Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) is a tree or shrub that is a member of the rose family. It bears pointy-edged leaves and blossoms of white or light pink in the spring, bearing bright red berry-like fruits in the autumn.  

Distribution:

Hawthorns grow in northern temperate zones across North America, Europe, North Africa and Asia. They can grow in a variety of conditions, thriving in hedgerows, field edges, and rocky soil. 

Common Names: 

May Day tree, may blossom, fairy tree, quick thorn, thorn apple, white thorn, hawberry.  

The latin “Crataegus” is derived from the Greek kratos, meaning “strength” attributed to the strength of hawthorn’s wood and akis ”sharp”, in reference to the thorns. The name Hawthorn comes from Anglo-Saxon word ‘hagedorn’, meaning ‘hedge thorn’ or “a fence with thorns” as the trees were used as a boundary plant on farms – to protect crops and livestock against witches. 

Medicinal Parts and Compounds: 

While Hawthorn berries were originally considered to be the source if therapeutic compounds, the leaf, flower and berry have all been found to offer therapeutic benefits.  

Beneficial compounds: Flavonoids, triterpenoids, proanthocyanidins 

Main Therapeutic Uses:  

Hawthorn is widely known for its heart health benefits which have been attributed to its potent antioxidant content. Many studies have solidified its ability to help maintain and support cardiovascular health in adults. 

It has been studied for its role in lowering blood lipids, improving circulation, helping to regulate healthy blood pressure and “strengthening” the heart.  

Hawthornhas also proved to be extremely well tolerated, both used alone therapeutically, and in combination with other cardiovascular-supportive therapies.  

Other uses: 

The wood of hawthorn is especially good for carving and is traditionally used for divining rods. 

While the pyrenes (containing the seeds) cannot be consumed, the flesh of a hawthorn “haw” or the fruit/ berry can be prepared into jams, jellies and wine.  

Symbolism in folklore 

The hawthorn’s blossoms and thorns are believed to represent the duality of life and death, love and loss. It was said to be bad luck to bring hawthorn blossoms inside the house before may. In many cultures, hawthorn is revered for its protective qualities, and parts of the plant are used in charms and woven into wreaths in the home to help protect it.  

Hawthorn at St. Francis 

While we do not harvest our own hawthorn in our formulas – it does grow in the region, and we see the little songbirds make nests in the safety of all those thorns! 

We use one specific species of Hawthorn in our formulas – although there are dozens of different species of Hawthorn!  

St. Francis Products Containing Hawthorn  

References:  

Holubarsch, C.J.F., Colucci, W.S. & Eha, J. Benefit-Risk Assessment of Crataegus Extract WS 1442: An Evidence-Based Review. Am J Cardiovasc Drugs 18, 25–36 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40256-017-0249-9 Retrieved from: Benefit-Risk Assessment of Crataegus Extract WS 1442: An Evidence-Based Review | American Journal of Cardiovascular Drugs | Springer Nature Link 

Tassell MC, Kingston R, Gilroy D, Lehane M, Furey A. Hawthorn (Crataegus spp.) in the treatment of cardiovascular disease. Pharmacogn Rev. 2010 Jan;4(7):32-41. doi: 10.4103/0973-7847.65324. PMID: 22228939; PMCID: PMC3249900. LINK: Hawthorn (Crataegus spp.) in the treatment of cardiovascular disease - PMC  

Folklore: The Mystical Hawthorn: Love, Protection, and Folklore - Celtic Mythology