The Heart Medicine in My Backyard: Discovering the power of Hawthorn
The more I learn about this plant medicine the more blessed I feel that there is a giant, healthy, giving hawthorn tree in my very own backyard.
I once thought this tree was poisonous because my pup ate a berry with a seed inside & ended up going to the emergency vet. That was 8 years ago and for 7 years I steered clear of that tree. It wasn’t until I was on the phone with the president of my herbal school that I was staring at this tree in detail, realizing there was a tree just like this back at the California School of Herbal Studies.
Felt like one of those lightbulb moments and I remember asking if I could send over a photo for her to confirm the ID of this tree, and there she was a mighty hawthorn tree right in our backyard. Beautiful, overflowing with plant medicine and due to my prior plant blindness ignored for the entire time I've lived on this property.
This tree provides healing medicine from its fresh leaves in spring and bright red berry’s come fall. Hawthorn scientifically known as Crataegus is apart of the Rose family, if you know me you know these plants have a special place in my heart.
Speaking of the heart this plant is known as a cardiotonic, tonic’s in nature help to bring the system mentioned into homeostasis. As the name suggests a cardio tonic supports healthy function of the heart and cardiovascular system. Due to antioxidants like flavonoids and procyanidins that help dilate blood vessels, increase the hearts pumping efficiency and provide protection against oxidate stress in the body. These incredible components can support healthy blood pressure, dilate blood vessels for increased blood flow, protect against cellular damage and improve the function & overall health of the cardiovascular system.
The berry’s can also assist the body in burning excess body fat, boost metabolic function also helping assist digestive and heart issues. It is one of the best remedies for fat reduction & the sugar contains prebiotics that help support fat loss. Prebiotics feed beneficial gut bacteria, supporting smoother, stronger digestion. Rich in fiber to keeps bowels moving & your belly light. Traditionally used after heavy meals, hawthorn helps break down meat, grease & stagnation.
My favorite way to work with this herb is to eat 6-7 fresh berries, but DO NOT EAT THE SEEDS these are poisonous if consumed. If you are lucky enough to have access to this fresh herb definitely take advantage when you can. You can also find hawthorn herbal tonics of both the leaves & berries. I like to work with Mountain Rose Herbs tinctures and tonics but there are also many other amazing makers I just recommend sticking to organic and steering clear of mainstream unregulated sites like Amazon.
Nurture with Nature
* This is not medical advice I am not a medical professional please do your own research and speak to your trusted health care team before implementing these plants into your diet*
