Hawthorn Leaves

Common Name
Hawthorn

Latin name
Crataegus oxyacanthoides

Cultivation
Hawthorn is a deciduous shrubby tree with smooth thorny shoots and three-lobed stipulate leaves. Also known as mayflower, it’s related to the apple tree and the peach tree. It produces small white or pink five-petal flowers with short triangular sepals are arranged in corymbs and on long stalks. The berry is red with white mealy flesh and a large stone. Crataegus grows in hedgerows and copses throughout Britain and all temperate regions of the northern hemisphere. The flowering tops are harvested in late spring and early summer, the berries in September and October.

Parts Used
The parts used are the flowering tops, dried ripe fruits, and leaves.

Plant Overview & Picture
Hawthorn was traditionally used in Europe for kidney and bladder stones and as a diuretic. In China the berries believed to 'move' the blood, and are used to relieve symptoms of 'food stagnation', which can include abdominal bloating, indigestion, flatulence and diarrhoea. Ayurvedic medicine recommends hawthorn for heart and circulatory complaints as do the American Indians.

Hawthorn is an extremely valuable medicinal herb. Both the fruits and flowers of hawthorns can be used to treat disorders of the heart and circulation system, especially angina and high blood pressure. Western herbalists consider it a 'food for the heart', it increases the blood flow to the heart muscles, nourishes and strengthens them and restores normal heart beat. This effect is brought about by the presence of bioflavonoids in the fruit which are also strong antioxidants and to prevent or reduce degeneration of the blood vessels. Prolonged use is necessary for the treatment to be efficacious.

The flowers and berries are also astringent and excellent if made into a decoction and used as a gargle for sore throats.

Magical Properties
Hawthorn flowers are reputed to have magical properties and are said to increase fertility. Strangely enough the leaves are also used to enforce or maintain chastity or celibacy by placing them under the mattress or around the bedroom. If worn or carried hawthorn will promote happiness in the troubled, depressed or sad and protect against lighting and ghosts. The Romans placed hawthorn in cradles to guard the child from evil spells.

Energy
Warm. Decreases excess Air while stimulating Fire

Hawthorn Properties
Anti-inflammatory, Antispasmodic, Astringent, Cardioactive, Cholagogue, Diaphoretic, Diuretic, Expectorant, febrifuge, Hypotensive, Laxative, Sedative

Useful for treating
Hawthorn is a fantastic heart tonic. It is effective in treating heart disorders such as arteriosclerosis, angina or hypertension, blood pressure irregularities, Irregular heartbeat and palpitations. It improves circulation and is said to tone the veins, help with difficult breathing and reduce nervousness.

Instructions for use - (How to make Herbal teas)
Use one to two teaspoons of the dried leaves and drink as an infusion
Use 1-2 teaspoons of the berries to make a decoction. This can be gargled with to treat sore throats or drank as a tea for heart conditions.

Contraindications
Do not use when pregnant or breastfeeding.