Hawthorne Rose Tincture
This is one of my favourite herbal recipes. It is super easy, very potent and DELICIOUS! First, let’s dive into the magic of Hawthorn:
Hawthorn (Crataegus spp.) is also commonly known as quickthorn, thornapple, May-tree, whitethorn, or hawberry. It is a part of the Rosaceae family which includes blackberries, raspberries, strawberries, apples, pears, plums, peaches, almonds, cherries, apricots, roses, Lady's Mantle and many other foods, herbs and flowers.
My teacher, Seraphina says, “Hawthorn shares their bounty twice a year, when the veils are thinnest at the crossroads Beltane and Samhain. At Beltane celebrated May 1st, Hawthorn blooms creamy, 5 petaled white-pink flowers; and then again produces a flush of cherry-red berries at the end of October through Samhain. These two times of the year hold the gateways between life and death as spring and autumn sit across from each other on the Wheel of the Year.
Hawthorn has a long, rich history associated with the Faery Realm. The Celtic People consider hawthorn one of their sacred trees, and together with the Oak and Ash tree form the holy trinity; when they are found together these trees signal the bridge to the Faery People. Of course, only those who have the skill to travel through different portals will be successful in doing so, unless, you accidentally fall asleep under a Hawthorn and then are snatched by a mischievous Faery and taken to their world - with the uninitiated unable to find their way back to the human realm.
Both the creamy white May flowers and deep red autumnal berries are used for medicine and magic.
Hawthorn berries nourish the heart slowly, gently, and deeply. They are food for the heart and blood improving overall function of the cardiovascular system. It's a mild coronary vasodilator, increasing the blood supply to the heart muscles and lessening the potential for spasms, angina, and shortness of breath. It's been used for hypertension, arrhythmias, and to strengthen connective tissue impaired from chronic inflammation.
As a heart strengthener, it helps to maintain healthy arteries, veins, and the tissue that is the heart itself. By strengthening the cardiovascular system, one builds resiliency in the face of injury, disease, and normal wear and tear of aging. It is high in antioxidants which reduces oxidative damage to capillary walls preventing the adherence of cholesterol to the vessels as the body does this in an effort to repair the damage ultimately leading to high cholesterol.
Hawthorn flower essence or Plant Spirit Medicine is a loving plant friend useful to mend dissonance from grief, chronic sadness or heartbreak.
Even spiritual heartbreak; feeling lost in the world and disconnected from a true sense of purpose or meaning in one's life. I think about this herb when someone feels isolated, lonely, and craves connection.
Hawthorn, like its cousin Rose, has thorns. Sometimes people who need this medicine come across as "prickly" or thorny, giving off an impression that you can't come in too close. Yet, their prickly exterior protects a very tender-hearted, sometimes lonely person who may have experienced trauma that has made them reluctant to let people in - despite this being what they desire.
Alternately, I use this herb combined with Rose and apple blossom for people who are too open, lack boundaries, and need some heart protection lest they get hurt. This may present in relationships being difficult for fear of being heart broken. Hawthorn coupled with Rose tincture is great medicine for restoring a resilient, brave, robust heart, and for reminding us to have healthy boundaries.”
My goodness, what a magical plant! I hope you enjoy the recipe below:
I prefer the folk method for making herbal medicines. So, I fill half of a 500 mL mason jar with dried hawthorn berries and rose petals. I cover the berries and rose petals with organic Apple Cider Vinegar and fill to the top. Place parchment paper under the lid - put on lid tightly! Always remember to label your jars with ingredients and the date. Store in dark cupboard and remember to shake daily for 4 weeks! Sometimes, after the first few days you may need to add a bit more ACV to make sure your herbs stay covered. After 4 weeks, strain your herbs and enjoy your vinegar based tincture!
Ways to enjoy:
-Spoonful daily (my fav way because I find it so delicious!)
-Add to water or sparkling water for tasty drink
-Add to salad dressings
Sidenote: Many herbal tincture recipes use alcohol. I, of course, prefer alcohol free so I use organic Apple Cider Vinegar in replacement of alcohol. One of the main differences is that alcohol tinctures will last without expiring, whereas your ACV tincture will have a shorter shelf life (1-3 years, I recommend keeping it in the fridge!)
