Hawthorn, may flower, Crataegus laevigata, is a member of the Rosaceae family. Its popularity as a fencing shrub to keep livestock in gave its name as haw means ‘hedge’. The wood burns very hot and is useful for starting fires but fires made entirely of hawthorn risk setting chimneys alight with their hot flame. The young leaves and flowers were traditionally eaten by young children as ‘bread and cheese’ and have a slightly nutty flavour. The berries can be made in to fruit leathers. The ancient Greeks used hawthorn to worship Hymen, the god of marriage and brides wore hawthorn crowns. Magically, hawthorn has a close relationship to the fae and hawthorn trees were said to mark the entrance to the otherworld, so cutting it down is said to be unlucky. The carved wood is said to be useful for divination.
Hawthorn is native across Europe. It grows as a large shrub or small tree between 5 and 15 metres tall with clusters of white flowers in spring and red berries in the autumn.
The natural constituents of Hawthorn are:
Flavonoid glycosides triterpenic acids, amines, organic acids, tannins
This product contains dried leaves and flowers.
Suggested use: Add 1 to 2 teaspoons per mug of freshly boiled and slightly cooled water, allow to steep for 5 to 10 minutes and strain to remove herbs.
Please do remember that magical descriptions are for entertainment purposes only. Do not give herbs to children and be aware that if you are taking prescription medication, have a known medical condition or are pregnant or lactating, you should seek advice from your medical practitioner and a qualified herbalist who is a member of a professional organisation such as NIMH or CPP before taking herbs. Please do not offer herbs to other people without making them aware that they should also follow this advice.
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