Crataegus oxycantha (many species can be used medicinally)
Family: Rosaceae (rose, apple, peach, strawberry)
Subfamily: Almond
Parts used: fruits, leaves and flowers (most medicinal)
Also known as Mayflower for in England it flowers in May, this is the same plant the pilgrim's ship was named for. Well known as one of the best heart supporting plants out there. It is best used as a long term tonic to be taken every day as a nourishing "food" for the heart. Diet and nutrition play a critical role in heart health as well.
Family: Rosaceae (rose, apple, peach, strawberry)
Subfamily: Almond
Parts used: fruits, leaves and flowers (most medicinal)
Also known as Mayflower for in England it flowers in May, this is the same plant the pilgrim's ship was named for. Well known as one of the best heart supporting plants out there. It is best used as a long term tonic to be taken every day as a nourishing "food" for the heart. Diet and nutrition play a critical role in heart health as well.
Actions and Properties
- Anti-inflammatory
- Antioxidant
- Antispasmodic
- Astringent (increase tone and firmness)
- Cardiotonic (heart support)
- Carminative
- Diuretic
- Emmenagogue
- Hypotensive (reduces blood pressure)
- Hypolipidemic
- Nervine (regulates nerve responses)
- Tonic
- vasodilator (increase blood flow)
Uses
- Cardio tonic: feeds, tones, strengthens, supports and restorative to heart - go to for any heart/circulatory related issue
- Can regulate blood pressure, rapid pulse, palpitations, angina, anemia, etc.
- Softens and opens veins and arteries for free flow of blood, improved circulation
- Helps maintain healthy cholesterol levels
- Can dissolve calcium and cholesterol deposits which can help with hardening arteries and plaquing
- Helps maintain healthy cholesterol levels
- Protects heart during oxygen loss, heart attack/stroke recovery and even prevention
- Circulatory conditions, including blood clotting (best when blended with yarrow).
- Strengthens capillaries which helps with bruising, varicose veins, blood shot eyes, etc.
- Strengthen and repair ligaments, tendons, muscles, joint lining, collagen, and spinal discs – bruising, arthritis, fractures, osteoporosis, orthopedic aid (use equal parts horsetail)
- Can quiet ADHD, fidgety, can't sit still, disruptive, restless, etc.
- Urinary tract support and aid, kidney issues like stones
- Sore throat (berries)
- Traditional uses: diarrhea, heavy menstrual bleeding, drawing action
Emotional Heart
- Emotional wounds – grief, sadness, empty heart, tough relationships, etc.
- Opens heart center – enhances emotional wellbeing, fostering love, empathy and connection
- Help during times of change – new ways of feeling and thinking
- Nerves – anxiety, stress, insomnia, bad dreams, restlessness, overactive mind and body, vertigo, can lift the spirits
- Trauma, shock, PTSD, death of loved one, heartbreak, etc.
- Helps balance mood – mood swings, menopause
- Fosters courage and love (self and others)
Methods of Use
- Extracts, tincture (a "whole" tincture can be made by gathering flowers and leaves in the spring. Then tincture berries in the fall and add both tincture together for a powerful heart tonic).
- Tea (1 oz. berries to 1 pint water, simmer for 15 minutes
- Powdered, capsules, sprinkle
- Raw berries, jam, syrup or jelly
- Herbal honey
Care/Harvesting
Hawthorn has around 900 species and ranges from a hedge to a shrub or tree. It grows in woodland areas, abandoned fields, pastures and scrub and can be found in parks and garden. It can be easily cultivated in your garden by purchasing a tree or shrub from your local nursery. Plant in full sun with moist soil, although it isn't too picky about growing conditions.
- Gather blossoms and leaves in the spring when partially to fully open.
- Berries are harvested in the fall when deep red, avoiding any with rot. Be mindful of the stony seeds when processing.
Caution
Hawthorn can take up to three months for any effects to be noticed and it may need to be taken indefinitely since it does not stay in the system. Can be used as a daily supplement
Do not take with other heart medications unless under the care of a trained physician.
Updated: 11/21/2024
Do not take with other heart medications unless under the care of a trained physician.
Updated: 11/21/2024
Recipes
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Mountain Rose Herbs: Hawthorn
Edible Wild Food - Common Hawthorne
Hawthorn Benefits by Dr. Axe
The Herbal Academy - Hawthorn Offerings
Herbs to Know in the Garden
Herbal Roots Zine - Hawthorne Syrup
Backyard Medicine (quotes from old herbals and recipes, with dosages), p. 65
Botany in a Day, p.95
Breverton’s Complete Herbal, p. 162 (History, lore)
Floriography, p. 74
Healing Plants of the Rocky Mountains, p. 76
Herbal Health Secrets by Richard M. Lucas, p. 138 (case studies)
Mountain States Medicinal Plants by Briana Wiles, p. 117
Nutritional Herbology by Mark Pedersen, p. 107 (details of actions and constituents)
Peterson Field Guides: Western Medicinal Plants and Herbs, p. 295
Planetary Herbology by Michael Tierra, p. 259
Practical Herbalism (full list of constituents and actions, preparations and dosages) p. 171
Prescription for Herbal Healing by Phyllis A. Balch, p. 79
Prescription for Nutritional Healing by Phyllis A. Balch, p. 115 list of phytochemicals and actions
Rodale’s Illustrated Encyclopedia of herbs, p. 275
Rosemary Gladstar’s Medicinal Herbs: A Beginner’s Guide, p. 144
The Complete Medicinal Herbal by Penelope Ody, p. 51
The Green Pharmacy Herbal Handbook by James A. Duke, p. 125
The Healing Garden by Gayle Povis Allerman, p. 134
The Herbal Kitchen by Kami McBride, p. 70
The How to Herb Book by Keith and Gordon, p. 36 (specific conditions and how to use)
The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Healing Remedies, p.119
The New Age Herbalist by Richard Mabey, p. 104
The New Healing Herbs by Michael Castleman, p. 342 (Includes case studies)
Resources
