Hawthorn - The Heart Healer
A note on the botanical name: you may see Hawthorn referred to as Crataegus oxyacanthoides in older herbal literature. The widespread Common Hawthorn is Crataegus monogyna. In this article, I use Hawthorn as the familiar name for the British Crataegus species traditionally used in herbal medicine. [The image is for illustration only - because of course - the flowers and berries do not appear at the same time of year].
A Tree for Every Season
There are few British hedgerow trees that announce the changing seasons quite so beautifully as Hawthorn. In May, its frothy white blossom appears almost overnight, filling hedges and field edges with flowers. May blossom has long been woven into the folklore of spring and was associated with May Day, garlands and the May Queen. It is one of those plants that makes you feel that winter has finally loosened its grip.
From 'Bread and Butter' to Summer Hedgerows
Before the flowers fade, the young leaves and developing flower buds can be enjoyed as a seasonal wild food. Children once knew the tender leaves as 'bread and butter' or 'bread and cheese', nibbling them as they walked through the countryside. The young leaves can be added to salads, while the flowers and leaves have also traditionally been used to make teas.
And Then Come the Haws
By late summer and early autumn, the hedges change again as the bright red haws ripen. After a warm summer they can appear surprisingly early. The berries have a long culinary history and have been used in jellies, wines, sauces and other preserves. They also have a long history in Western herbal medicine, particularly in preparations associated with the heart and circulation.
Hawthorn and the Heart
Hawthorn has earned its affectionate reputation as a 'heart healer'. Traditional herbal practice has valued preparations made from its leaves, flowers and berries for cardiovascular support. Modern research has investigated hawthorn's effects on the heart and blood vessels, including possible effects on vascular tone and blood pressure. However, the evidence is not strong enough to describe dried hawthorn berry powder as a proven vasodilator or antihypertensive treatment, and 'adaptogen' is better understood as a traditional herbal description rather than an established clinical indication. The European Medicines Agency recognises traditional use of hawthorn leaf and flower preparations for certain mild, temporary heart complaints related to nervousness, after serious conditions have been excluded.
A Little More Respect for the Hawthorn
Hawthorn is a wonderful example of why I believe plant medicine starts with curiosity. We can enjoy a plant as food, learn about its folklore, notice its seasonal rhythm and explore the evidence for its traditional uses — while still respecting the boundaries of what we know. If you are taking heart or blood-pressure medicines, or other regular medication, seek professional advice before using medicinal hawthorn preparations, as herbal products can interact with medicines.
Pause for the Haws
So, when you see those red berries glowing in the hedgerows this year, take a moment to notice them. From the May blossom that heralds summer to the autumn haws that feed birds and inspire our kitchens, Hawthorn reminds us that one familiar tree can offer something different in every season.
Research notes & sources
Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew – Plants of the World Online https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:723916-1
European Medicines Agency – Hawthorn leaf and flower https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/medicines/herbal/crataegi-folium-cum-flore
NCCIH – Hawthorn: Usefulness and Safety https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/hawthorn
Forest Research – Hawthorn folklore, food and traditional uses https://cdn.forestresearch.gov.uk/2014/03/fcms128.pdf
Comments