As we progress through the cycle of seasonal changes, we find ourselves in mid-to-late winter. February is a time of deep rest, just before new spring energy arrives. Continuing our monthly walk with herbs, February’s herb of the month is hawthorn, the great heart herb. Hawthorn has been used throughout the ages for physical and emotional heart health. Hawthorn trees decorate the global landscape with many species, each native to a different region. Though some species were already native to North America, Eastern Hemisphere ancestors brought over many of our current hawthorn trees from the old world, indicating their profound importance. 

Common name: Hawthorn

Latin name: Crataegus monogyna

Part Used: berries, flowers, leaves, and young twigs 

Benefits: Cardiovascular health, emotional health, aids in digestion

Taste: slightly sweet, sour, astringent 

Energetics: cooling and moist

History:

Due to its globalized nature, hawthorn has a history of being used in countries all over the world for hundreds, if not thousands of years. As early as the 1st century, China used hawthorn for its cardiovascular benefits as well as its strengthening effect on the spleen. Also, according to Traditional Chinese medicine, hawthorn helps promote healthy digestion and blood circulation. Its Latin name, Crataegus, comes from the Greek word krataigos, which roughly translates to “strong thorn.” The Greek physician wrote of hawthorn, “Its fruit stops diarrhea when drunk and eaten. Its root finely ground and plastered extracts splinters and thorns.” This was likely due to its astringent flavor.

Hawthorn has many informal names, such as the Maythorn and the Thorn Apple. This is likely because it typically blooms into beautiful white flowers around the beginning of May. Legend has it that May Poles were made out of hawthorn trees and that the Mayflower was named after the hope inspired by the hawthorn trees, as they were seen as a symbol of hope and love. 

Additionally, according to folklore, it was believed to be bad luck to cut down hawthorn branches and bring them inside. But if left outside, hawthorn branches would keep witches out. 

Benefits: 

Hawthorn is considered a great heart herb, and all of its parts are used to benefit heart health. The berries, flowers, leaves, and young twigs all contain high bioflavonoid and antioxidant content. Hawthorn works on the heart by helping to dilate the veins and arteries, which helps blood flow more freely to and from the heart, releasing cardiovascular constrictions. It also works as a tonic, which means it helps strengthen the heart muscle, works as a preventative measure, and works best when taken regularly. It can also help to regulate and normalize blood pressure and cholesterol. Hawthorn is an excellent natural option for people who bruise easily, as it works to strengthen the ligaments, tendons, and capillaries. 

Emotional Aspects of Hawthorn:

Being the herb of the heart, hawthorn is a great natural approach to emotional heartache as well. Herbalists and naturopaths employ it to help with grief and deep sadness. Just like the thorns of the hawthorn tree protect its berries, hawthorn helps protect your emotional heart. It helps those who are attempting to have a more open and courageous heart, and it also helps set emotional boundaries for those who need help with deep heartache. Hawthorn also helps support the nervous system and, therefore, is used to alleviate nerves and anxiety. 

Recipes

Precautions: Before taking hawthorn, individuals who are taking beta-blockers or other heart health medications should consult an experienced practitioner.

1. Rosemary Gladstar’s Heart-ease Tea 

According to Rosemary Gladstar, “This is an effective remedy for deep-seated grief and feelings of loss. It’s also an effective remedy for seasonal affective disorder.”

Ingredients:

• 2 parts hawthorn leaf, flower, and berry
• 1 part green oat top (milky oats)
• 1 part lemon balm leaf
• 1 part St. John’s wort flower and leaf
• Honey (optional)

Instructions:

• Prepare an infusion of the herbs by pouring boiling water over them. Let steep for 30-45 minutes. The length of steeping time and the amount of herb you use will affect the strength of the tea. 
• Strain and drink

Circulatory Tea for Ears and Tinnitus 

This tea is a circulatory stimulant. Increasing the circulation throughout the body may help with some cases of tinnitus and hearing loss. 

Ingredients:

• 1 part ginkgo
• 1 part hawthorn berries
• ¼ part cinnamon
• ¼ part ginger

Instructions:

• Prepare an infusion of the herbs by pouring boiling water over them. Let steep for 30-45 minutes. The length of steeping time and the amount of herb you use will affect the strength of the tea. 
• Strain and drink 

Rosemary Gladstar’s Sprinkles for the Heart

This is a heart-healthy addition to any meal that can be sprinkled on for extra flavor. Place it in a small bottle with a shaker top and set it on the table to make sure you remember to use it often. 

Ingredients:

• 2 parts hawthorn berry powder
• 1 part cinnamon powder
• ½ part ginger root powder
• ⅛ part cardamom powder

Instructions:

• Mix the powders together and store them in a spice jar on the table. 
• Sprinkle the powder on any food that could use a flavor boost. 

References

Gladstar, R. (2012). Rosemary Gladstar’s medicinal herbs: a beginner’s guide. North Adams, MA, Storey Publishing.

Touwaide, A., & Appetiti, E. (n.d.). Naylor Association management software. American Herbal Products Association. https://www.ahpa.org/herbs_in_history_hawthorn