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HAWTHORN
crataegus oxyacantha
AKA
Hawthorne
haw
May bush
May tree
May blossom
mayflower
quickset
thorn-apple tree
whitethorn
PARTS USED
Flowers, leaves and fruit
ELEMENT: Fire
GENDER: Masculine
PLANET: Mars
MAGICAL USE
Used in protective sachets and amulets
against evil influences.
Promotes happiness in marriage or a relationship.
It is bad luck to cut down a hawthorn.
Burn the berries as an incense
when you need energy and change in life.
FOLKLORE
Hawthorn is a thorny tree that thrives
in hedgerows and fields in the temperate regions
of Europe and the British Isles.
Its name originates from the Greek word kratos meaning
strength and refers to the nature of the wood.
Other names include white thorn and hogberry.
It blooms in May producing luscious red fruits and hence
receives one of its most popular names, May-blossom.
Hawthorn was regarded as a valuable heart remedy
as far back as the Middle Ages.
Hawthorn was considered sacred in early
times and believed to furnish the Crown of Thorns.
Legend has it that between AD 30-63
Joseph of Aramathea came to England and planted
his hawthorn staff in Glastonbury soil.
This became known as The Glastonbury Thorn
and grew and blossomed at Christmas and Easter
as if in celebration of the Christian Year.
Celts used Hawthorn in May celebrations
using it to dress maypoles and symbolic effigies,
and associated it with fertility.
Active Compounds
Leaves, flowers, and berries of hawthorn contain a variety
of bioflavonoid-like complexes appear to be primarily
responsible for the cardiac actions of the plant.
July 8 - August 4
Find out what kind of tree you are.
May 13 - June 9
Celtic Tree Alphabet: Uath Planet: Vulcan
Gemstone: Topaz
Flower: Wood Sorrel
Archetypal Character: Govannan, the smith-god
Characteristics
Hawthorn people are charismatic and full of new ideas.
They are multitalented and adapt easily to change.
They are akin to the Celtic Bards,
and often excel in the performing arts.
there is a great strength in Hawthorn people
in that they know the weakness of their opposition.
They are not ruthless people,
but are clever strategists.
Their sense of humor can be sharp and full of innuendo.
They are attracted to the career of writing and journalism.
They adapt to every situation life has to offer.
Positive Aspects
They have a high level of spontaneity, and the ability
to communicate on every level.
They have a glowing self-confidence that can produce
great leaders, and people who inspire others.
Their sympathetic nature promotes good
listeners and makes them honest and sincere friends.
Negative Aspects
There is the potential for a volatile temperament
that could explode every so often.
Verbally their anger can cut like a knife.
If they feel threatened in any way they will devise
schemes to thwart their enemies with insight
in their enemies weaknesses.
Love Life
In respect to personal relationships, it is a question
of keeping still long enough to forge a permanent relationship.
They have a low boredom threshold.
They have a vivacious quality that attracts people.
They have a highly sensual nature and personal attractiveness.
They are affectionate, but strict parents.
Bioflavonoids found in Hawthorn include;
oligomeric procyanidins (OPCc)
vitexin
quercetin
hyperoside
Action of these compounds on the cardiovascular system
has led to the development of leaf and flower extracts.
Remedies For Angina pectoris, Atherosclerosis,
Congestive heart failure, and
Hypertension (high blood pressure)
Uses of Hawthorn
Hawthorn's therapeutic actions
come from the berries, flowers and leaves.
The total complex of plant
constituents is considered valuable
as a remedy for those with
circulatory and cardiac problems.
DOSAGE
Tea
It is preferable to use a mixture of flowers and leaves.
If berries are used it is better to decoct than diffuse.
Use 2 teaspoons of herb per cup of boiling water.
Infuse for 20mins. Drink 2-3 cups daily.
Tincture
(1:5) 50-100 drops 3 x daily
Fluid Extract
(1:1) 10-20 drops 3 x daily
Capsules
(min 325mg) 1-2 capsules 3-6 x daily
Or follow the instructions on any proprietary pack
of Hawthorn being used.
Summary
Hawthorn is considered a valuable herb
for the heart and cardiovascular system.
It may combine well with Melissa and Lavender
in nervous heart conditions.
In hypertension it may combine well
with Lime Blossom, Yarrow and Mistletoe.
As long as it is avoided in low blood pressure
it can be taken with benefit by anyone who
wants to support the function of the heart.
~*~
ACTIONS
ASTROLOGY
DESCRIPTION and HISTORY
DOSAGE
FOLKLORE
MAGICAL USE
SOURCES
Lady Tia
© 2000-2002 Shelley Day,
Alternative Healthzine
Organic Nutrition
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