Name:  Hawthorn

Latin:  Cratageus oxacantha

Other Common Names:  Whitethorn, Ladies’ Meat, Quickthorn, Maytree, Mayblossom

Family:  Rosaceae

Parts Used:  Leaves, flowers, and fruit

Vitamins/Minerals:  Antioxidants

Used for:  Due to the antioxidants found in this herb, the medicinal uses for it are fairly expansive.  It is anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, supports the immune system and the liver.  However, hawthorn’s particular strength is in what it does for the heart.  It has both a strengthening and a regulatory action, making it useful for a wide variety of heart conditions:  aging, weakened, damaged, angina, hypertension, arrhythmia, heart valve disease, arterial spasms, etc…  It can also be used to regulate blood pressure, aiding with both high and low.  It can help to prevent miscarriage.  It can also lessen the chance of strokes.  If used as a poultice, it has good drawing out properties.  The broad range of benefits and the fact that there is no overdose of it for practical use, when combined with the tasty flavour, makes this one of my favorite ingredients for teas.  Historically, hawthorn is an herb thought to increase longevity, and that is quite understandable, given the conditions it fights and the systems it supports.

Use in tandem with:  Oatstraw, Rose

Directions & Warnings: