Hawthorn has a historical lineage, dating back more than 2000 years ago. Surprisingly enough, this ancient plant can still be commonly found today in a variety of different forms, from the green plants to powered capsules and everything in between. Hawthorn is an interesting and unique plant that is rather fun to get to know. Let's take a closer look at this amazing plant.
What is it?
Hawthorn is a common thorny shrub in the rose family that grows up to 5 feet tall on hillsides and in sunny wooded areas throughout the world. Its flowers, which bloom in the spring, grow in small white, red, or pink clusters. Small berries, called Haws, sprout after the flowers bloom. They are usually red when ripe, but they may also be black. Hawthorn leaves are shiny and grow in a variety of shapes and sizes.
History
Hawthorn has been used to treat heart disease as far back as the 1st century. By the early 1800s, American doctors were using it to treat circulatory disorders and respiratory illnesses. Traditionally, the berries were used to treat problems ranging from irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure, chest pain, hardening of the arteries, and heart failure. Today, the leaves and flowers are used medicinally, and there is some research that suggests that Hawthorn might be effective when used in the treatment of mild to moderate heart failure, but there has not been enough research to know how effective it may actually be.
Health Benefits
Hawthorn contains many substances that are known to benefit the heart. Rich in antioxidants, the same found in grapes, there is evidence that Hawthorn may help dilate blood vessels, improve blood flow, and protect the blood vessels from damage. The berries, leaves, and flowers have all been used for medicinal purposes, but most modern preparations use only the leaves and flowers, which are believed to contain more of the antioxidants than the berries.
Antioxidants are substances that destroy 'free radicals' which are the compounds in the body that damage cell membranes, tamper with DNA, and even cause cell death. External toxins, such as pollution, can increase the number of these damaging compounds. The aging process may be accelerated by free radicals, as well as the development of a number of health problems, including cancer and heart disease. Antioxidants found in Hawthorn may help stop some of the damage from free radicals.
Fun Fact
The wood of some Hawthorn varieties is quite hard and valued as a farmer's best choice for fence posts and handles for shovels, axes, rakes, and hoes. These seem to be some of the more 'earthly' uses for the Hawthorn, aside from the health benefits. In the 'other worldly' arena, Hawthorn has been regarded as a symbol of hope and also believed to heal a broken heart. The flower was often used in the May crowning of the Virgin Mary in churches through the centuries. It's also the May birthday flower.
On the darker side, some folklore claims that a stake made of Hawthorn wood is the only kind of wood that will kill a vampire when plunged through the heart. Of all the plants on the planet, it seems the Hawthorn has suspicion, mystery, ceremony, and supernatural stories galore.
How to Eat
Use the leaves, flowers and berries for medicinal and culinary purposes. The berries are collected when ripe and used raw or cooked, or dried whole for use in extracts and tinctures. The leaf-buds have been used in cooking and even as a substitute for smoking tobacco. Harvest the flowers in the spring and the berries after they ripen in the fall.
There never seems to be a shortage of uses for the 'haws' and flowers of the Hawthorn. Through the ages, they have been used to make a variety of jellies, wines, and liqueurs, as well as in ceremony and storytelling. You won't have any trouble finding some way to enjoy this bountiful botanical.
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