Your Medicine Bag: Hawthorn

Known to be both a sign of fertility and death, it was said to contain the knowledge of both reproduction and transformation. Like many members of the rose family, the hawthorn bears lovely, fragrant flowers; brightly pigmented berries in autumn, is high in vitamin C; and comes with a few thorns.

HEART HEALTH
Hawthorn is an important botanical cardiotonic (it is capable of producing and restoring the normal tone of the heart). The flowers, leaves and fruits have properties that reduce blood pressure and stimulate the heart, as well as act as a mild sedative. In herbal medicine they treat heart and circulatory disorders, migraine, menopausal conditions, angina, and insomnia. The plant improves the integrity of veins and arteries, enhancing circulation and nutrition to the heart, thus improving the function of the heart muscle itself. The flowers are strongest as sedatives, and used externally can treat acne and skin blemishes. The berries (also known as “Pixie Pears”) contain Vitamin B complex and Vitamin C. They can be crushed and used to ease diarrhea, dysentery, and kidney disorders.

RISING ENERGY
It is a prickly sort of plant with beautiful blossoms. Called Huath by the ancient Celts, and pronounced Hoh-uh, the Hawthorn month (May 13- June 9) is a time of fertility, masculine energy, and fire. Coming hot on the heels of Beltane, this month is a time when male potency is high—if you’re hoping to conceive a child, get busy in the springtime! The Hawthorn has a raw, phallic sort of energy about it - use it for magic related to masculine power, business decisions, making professional connections. The Hawthorn is also associated with the realm of Faerie, and when the Hawthorn grows in tandem with an Ash and Oak, it is said to attract the little folk.

MAGICAL REALM
The tree essence cleanses the heart of negativity and stimulates love and forgiveness. The Hawthorn is the tree most representative of the struggles the Christian Church had in suppressing pagan beliefs and celebrations. Hawthorn is respected as a tree of enchantment under the protection of the faery realms. It guards wells and springs. Its beautiful flowers are said to help prayers reach heaven. Wands made of this wood are of great power. The blossoms are highly erotic to men. Hawthorn can be used for protection, love and marriage spells.