosemary Gladstar. Pg 144-148;
The Earthwise Herbal Volume 1: Matthew Wood. Pg 211-217;
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