Hawthorne is used in many different cultures in both Europe and the Americas. It is considered to be one of those immortal type special plants given by the gods to humankind to help increase longevity. In fact it is associated in many cultures with Sylvan folk and it is said that the day the Fairy realm returns is the day the Mayflower (Hawthorne shrub's flowers) blossoms.

Hawthorne is characterized by most as a five foot tall thorny bush or small tree. When the flower on it is pollinated it forms a haw fruit, which looks kind of like a crabapple type berry. It is reminiscent of rosehips, in function as well because it is in the rose family. It is found naturally on hilly countrysides, or sunny areas within woods. You can use hawthorne as a hedge to keep out foraging animals such as deer from your vegetable garden.

The lore on magic is diversified as a result of its mass appeal throughout the world. Its wood seems best suited to create wands for craftsmaship and mastery in the arts or sciences. Carved wood placed in a study or workshop can attract mastery in the weilde's occupation.

Food-wise the haw berries were fermented and made into a drink kind of like the hard ciders of today in Europe. It was baked into little cakes for May Day celebrations as well.

Herbally Hawthorne's berries (haws), leaves and flowers can all be used safely to treat the heart without interfering with medicines. Since it lowers blood pressure it shouldn't be used with hypertension medications as it will double the effect. Hawthorne has been medically proven to increase heart health and especially in the early stages of heart disease. Conditions such as angina, congestive heart failure, irregular heartbeat, hypertension all benefit from use of hawthorne.

Hawthorne has the amazing ability to prevent production of angiostensin. Phytochemicals such flavanoids and proanthocyanidins are powerful antioxidants which increase the heart's ability to oxegenate the blood through dilation of the coronary bloodvessels and strenghthening of the heart muscle. The flavanoids increase immuno-suppresants specific to heart infections, such as those that attack bacteria from your mouth.

The three ways to ingest hawthorne are its leaves, flowers or berries to make a tea, an infusion or a tincture. Please see my post on "How To Make a Potion" for more on how to make these three types of potions. In basic terms you would use the following proportions.

tea: leaves/flowers, (2tsp in teacup and steep for 20min) 2 times per day.

infusion: leaves/flowers (1 oz dried boiling in 1 quart of water for 4 hours) 1/2 cup infusion, 2 times per day

berries: 1/2 full bottle of DRIED berries to 1/2 100 proof vodka. This will take 6 months and get bright red in color when the potion is ready.) 1 dropperful 2x day.

Gardening-wise this is a thorny bush that is very tall that can be very prolific if you have a large bird population that will spread the seeds. Plant this as a perimeter hedge in mostly sun spots (6hrs or more per day).

namaste,
JB

That was cool thanks Jayne! since I do have high blood pressure and during times of the month heart does a skip that is something to maybe look into.[lol][nonsense][nonsense]

Laeth,

Hypertension and infrequent arrythmia will do well having Hawthorne as an herbal ally. Hawthorne can be taken indefinitely and once you get into the groove of harvesting you will have it available all year long.

peace,
JB

Janyne thank you so much sweetheart, This sounds exactly like what he needs.
I have what I was told is a parsly hawthorn tree out next to my altar but do not believe its the same as what we need, we will get him started on this immediately. Thanks again honey! Hugs

My pleasure ladies. Hawthorne does look like a bush, but it will grow 5 feet tall. It is probably the same Crategeus species.

peace,
JB