Description
Hawthorn, a familiar sight in European hedgerows, boasts deep red berries and sharp thorns. Also known as “hawthorne,” these berries have been staples in traditional Western herbalism for centuries due to their perceived wellness benefits. They’ve been incorporated into jams, cordials, liquid extracts, and herbal syrups. Our hawthorn powder, derived from organic Crataegus monogyna berries, can be encapsulated, tinctured, or infused.
Hawthorn leaf, flower, and berry have garnered praise over the centuries for their purported heart-supporting properties. It’s believed to uplift and strengthen both the physical and emotional heart, with its support for healthy cardiovascular function. The flavorful red berries find their way into candies, jams, jellies, wines, and cordials, and are widely available in various supplement forms.
Crataegus, a thorny shrub or tree with hard wood and gray bark, is adorned with tri-lobed leaves and white flowers, bearing bright red berries. There are around 280 known species, several of which have traditional medicinal uses. Generally, C. laevigata (also known as C. oxyacantha) and C. monogyna are most commonly used in commerce. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), C. pinnatifida is utilized. Hawthorn has a rich historical significance, with references dating back to Greek herbalist Dioscorides and Swiss physician Paracelsus. It holds symbolic importance in folklore, often associated with fairies and magical myths.
Traditionally, all parts of the hawthorn tree have been utilized in European herbal medicine: leaves, berries, flowers, and wood. The blossoms were used as heart tonics and diuretics, while berries and leaves were brewed into astringent teas. The bright red berries were even crafted into tasty brandy cordials. In TCM, hawthorn, or “shanzha,” was primarily used for digestion until recent times, when it gained recognition for its cardiovascular benefits.
Many herbalists consider hawthorn a superior heart tonic, affecting both physical and emotional aspects of heart health. It’s often utilized for its transformative effects on the emotional or spiritual heart, particularly for addressing emotional wounds. Hawthorn’s slightly warm energetic nature and sweet-sour taste make it a versatile herb in herbal practices around the world.
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