Hawthorn Leaf & Flower (Crataegus monogyna)

Hawthorn Flower is ready to start collecting about now. Leaves are picked with the flowering heads before they have fully opened & are still like a ball. This way, as they dry, the flowering heads & petals remain intact, don’t discolour & go brown. You also don’t end up collecting the little flies you can see in the picture! 😁

Hawthorn makes a good springtime tea, especially mixed with Cleavers, Nettles or Dandelion leaf, all of which can be thrown fresh in a mug or teapot.

The leaves & flowers of Hawthorn are most well known for their positive effect on blood pressure. If you are healthy, drinking this as tea during the time when the plants are growing around you would benefit the immune system & support heart health. A bit like giving your body a service, as you would a car, to keep it running efficiently.

Hawthorn flower & leaf tea has long been given to people who are sad or stressed. It’s especially noted for its positive effect on the lung related symptoms & emotions that come up with grief & loss. It lifts a heavy heart.