Hawthorn

Hawthorn, Crataegus monogyna, is a tree that you may see on roadsides around Canterbury. For some reason in my town it's prolific along the railway line. It seems to be common in hedges too. At this time of year the flowers are distinctive and so pretty. They form red berries that are harvested in autumn. The medicinal parts used are the leaves, flowers and berries.

This herb has an affinity with the cardiovascular system and some sources state that it is a blood pressure and cardiac regulator. It has actions of being a peripheral dilator too, for poor circulation.

Hawthorn is a member of the rose family so it has the astringent and collagen stabilising actions that others of this family of plants have.

I dispense this as a tincture in blends for clients who it is indicated for but there are other ways you can use hawthorn. The berries, leaves or flowers can be added to teas, the leaves and flowers may be chopped and added to salads, the berries may be made into syrups. This brings to mind rosehip syrup.

Due to the potential of hawthorn interacting with medictions, please consult a herbalist if you plan to use this while you are on meds. A couple of cups of hawthorn herbal tea is at medicinal level.