This one has been on my list to make for awhile. Thanks to the squirrels I only had about 2 cups of red ripe hawthorn berries to harvest. Last summer they got to every single one while we were on vacation. I have been looking for ways to support my heart’s health as I age. Earlier this summer I harvested a lot of hawthorn flowers and leaves to dry. These make a lovely infusion when berries are scarce. I am mindful of the type of herb and its action when planning to take it as medicine- daily, for years. Herbs that are astringent may dry out “the kidneys” with long term regular use. There might be other constituents in a plant that cause irritation when used for lengthy periods. It is good to have several options that can be rotated. Leaves and flowers might have a milder action than berries, bark or roots. This syrup will go fast or will have a limited shelf life in the refrigerator. If you have the luxury of making a lot, it can be frozen in ice cube trays or in a wide mouth jar. Dried berries won’t have the same strength as fresh, but can be substituted. I feel blessed to have a hawthorn tree on my property. It is the only “medicinal tree that I been able to establish so far.
Happy Heart Syrup
In a large stock pot add ……
2 quart of filtered water
Bring to a roaring boil and add….
2 cups of fresh ripe hawthorn berries
1/2 cup of dried rose petals
1/2 cup of dried hibiscus flowers
Reduce heat to low and simmer for 30 minutes.
Measure out 2 cups of infusion in a bowl. Add….
2 cups of honey
Stir well and let cool.
Must be refrigerated or frozen for storage. The syrup should be good until it molds or ferments, which may never happen.
Hawthorn is a small tree/shrub (6-20 feet high) that one does not see often where I live. It must be cultivated and cared for to be attractive in an urban setting. The bark is ash colored and the wood quite hard. The leaves are small, shiny, dark green (on top) and have irregularly toothed lobes. Those grow on multiple branches (shooting in all angles) which have small but not terribly sharp thorns. It produces clusters of beautiful, tiny, showy, white flowers (5 petals) in the spring and bright red berries in late summer. The fruit is a favorite with wildlife. If your harvest is not timed right, the perfectly ripe berries can disappear off the tree over night. Ripe berries will be a darker shade of red ,close to that of a bing cherry.
Hawthorn likes to grow along streams and in meadows. You will often find it on older properties like farms, especially as a hedge. It will grow well in most climates.
Crataegus is best known for its effect on the heart. It normalizes blood pressure by regulating heart action/contraction. It strengthens the heart muscle/connective tissues and dilates blood vessels. Hawthorn can be used for either high or low blood pressure. Historically the berries have been used to treat myocarditis, arteriosclerosis, angina, congestive heart failure, heart palpitations, irregular heartbeat, blood clots, high cholesterol, variscose veins, and Reynaud’s syndrome/poor circulation . A tea of the flowers or leaves may be helpful for stress, mild, pain/spasms, headache, diarrhea, indigestion, gout, altitude sickness, arthritis, joint injuries/slipped discs, tendonitis, hernias, and insomnia.
Parts Used: ripe berries, leaves, flowers
Latin Binomial Name: Crataegus oxycanthae
Energetics: Sour, sweet, bitter, dry, warm
Emotional/Spiritual Uses: Supports confidence in our achievements and rising above our limitations. Possible reward or victory after hard work, time, and energy expended. Evaluating if the effort was worth it or truly for the good of all. Calm, ease, satisfaction and peace after a period of struggle and conflict. Fosters leadership and teamwork. Receiving guidance and assurance about an important decision.
Element:fire
Contraindications-heart medications, acid reflux, ulcers, colitis, “heat” conditions.
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