Laden with British and Gaelic folklore, this cousin of the rose family has often been used as hedges to keep out unwanted guests (wild and otherwise). The literal translation of hawthorn name means thorny hedge, which is befitting for this deciduous shrub. However; both the berries and leaves bring forth a bounty of benefits both for medicinal and culinary uses. In fact, hawthorn berries have been a medicine cabinet staple for centuries.
(Scientific Name: Crategus)
Trivia:
- Once called the bread and cheese bush, hawthorn has been known to help alleviate the tummy grumbles.
- A sprig of hawthorn and its bright red berries is said to be sent to the Queen each year to decorate her home on Christmas morning.
- The bright white flowers bloom near the month of May, which is why hawthorn has often been called May Flower.
- Fairies and other little folks were believed to often make hawthorn berries their homes, cursing anyone that dared to cut the bushes down.
- For a boost of luck, make a hawthorn wreath and leave it as a gift for the fairies or angels.
- It is believed that Jesus Christ’s crown of thorns may have been made from the thorns of a hawthorn bush.
Tips and Tricks:
- For a thick natural jelly, make a batch of hawthorn berry jam. Hawthorn berries have their own pectin, so there is no need for any additives to thicken the sauce.
- Hawthorn seeds can be roasted and brewed, making a nice alternative to a cup of coffee.
- If you’re looking for a relaxing beverage, hawthorn berry tea may be the perfect remedy. This soothing tea is believed to help decrease blood pressure, ease anxiety and help with insomnia.
- Are you craving a caffeine-free energy boost? Try chewing some hawthorn leaves to help overcome that afternoon slump.
- Give your circulation a boost, with a steaming cup of hawthorn tea. Often claimed to be a heart tonic, hawthorn tea helps increase both blood supply and the amount of oxygen in your body.
- Cinnamon and honey are a great healthy addition to this tisane, sweetening up a naturally bitter brew.
Try Hawthorn Tea:
Alvita Tea: Hawthorn Herbal Supplement
Flora: Heart Hawthorn Tea
Buddha Teas: Organic Hawthorn Berry Tea
Sources:
Garden Guide’s Hawthorne Tree
Buddha Teas Hawthorn Tea: Natural Health Benefits
Trees for Life
David’s Garden – The Hawthorn: Mythological, Magical, or Medical
Feature photo by Doug Greenberg (cropped from its original size) Usage license – CC BY 2.0
