Hawthorn (Crataegus spp)

Traditional use

Hawthorn has long been revered in European folk medicine and mythology. Traditionally, the berries (haws) were used to draw out thorns or splinters, earning the plant a symbolic reputation as “draws out what is stuck” physically and emotionally. The fruits were often steeped in brandy to remedy heartbreak, grief, and emotional heaviness. Hawthorn was associated with thresholds and transformation, reflected in its historical use in rites of passage and its strong presence in hedgerows and boundaries.

Clinical description

In modern herbal medicine, Hawthorn is considered a foundational cardiovascular herb and a true trophorestorative, meaning it helps nourish, tone, and restore the structure and function of the heart and circulatory system over time.

It is indicated in cases of:

• Mild to moderate hypertension or hypotension (blood pressure modulator)

• Heart palpitations, arrhythmias, and early-stage heart failure

• Poor cardiac output, fatigue, and age-related cardiac decline

• Anxiety or grief centred in the chest

Its main active constituents include polyphenols, flavonoids (e.g. hyperoside, rutin, quercetin glycosides), and oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs). These compounds contribute to Hawthorn’s positive inotropic (strengthens heart contractions) and antiarrhythmic effects, which help improve the efficiency of the heart muscle and protect against oxidative damage.

Hawthorn is also a gentle nervine, making it particularly helpful where emotional stress affects the heart—such as anxious chest tension, grief, or emotional shock. In these cases, it combines well with milky oats (Avena sativa) and Rose (Rosa spp.) to gently hold the heart in moments of loss or overwhelm.

Hawthorn acts gradually and is often used long-term to support cardiovascular tone, circulatory resilience, and emotional steadiness.

Cultivation/harvesting

Hawthorn is a hardy, slow-growing deciduous tree or shrub commonly found in the UK and Europe in hedgerows, meadows, and woodland edges. It thrives in various soils and provides excellent wildlife support, particularly for pollinators and birds.

• Flowers and young leaves: Harvest in early spring when about half the flower buds are open, ideally in dry weather. Gather top leaves and flowering tops together, as they are often used synergistically in tinctures and teas.

• Fruits (haws): Harvest in late autumn when they are fully ripe and soft. They may be slightly wrinkled and deep red. These are typically used in decoctions, syrups, jams, and brandy-based remedies.

Dry flowers and leaves gently in a well-ventilated, shaded area and store in airtight jars. Depending on preparation needs, berries can be dried or used fresh.