Hawthorn has a special place in my heart, emotionally and physically, due to the fact that Hawthorn was able to heal my Myocarditis. Hawthorn can drastically help with inflammation in the heart either Myocarditis or Pericarditis, when taken upon the first symptoms of aches or pains in the heart. Hawthorn can also help reduce high blood pressure. This page talks about the history and medicinal benefits of Hawthorn for a healthy heart and an all around knowledge related to the Hawthorn Tree. Below is also a video I made to show the history and medicinal benefits of hawthorn and how it helped heal my Myocarditis.

 

If you click on the picture and here you can watch my full length YouTube video

However below is a more in depth description and history about the Hawthorn Tree

THIS IS EXACTLY WHAT I USED. CLICK THE LINK HERE.

 

AND NO THESE PEOPLE DONT EVEN KNOW WHO I AM AND I AM NOT AFFILIATED WITH THEM.

 

The link is also below !! :) 

HAWTHORN

The Hawthorn tree, scientifically known as Crataegus, is a genus of flowering plants belonging to the rose family, Rosaceae. These trees and shrubs are commonly found in temperate regions of North America, Europe, and Asia. They are known for their small, fragrant flowers and colorful berries, as well as their historical and cultural significance.

 

Appearance

Hawthorn trees vary in size, ranging from small shrubs to medium-sized trees. They usually have thorny branches and lobed leaves. The flowers are typically white, red, or pink, and they appear in large clusters in spring. The flowers are small and are about 0.3 to 1 inch in diameter. The berries, often called "haws," are usually red or orange and persist on the tree into late fall.

Hawthorns are adaptable and can be found in a variety of habitats, including woodlands, hedgerows, meadows, and gardens. They are often used in landscaping due to their ornamental features.

 

Hawthorn and Beltane

 

The blooming of the Hawthorn trees in Druid times symbolized the start of summer.  Hawthorn and Beltane are two interconnected concepts in Druid/Celtic folklore and traditions. Beltane is a Celtic festival that celebrates the beginning of summer, typically held on the night of April 30th to May 1st. This festival is directly halfway between the Spring Equinox and Summer Solstice. Hawthorn, often referred to as the May-tree, is closely associated with the Beltane festival.

Beltane is one of the four major Celtic festivals, along with Samhain, Imbolc, and Lughnasadh. It marks the transition from the dark half of the year to the light half, signifying the arrival of warmer months and the fertility of the land. Beltane is a time of joy, revelry, and the celebration of life and growth.

The hawthorn tree is often called the "May-tree" due to its prominent role in Beltane celebrations. In Celtic folklore, the hawthorn is considered a sacred tree associated with the faerie realm and the Otherworld. It was believed that the hawthorn was a portal through which the fairies and spirits could travel between realms. The hawthorn's blossoming in May coincides with the Beltane festival, and its flowering branches were used in various customs during the celebration.

One of the central customs of Beltane involves dancing around the Maypole. The Maypole is a tall pole often adorned with colorful ribbons, flowers, and garlands. It symbolizes the union of the masculine and feminine energies and the fertility of the land. Participants would dance and weave intricate patterns around the Maypole, often accompanied by music and festivities.

Hawthorn blossoms were commonly used to decorate Maypoles and other festive areas during Beltane celebrations. The branches, adorned with flowers, would be placed as part of the Maypole's decoration, connecting the tree's symbolism with the celebration's themes of fertility, growth, and the natural cycle.

In addition to its association with fertility, the hawthorn tree also has connections to love and romance. It was believed that couples who spent the night under a hawthorn tree during Beltane would be blessed with a harmonious and fertile relationship. This ties into the joyful and celebratory nature of the festival.

Overall, Hawthorn and Beltane are intertwined in Celtic culture, with the hawthorn tree symbolizing the blooming of spring, the faerie realm, and the natural cycles of growth and renewal that Beltane honors. The hawthorn's presence in Beltane celebrations adds to the enchanting and mystical atmosphere of the festival.

 

Varieties

 

There are over 100 different varieties of Hawthorn trees and shrubs. Here are some examples of Hawthorn varieties.

 

1. Crataegus monogyna (Common Hawthorn): This is one of the most widespread hawthorn species and is native to Europe, North Africa, and Western Asia. It has lobed leaves, white or pink flowers, and small red berries. It is often used in hedgerows and as a landscape tree.

2. Crataegus laevigata (Midland Hawthorn): Another common hawthorn species in Europe, it has similar characteristics to C. monogyna but with more deeply lobed leaves and often larger flowers that can vary in color from white to pink or even red.

