Hawthorn descends from the rose (Rosaceae) family. The crataegus species of hawthorn is used for medicinal purposes. Crataegus laevigata, crataegus oxyacantha, crataegus monogyna, and crataegus sinaica are the most commonly used forms of hawthorn.
"The hawthorn...is a thorny deciduous tree that grows to a height of 25 feet (eight meters). It bears small white five-petaled blossums in the late spring that give way to red berries in the late summer." (Balch, 79)
Suggested Ways to Use Hawthorn
In spring, the leaves and flowers can be harvested either fresh or dried. The berries can be used either fresh or dried, but should be harvested preferably after the first frost.
A tincture can be made out of fresh or dried leaves, flowers or berries. It is recommended to use only dried hawthorn berries because fresh berries will tend to clump together like jam. This is because hawthorn berries have a high concentration of pectin.
The most mild form of ingesting hawthorn is by eating the berries when they are ripe. This will fortify the heart. A jam consisting of dried hawthorn berries is also another way to absorb the heart healing properties.
A honey syrup can be made with one part of a dried berry decoction (or simmered tea) mixed with two parts of honey.
For those that would rather buy hawthorn at a natural health food store, capsules, tablets and tinctures may be available.
Medicinal Benefits of Hawthorn
Hawthorn's main purpose is to improve the condition of the circulatory system. It does this by increasing the pumping forced of the heart muscle and dilating blood vessels. This action is highly beneficial to the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Hawthorn helps to improve memory problems by lessening the amount of plaque on artery walls. This increases the amount of oxygen and other various nutrients to the brain. Hawthorn also strengthens the walls of blood vessels which handle the strain of high blood pressure and blood clots more efficiently.
Hawthorn also improves cartilage which lessens possible joint damage. "...hawthorn flower extracts prevent the formation of thromboxane A2, a hormone involved inflammatory processes." (Balch, 80)
The improvement in blood circulation helps to speed along the healing process of diseases such as leukemia and lupus, while improving conditions such as bloodshot eyes, glaucoma, swollen ankles and varicose veins.
Warnings About Hawthorn
Hawthorn may take several weeks before noticeable changes occur. Children, pregnant and nursing women should only use hawthorn under the supervision of a medical professional.
"Hawthorn may potentiate the effects of digitalis-based drugs, such as digoxin, and should not be taken concurrently with any pharmceutical heart medicines." (Cech, 165) Hawthorn should not be used as a replacement for professional medical treatment for congestive heart failure, angina, and cardiac arrhythmias unless otherwise advised by a medical professional.
Hawthorn teas may have a laxative effect. It has also been known to produce faintness in those who consume large amounts because it causes blood pressure to drop. Hawthorn (in vast amounts) may also cause drowsiness and sedation.
Sources:
Cech, Rico. Making Plant Medicine. Williams. Oregon: Horizon Herbs. 2000.
Balch, Phyllis. Prescription for Herbal Healing. New York, New York: Penguin Putnam, Inc. 2002.
Elisheva Weyers - My articles are written out of my genuine interest and not purely for monetary gain.
Join the Conversation