Hawthorn grows wild in our local riverbed.
Hawthorn is also known as Thorn-apple and indeed has family members in both the rose and apple families. The berries are edible and have a sweet-sour flavour. The fruit may be more pleasant, eaten cooked. The dried leaves make pleasant tea and young shoots can be eaten raw. Hawthorn is considered very safe, with its greatest value being for heart patients, where long term consistent use has proven useful.
Hawthorn is very rich in vitamin C. It is said that one cannot harvest hawthorn without the thorns drawing blood, so, it is known as a blood and heart herb.
Historically Hawthorn has been used for blood pressure regulation, heart rate regulation, cardiac output, angina, improving blood flow to the heart, dilating blood vessels, heart palpitations, atherosclerosis, cholesterol regulation, balance triglycerides, lower liver cholesterol, reduce body fat, organ protection, immune system regulation, infections, digestion, constipation, bloating, intestinal cramping, parasites, tapeworms, eczema, psoriasis, swellings, rashes, itching, wounds, fevers, malaria, strengthening of heart muscles, vasodilation, peripheral circulation, reduce heart “pressure” feelings, circulation, sore throats, kidney inflammation and much more.
Yet another truly amazing herb, provided to us by mother nature so we can keep well.