Hawthorn
Crataegus, commonly called hawthorn, quickthorn, thornapple, May-tree, whitethorn, Mayflower or hawberry, is a genus of several hundred species of shrubs and trees in the family Rosaceae, native to temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere in Europe, Asia, North Africa and North America.
Buy Hawthorn
Scientific Name: Crataegus monogyna; C. oxyacanthoides; Crataegus oxycantha
Parts Used: Fruit/berries, leaves and flowering tops
Cautions:
Healing Properties
How to Use:
Herbs are wonderfully versatile and may be used in multiple ways (see list below). However, some methods are better suited to certain herbs than others. Check the HEALING section to see which preparations are recommended for specific uses and conditions.
Grow/Harvest Yourself:
Buy Hawthorn
Scientific Name: Crataegus monogyna; C. oxyacanthoides; Crataegus oxycantha
Parts Used: Fruit/berries, leaves and flowering tops
Cautions:
- Consult a doctor if taking any heart medications.
Healing Properties
- Heart tonic, nervine, alterative, nutritive
- Good for the heart and coronary circulation
- Used for angina, hypertension/high blood pressure, atherosclerosis and poor circulation
- Will help stop bleeding
- Sometimes used for diarrhea, digestive upsets and heavy menstrual bleeding
- Can be used externally to draw out thorns and splinters
- Can be used as a gargle to relieve sore throats
- Can be used as a douche for vaginal discharges
How to Use:
Herbs are wonderfully versatile and may be used in multiple ways (see list below). However, some methods are better suited to certain herbs than others. Check the HEALING section to see which preparations are recommended for specific uses and conditions.
- Add fresh or dried herb to food and beverages.
- Can be taken in store-bought capsule or extract form.
- Essential Oils: Apply externally
- How to Dry Herbs
- How to Make Herbal Teas/Infusions/Decoctions
- How to Make Herbal Vinegars
- How to Make Herbal Syrups
- How to Make Herbal Tinctures & Glycerites
- How to Make Herbal Infused Oils
- How to Make Herbal Ointments & Creams
- How to Make Herbal Poultices & Compresses
- How to Make Herbal Electuaries & Oxymels
- How to Make Herbal Lozenges, Gummies, Capsules
Grow/Harvest Yourself:
- Buy Hawthorn Seeds
- Harvest the flowering tops in the spring
- Harvest the fruit/berries when ripe in late summer/fall (can also dry and store)
- Hardiness: Zone 3
- Soil pH: alkaline
- Rich, moist, loamy soil
- Full sun to part shade