Herb of the Week 30th November
Heavenly Hawthorn by Lynn Kirkland
This breathtaking beauty is an ornamental
hawthorn tree in our Herbalist's garden.
Each year the sight of these flowers which
look like tiny roses is stunning.
This is because it belongs to the rosaceae
family as do roses, peaches, apples and
strawberries.
The Hawthorn that is used for herbal healing
is not this one but the common white hawthorn
that lines our country roads.
Hawthorn trees have provided herbal healing
for centuries.
There are lovely customs associated with
this herb. Hawthorn leaves were placed
in a baby's cradle to ward off evil spirits
and Greek bridesmaids wore fragrant hawthorn
flowers in their hair while the bride
carried a bough of flowering hawthorn.
It symbolised fidelity, hope and fertility.
The part of the hawthorn that is used
to make a heart tonic medicine is the
fruit. These are small red berries which
are made into tinctures and extracts or
which are made into capsules for using
when advised by a herbalist or natural
health professional.
As with all herbal medicine beyond the
first aid level one needs to consult a
trained practitioner for advice to see
if there are interactions with medication
you may already be on.
As a beautiful addition to the garden
this lovely tree brings pleasure to those
who see it in all its flowering glory.
Thanks
lynn another great read. Visit
The HerbFarm Website:
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