3. Crataegus pinnatifida (Chinese Hawthorn): Native to China and widely cultivated, this species produces red or yellow fruit that is used in traditional Chinese cuisine, especially for making jams and candies.

4. Crataegus crus-galli (Cockspur Hawthorn): This North American native species has distinctively long thorns and small red fruit. It's often used as a barrier or hedgerow plant.

5. Crataegus viridis (Green Hawthorn): Found in North America, this species produces small greenish-yellow fruit and has lobed leaves. It's known for its relatively small size.

6. Crataegus mollis (Downy Hawthorn): Native to North America, it has downy (hairy) leaves and white flowers. Its red or orange berries are a food source for birds.

7. Crataegus phaenopyrum (Washington Hawthorn): A popular landscape hawthorn, it has glossy leaves, white flowers, and bright red fruit. It's valued for its ornamental qualities.

8. Crataegus × lavallei (Carrière's Hawthorn): This hybrid hawthorn is notable for its large, showy flowers that can be white, pink, or red. It's often used in ornamental settings.

9. Crataegus viridiflora (Lavender Hawthorn): Named for its lavender-tinted flowers, this species is native to parts of North America and is appreciated for its fragrant blooms.

10. Crataegus douglasii (Black Hawthorn): Found in western North America, this hawthorn produces dark purple-black fruit and is valued for its wildlife habitat benefits.

11. Crataegus crus-galli var. inermis (Thornless Cockspur Hawthorn): As the name suggests, this variety of the Cockspur Hawthorn lacks the typical long thorns, making it more suitable for urban environments.

AND MOST IMPORTANTLY....MEDICINAL PROPERTIES

Hawthorn (Crataegus) has been used for centuries in traditional medicine, particularly for its potential cardiovascular benefits. While scientific research on its medicinal properties is ongoing, hawthorn is believed to have several health-promoting effects. Here are some of the potential medicinal properties of hawthorn:

Heart Health

One of the most well-known uses of hawthorn is for supporting heart health. It is believed to enhance blood flow to the heart, improve cardiac function, and help regulate blood pressure. Some compounds found in hawthorn, such as flavonoids and proanthocyanidins, are thought to contribute to these effects.

Cardiovascular Tonic

Hawthorn is often considered a cardiovascular tonic, meaning it supports the overall health and function of the cardiovascular system. It may help strengthen the heart muscles, improve circulation, cleanse toxins, and support the proper functioning of blood vessels.

Reducing Cholesterol Levels and High Blood Pressure

Some studies suggest that hawthorn extracts may help lower cholesterol levels by reducing LDL (bad) cholesterol and triglycerides while increasing HDL (good) cholesterol. This can contribute to a healthier cardiovascular profile. It can also significantly lower blood pressure, so be careful!

Antioxidant Properties

Hawthorn is rich in antioxidants, including flavonoids, which help neutralize harmful free radicals in the body. Antioxidants play a crucial role in protecting cells from oxidative stress and inflammation.

Anti-Inflammatory Effects

Hawthorn has been shown to possess anti-inflammatory properties. These properties may be beneficial for overall health and may contribute to its cardiovascular benefits by reducing inflammation in blood vessels. It also helps with Myocarditis, and Pericarditis which are both inflammation of the heart muscle and lining. 

Mild Diuretic

Some sources suggest that hawthorn has mild diuretic properties, which means it may help increase urine production. This can be useful for promoting kidney health and reducing water retention.

Anxiety and Nervous System Support

Hawthorn has been used historically to address anxiety and nervousness. While more research is needed in this area, some compounds in hawthorn are believed to have calming effects on the nervous system.

Digestive Aid

Hawthorn has been used to support digestion and relieve digestive discomfort. It is believed to have a mild tonic effect on the digestive system.

Antiarrhythmic Potential

Some studies suggest that hawthorn extracts might have antiarrhythmic effects, helping to regulate abnormal heart rhythms. However, more research is needed to confirm this potential benefit.

 

 

It's important to note that while hawthorn is generally considered safe for most people, it's recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before using it as a supplement or herbal remedy, especially if you have pre-existing medical conditions or are taking other medications. Additionally, the appropriate dosage and form of hawthorn (such as tinctures, extracts, or capsules) may vary based on individual health needs. To make a tincture, please watch my video. 

Always choose reputable sources for herbal products and supplements like the one I have shown here!

 

Thank you so much for reading and I hope you stay beautiful, healthy, and blessed. 

 

Love you All

XOXO

Najet