Hawthorn is a medicinal and edible wild plant that has been used since the Middle Ages to treat cardiovascular problems. It lowers blood pressure and strengthens the heart muscle. In symbolic herbal medicine, it is also used for emotional support. Find out how hawthorn works, in what cases and how to use it.
Hawthorn: botanical presentation
Hawthorn, or crataegus laevigata as it is botanically known, is a thorny shrub of the Rosaceae family, commonly found in hedges and forests. The flowering tops, harvested in late spring, are used therapeutically. Hawthorn is hardy and can live for centuries!
Traditional use of hawthorn
As stated in the introduction, hawthorn is a remedy that was already in use in the Middle Ages. It was recommended to relieve gout, pleurisy and leucorrhoea. In the 17th century, it was used to relieve high blood pressure. It wasn't until the 19th century that a country doctor, Dr Bonnejoy, recognized the plant's antispasmodic effects.
Main components of hawthorn
Leaves, fruits and flowers contain :
flavonoids including hyperoside, rutoside and spireoside
terpenic acids
phenolic acids
des proanthocyanidols
cyanogenetic heterosides
aromatic amines
Main pharmacological properties
Regulates the cardiovascular system
Cardiotonic
cardioprotective
action on blood pressure
Flavonoids increase blood flow to the heart, dilating the coronary arteries. Hawthorn also regulates heart rhythm and reduces nervous system excitability.
Its action on blood pressure is regulatory. It returns pressure to a normal level, whether it's too high or too low .
Studies show that taking 500 mg standardized hawthorn extract daily for 10 weeks significantly reduces diastolic blood pressure in resting subjects with mild hypertension.
In another study, diabetics averaging 60 years of age and on hypoglycemic treatment were given 1200 mg ofhawthorn extract for 16 weeks, which reduced diastolic blood pressure by 2.6 mmHg.
Action on anxiety
Hawthorn and symbolism
Hawthorn is a thorny bush. It reminds you of your duty to protect your inner world. Its white leaves contrast with the darkness of its wood, inviting you to reach deep within yourself for your own light, while realizing that behind every difficulty lies a lesson.
Heartache generally extinguishes your inner flame, making you forget your luminous nature and plunging you into the meanders of your darkness. The Spirit of Hawthorn reconnects you to your heart and therefore to Love.
To relieve heartache and reduce anxiety following a difficult break-up, a few drops of Hawthorn bud in a little water will act on the emotional and vibratory levels.
Internal use of Hawthorn
Infusion doses are in the order of 10 to 20 g of flowers per liter of boiling water. 2 to 3 cups a day for a 21-day course of treatment.
Mother tincture: macerate one cup of flowers in 2 cups of brandy for 15 days. Dilute 1 teaspoon in a little water before lunch and dinner. For 21 days.
Young shoots glycerol macerate: 10 to 15 drops a day, diluted in a little water. To be taken between meals. Hold in the mouth for a few moments before swallowing.
Hawthorn is slow to take effect. It takes around 8 weeks to start feeling the benefits. However, its effects last a long time, even after you stop taking it, as long as you adopt a personalized lifestyle (Mediterranean-style diet / regular, moderate physical activity / restful sleep / stress management).
Did you know?
The young spring leaves are very tender. You can add them to your wild salads with dandelion, plantain, nettles, etc... Cenelles are also edible and highly nutritious (source of vitamin C). Reduced to flour, they can be added to porridges, bread preparations, etc.
Precautions for use
Hawthorn potentiates anti-hypertensive, digitalis and lipid-lowering treatments. If you are undergoing allopathic or homeopathic cardiovascular treatment, please speak to your doctor, who is the only person authorized to modify current or future treatment.