HAWTHORN (HAWTHORNE)


Hawthorn (crataegus oxycantha) is a common deciduous tree or shrub growing primarily in North America, Europe, and western Asia. A member of the family Rosaceae, hawthorn's thorny branches sport beautiful pink or white flowers in the spring (hawthorn is also called "mayflower" or "maybush") which develop into small apple-like fruit that ripens bright red in the fall.


Hawthorn berries can be used in cooking much like other tree fruits (it smells like apples during the extracting process)


Hawthorn berries have been known as a natural heart tonic for centuries and has even been called "food for the heart."

Hawthorne Tree

Hawthorne Flower

  The hawthorn, the blossom of the tree commonly called the "red haw" or "wild haw" and scientifically designated as crataegus, is declared to be the floral emblem of Missouri, and the state department of agriculture shall recognize it as such and encourage its cultivation on account of the beauty of its flower, fruit and foliage.

Hawthorne Flower

Hawthorne Berry

Hawthorne Berries are rich in bioflavonoids, hawthorne berries have been used for 

thousands of years in China to treat indigestion

and is widely known as a diuretic.

The fruit of hawthorn, called haws, are edible, but are commonly made into jellies, jams, and syrups, used to make wine, or to add flavour to brandy, rather than eaten fresh. Botanically they are pomes, but they look similar to berries. A haw is small and oblong, similar in size and shape to a small olive or grape, and red when ripe. Haws develop in groups of 2-3 along smaller branches. They are pulpy and delicate in taste. In this species (C. monogyna) they have only one seed, but in other species of hawthorn there may be up to 5 seeds.

Part used: fruit

Properties: tonic, antispasmodic, astringent, diuretic, sedative.

What it affects: heart, circulation, nerves, and kidneys.

Preparation and amount: 

Infusion: steep 5-15 min and drink 1 cup 2-3 x a day.

Decoction: simmer 5-15 min. and drink 6 oz. 3 x a day.

Tincture: drink 15-30 drops (1/2- 1 tsp) 3 x a day.

Fluid extract: take 10-15 drops 3 x a day.

Powder: take 10 #0 capsules (60) grains) 3 x a day.

Purposes:

This the herb for the heart! Internally, hawthorn normalizes blood pressure by regulating heart action. It indicates the coronary blood vessels. Those are the ones that nourish the heart itself. Taking the herb over a period of time will generally lower blood pressure. (Keep i mind that a key factor in lowering blood pressure is drinking enough water every day!). But it normalizes blood pressure, helping to elevate low blood pressure. It helps rapid or arrhythmic heartbeat, inflammation of the heart muscle (myocarditis), arteriosclerosis, and nervous heart problems. It is good for heart muscles weakened by age. Taking it regularly strengthens the heart muscle. It helps prevent hardening of the arteries; it is excellent for feeble heart action, valvular insufficiency, and irregular pulse.

Hawthorn tea is also excellent for nervous conditions, particularly insomnia. A decoction od the berries is best for sore throats and acid conditions of the blood. American Indians used it to treat rheumatism. In China, it is used to cure digestion.

Plant Description


The hawthorn grows as either a shrub or a tree in England and continental Europe. It is widely grown as a hedge plant. Its trunk or stem have hard wood, smooth and ash-gray bark, and thorny branches. The small, shiny leaves are dark green on top, light bluish green underneath, and have three irregularly toothed lobes. The white flowers have round petals and grow in terminal corymbs during May and June. The fruit or haw is a 2 to 3 seeded, scarlet on the outside, yellowish and pulpy on the inside.