Hawthorn (Crataegus spp.)
Hawthorn (berry, leaf, and flower) has been used medicinally and as a food plant by peoples throughout the world. It has a prominent place in Traditional Chinese Medicine, the cultures of various native Americans, and Europeans of all sorts, to name just a few. The Common or single-seeded Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) is native to northern Europe but widely naturalized across the United States. It is often considered to be the officinal species for western herbalists, though many (including me) use various local Crataegus species interchangeably. The Chinese Hawthorn (Crataegus pinnatifida) is the varietal widely used in Traditional Chinese Medicine.
In my area there are at least two types of Hawthorn tree, which for simplicity I will call the wild (possibly native) Hawthorn and the ornamental Hawthorn. The wild trees are often found in old farm fields and in the interior of the older parks around town, while the ornamental Hawthorn trees are generally in more landscaped areas such as neighborhoods and shopping plazas. Recently I’ve been spending these lovely crisp fall days collecting Hawthorn berries from a group of ornamental Hawthorn trees on the west side of town. I’m thrilled that these trees are doing so well this year – they’re almost dripping berries! These trees are likely Washington Hawthorn (Crataegus phaenopyrum), a widely-planted ornamental tree whose berries and leaves look slightly different from the wild Hawthorn.
In my area there are at least two types of Hawthorn tree, which for simplicity I will call the wild (possibly native) Hawthorn and the ornamental Hawthorn. The wild trees are often found in old farm fields and in the interior of the older parks around town, while the ornamental Hawthorn trees are generally in more landscaped areas such as neighborhoods and shopping plazas. Recently I’ve been spending these lovely crisp fall days collecting Hawthorn berries from a group of ornamental Hawthorn trees on the west side of town. I’m thrilled that these trees are doing so well this year – they’re almost dripping berries! These trees are likely Washington Hawthorn (Crataegus phaenopyrum), a widely-planted ornamental tree whose berries and leaves look slightly different from the wild Hawthorn.
Botanical Identification
Hawthorn is in the Rose family; a thorny shrub or small tree that can grow 6-20 feet tall depending on species. White flowers that bloom in springtime are insect-pollinated and produce clusters of red berries (called ‘haws’) in the fall. Hawthorn trees are easily recognized by their sharp, woody thorns that are 1-3” in length. Crataegus contains many species that hybridize; all are edible and are generally used interchangeably by herbalists. There can be variation in leaf shape, though most are oblong and dark green. Hawthorn prefers moist soil and sun to partial shade.
Herbal Use
Hawthorn is beloved by herbalists for a variety of reasons, most of which involve the heart – physical, emotional, and energetic. Herbalists tend to see mind and body, emotion and spirit, as interconnected pieces of well-being. Hawthorn has been used for millennia as a food and medicinal plant, dating back to the time of the ancient Greeks. These days we use Hawthorn as a nutritive heart and circulatory tonic, to help with form and function of that organ and system. Regular, long-term use of Hawthorn flower, leaf, and berry can lower high blood pressure, strengthen and even out the rhythm of the heart, improve the integrity of veins, arteries, and capillaries. The berries especially are high in flavonoids, which help to address inflammation within the circulatory system.
Perhaps my favorite aspect of Hawthorn medicine is its actions on the emotional heart. Traditional Chinese Medicine states that the spirit (shen) resides in the heart. Hawthorn is a mildly calming herb, especially for anxious, overexcited folks. Used over time, it can help with restless sleep related to heart-centered anxiety. Herbalist Deb Soule says that Hawthorn is used to “settle the spirit in the heart.” Similarly, Michigan herbalist Jim McDonald tells us that Hawthorn is a good tonic for the emotional heart; especially guarded, tender hearts. With its wealth of berries and sharp thorns, Hawthorn helps us to open our hearts, while still retaining good boundaries for ourselves.
Preparations:
Tincture, tea, powder, syrup, delicious food
Hawthorn in the Linden Tree Herbals shop
Olwyn's Heart - an elixir of Hawthorn, Crabapple, and Rose
Olwyn's Heart - an elixir of Hawthorn, Crabapple, and Rose
A triune of deep red berries and flowers combine their healing, restorative, heart-focused magic in this delicious, ethereal elixir named for Olwyn, a Welsh goddess heroine.
A tale from Welsh legend tells of Olwyn, daughter of the giant Ysbadadden (Welsh: Hawthorn), a fair maiden won by hero Culhwch after a very long series of trials set by her father. She is often depicted as a golden-haired Spring goddess in a flowing red dress, with trails of white flowers that spring up in her footsteps.
Olwyn's Heart weaves the astringency and forthrightness of crabapple with the fierce sweetness of hawthorn and rose (and a little warming zing from the Far East in the form of exotic cardamom and cinnamon) into a pleasant tonic you’ll look forward to every day.
Ingredients:
Wildcrafted Hawthorn berry and flower, Crabapple bark and fruit, Rose bud, flower, and hips; Organic Cardamom and Cinnamon; local honey, spiced rum, grain alcohol, distilled water.
Click here to shop
A tale from Welsh legend tells of Olwyn, daughter of the giant Ysbadadden (Welsh: Hawthorn), a fair maiden won by hero Culhwch after a very long series of trials set by her father. She is often depicted as a golden-haired Spring goddess in a flowing red dress, with trails of white flowers that spring up in her footsteps.
Olwyn's Heart weaves the astringency and forthrightness of crabapple with the fierce sweetness of hawthorn and rose (and a little warming zing from the Far East in the form of exotic cardamom and cinnamon) into a pleasant tonic you’ll look forward to every day.
Ingredients:
Wildcrafted Hawthorn berry and flower, Crabapple bark and fruit, Rose bud, flower, and hips; Organic Cardamom and Cinnamon; local honey, spiced rum, grain alcohol, distilled water.
Click here to shop