Happy Heart Healthy Hawthorn

In hawthorn-time the heart grows light, The world is sweet in sound and sight, Glad thoughts and birds take flower and flight, The heather kindles toward the light (taken from The Tale of Balen, Swinburne, 1896)

Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) is found in abundance in many hedgerows across the British Isles.  One only has to walk around our local Alver Valley Country Park to see how plentiful it is this year.  Hawthorn berries, leaves and flowers are used in herbal medicine practice as they contain a beneficial combination of flavonoids and procyanidins which are extremely restorative to connective tissue, helping to rebuild both collagen and elastin, which is particularly protective of vascular endothelial cells.  This means it enhances the tone and strength of blood vessels, helping to dilate coronary arteries and to support the heart muscle.  As such, Hawthorn is considered the foremost heart and circulatory tonic, particularly from a British herbal medicine perspective, improving blood circulation and heart function.   Recent research suggests it is antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and helps to reduce unhealthy blood lipids (fats).   I primarily use Hawthorn in my practice to address conditions such as high blood pressure, palpitations, arrythmias, high cholesterol and hardening of the arteries, angina and to increase peripheral circulation to arms, legs and feet.  Given its affinity for connective tissue it is also useful to support joints, ligaments and tendons.  However, as well as being protective and strengthening for the physical heart, Hawthorn also helps to heal emotional issues related to the heart centre, such as anxiety and grief since Hawthorn is calming and helps to lift your mood.  In times past, people would burn the dried berries as an incense to foster dynamism, courage and clarity!  In practice, I use a combination of dried leaves and flowers as a tea, a leaf and flower tincture and a berry syrup, based on the requirements and preferences of the patient.  Hawthorn syrup, tea or tincture can be used prophylactically in low doses (as a preventative measure) with few, if any, side effects.  However, if you are currently taking medication for any heart/circulation related condition, it is recommended you consult a qualified professional prior to use.  So why not take advantage of this abundant wonder of nature and go pick some Hawthorn berries, but be careful of the thorns and save some for the animals!

Hawthorn berry syrup recipe:

500g berries, 500ml water

In a pan bring slowly to the boil. Mash a little with a masher. Turn off heat and leave to stand overnight. Boil again, then simmer gently. Sweat down to half its volume.  Allow to cool then squeeze out the juice through a clean muslin. Put the juice in bowl with an equal amount of sugar, bring rapidly to the boil and place in sterilised bottles.  Take 1 tsp daily as a heart tonic or up to 3 times daily as indicated by a professional.