Hawthorn Monograph (short-version)
Hawthorn: Crataegus Laevigata
Main Constituents: vitamin C, glycosides, citric acid, crategolic acid, tartaric acid, glavone, sugars
Parts Used: berries, flowers, leaves
When to Harvest: flowers are harvested in the Spring; berries are harvested in the Fall. The flowers are gathered when in full bloom, usually around May (hence their other name, “Mayflower”, which is the name that the Pilgrims named the boat they brought it in). The fruit in the Northeast US is typically red in mid-September and can often be picked until late October, though may become soft, pithy or bruised from cold temperatures.
Elements: Earth, Air, some Fire
Energetics: slightly warm, sour, sweet
Actions and Properties: anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, astringent, bitter, heart tonic, sedative, digestant, antidiarrheic, emmenagogue
Potential Uses: high cholesterol, irregular heartbeat, stomach ulcers, indigestion, insomnia, stress, hot flashes, inflammation, poor circulation, hardened arteries, appetite control, diarrhea, abdominal distention, congestive heart failure, heart attack, angina, diabetic retinopathy, “attention deficit disorder”, anxiety, edema, gout, arthritis
Affinity in Body: heart, spleen, liver, stomach
Ecological Considerations: serves as both food and sanctuary to wildlife. Thorns protect birds and smaller creatures from larger ones.
Reproductive Healing: increases the blood supply to the heart, toning and strengthening the heart and blood vessels; stabilizes the heartbeat; reduces hypertension; relieves hot flashes; calms the emotions; relieves insomnia; increases the blood flow to the pelvic cavity and is thus useful for treating pelvic inflammatory disease and endometriosis; controls diarrhea, colic, and other intestinal spasms; provides digestive relief, helping to break up stagnant food and allow foods and fluids to move more freely (in China they have been used as a digestive aid)
Safety: in very rare cases side effects include heart palpitations, dizziness, headache, vertigo, hot flashes, and gastrointestinal complaints. Taking very large doses of hawthorn can cause a drop in blood pressure and sedation. Children under 12, pregnant and nursing women can use this in small doses and under the guidance of skilled medicine person. Do not use if you are taking central nervous system depressants as Hawthorn can make the drugs have stronger effects. If taking anticlotting and anti-arrhythmic medication, avoid use of Hawthorn.
Sometimes called ginseng for the heart, Hawthorn has been used traditionally as a heart stabilizer to mitigate arrhythmias such as heart flutters and tachycardia (rapid heartbeats), and as a circulatory agent, stimulating blood flow through the vessels and improving circulation throughout the body. Though slow-acting, they are reliable, serving as a supreme menopausal ally, strengthening the heart muscle, improving the tone of the pelvic area, and supporting peripheral circulation. They are a member of the Rose family which speaks directly to their affinity for the heart. Hawthorn is considered one of the safest medicines for just about any heart condition – the only instance they need to be used with caution is when experiencing low blood pressure (hypotension). In folk medicine, Hawthorn has even been used to decrease joint inflammation and fragility of the capillaries. When blood is stagnant, Hawthorn proves to be effective at setting it back in proper motion. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Mayflower is used for bloating and to alleviate digestive sluggishness. Crushing the berries and preparing a decoction makes them an exceptional remedy for diarrhea, dysentery, and kidney conditions. Truly this plant ally is a wonder medicine for they work through various bodily systems with incredibly tonic power. Further ‘Eastern’ applications include using this plant for treating age-related forms of memory problems. Hawthorn brings more oxygen and blood to the brain. This is the same action that helps children when they are affected by allergies and physical intolerances and express themselves with ‘hyperactivity’ because their brain is receiving more information than it can effectively process – this is what they call Attention Deficit Disorder.
Honing in on the reproductive uses of this ally, Hawthorn is exceptional as ally during the childbearing and menopausal years. During the childbearing years, the use of Hawthorn helps to relieve depression and anxiety, or mood imbalances related to PMS or the postpartum let-down period. They also help to increase blood circulation to the pelvis and treat manifestations of pelvic inflammation or endometriosis. As an emotion-stabilizing agent, the Mayflower can be used in both tincture and flower essence form to help soften and open the heart. This is particularly effective when aiming to undo traumas energetically stored in the heart. Moving into the menopausal years, Hawthorn promotes the relief of hot flashes and the swinging of emotions. They enliven the heart of the person in deep reflection as they enter the more still points of their existence. In the Autumn of life, we can trust Hawthorn to guide us in serenity. Whereas Motherwort is the Mother of hearts, Hawthorn is the Grandmother of the soul.
To prepare and apply Hawthorn medicine, several methods can be employed. The first method is an infusion with the leaves and flower or a decoction with the dried berries. The decoction is allowed to simmer for up to 30 minutes, 1-2 cups daily is ideal. Fresh Hawthorn berries, leaves, and flowers can also be tinctured at a 1:2 ratio for 1-3 months; dried material is tinctured at a 1:5 ratio. Favorable combinations with other plant allies include: Motherwort and Hawthorn for nervine and hypotensive effects. Hawthorn and Crampbark for antispasmodic effects and relief of cramps. Hawthorn and Linden combined can have a diuretic effect and provide emotional and energetic support. During childbirth, a tincture of Motherwort, Red Raspberry Leaf, and Hawthorn makes the labor and pushing process easier.
T R A D I T I O N A N D M A G I C K
Hawthorn is widely associated with fertility and May Day celebrations. The original Maypoles were made out of Hawthorn. The medicine of Hawthorn is one of love, protection, and marriage. Combining both the flower and berry in herbal formulas boosts the protective nature of this ally; Hawthorn keeps the evils away. Hoodoo uses include sprinkling Hawthorn berries in the path of a woman who is trying to steal your partner; when she walks through this trail of berries, she will lose her desire for them. They say it is the fairies of the Hawthorn tree who help to neutralize the situation. Because Hawthorn brings heat and blood to the pelvic region, they are revered as fertility power. The magickal applications are extensive and can be personalized according to what you find in your journeying with this special friend. A Practical Protection Spell by Sandra Kynes: “Carefully gather a few thorns from the tree. On a piece of paper, write the name of the energetic disposition or situation from which you seek protection, and then wrap it around the thorns. Bury this in the ground – if possible near the tree from which the thorns were collected.”
M E S S A G E S F R O M H A W T H O R N
What choices are you ready to make? How will you emerge from the indecision? I come to lend you guidance in times of transition, reminding you of the transmutation that is possible and what it will lead you into. These decisions help to refine life into a golden age, your personal world and creation. This is a time to cleanse, purge, and emerge, to be whole.
Gold Water Alchemy potions containing Hawthorn
Key 17: The Star // a formula crafted with Hawthorn leaf and flower, Eleuthero root, Angelica root, and Ginger root. This is a delicious-tasting potion useful for treating the cardiovascular and reproductive systems. Key 17 can boost energy and relieve general fatigue; also great for treating neurological disorders.
References
Kynes, Sandra. Whispers from the Woods. Llewelyn Publications, 2006.
Lee, Michele E. Working the Roots. Wadastick, 2014.
Tierra, Michael. Planetary Herbology. Lotus Press, 1988.
My brain.
My heart.