culinary, medicinal & skin care uses of hawthorn
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Properties:
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culinary
In the Welsh language, hawthorn is Bara Caws, or bread and cheese, giving an indication of how valuable the hawthorn has been throughout history as a source of food and medicine. Leaves were eaten is sandwiches, and can be added to green garden or potato salads in Spring. The flowers, with a splash of rosewater, make a delicate summer cordial with sparkling water or champagne. A hawthorn berry syrup with spices is a delicious autumn cordial, add to hot water for a hot spiced punch. Add berries to jam, jelly and chutney recipes.
medicinal / remedies
A hawthorn flower infusion is an uplifting, relaxing herbal tea, and can also be taken to aid digestion and stomach upset. Hawthorn has been recognised for centuries for its heart health properties - hawthorn tincture or vinegar taken daily is beneficial as a healthy, happy heart tonic.
skin care
A hawthorn berry tea infusion works well as a hair rinse to strengthen and stimulate hair growth. Antioxidant properties in a leaf and flower infusion makes a gentle facial wash, and a diluted hawthorn vinegar cleanses and tones oily skin. Hawthorn flowers and berries macerated in a carrier oil or balm make beneficial anti-aging blends.
folklore
Hawthorn is considered a fairy tree, with magical properties, and is very important to traditional May Day celebrations. The leaves and flowers were woven and worn in garlands. With its sharp thorns, hawthorn has been used in blends to promote courage and protection. Hawthorn, with its properties for a healthy, happy heart can be added to sachet blends and gifts to promote love, happiness and abundance.
Important considerations & cautions:
Although botanicals (herbs, spices, plants) are considered safe for most people when used in cooking or in small amounts, inappropriate use of some of these botanicals could be dangerous. The content on this site shares our own personal use of botanical ingredients, is for information only, and should not be taken as medical advice. Prior to using any botanicals in recipes or remedies, you should always do your own research, and consult with a medical professional, your GP, or a qualified herbalist.
Although botanicals (herbs, spices, plants) are considered safe for most people when used in cooking or in small amounts, inappropriate use of some of these botanicals could be dangerous. The content on this site shares our own personal use of botanical ingredients, is for information only, and should not be taken as medical advice. Prior to using any botanicals in recipes or remedies, you should always do your own research, and consult with a medical professional, your GP, or a qualified herbalist.