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# Invigorate your broken heart with Hawthorn.
- URL: https://betonica-school-of-herbal-medicine.ghost.io/invigorate-your-broken-heart-with-hawthorn/
- Published: 2026-11-02T15:48:30.000Z
- Updated: 2026-11-02T15:48:30.000Z
- Author: 431790

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/c7/38/c73825ce-926e-4074-bdb7-340dec180829/content/images/2026/10/2026_10_01MayHills-Haws-004.jpg)

****Figure 1**: An old Hawthorn tree. Image Author’s own.

I am a qualified Medical Herbalist graduated from Betonica, introducing you to your hedgerow heart doctor: **the Hawthorn** (Figure 1). I will discuss Hawthorn’s ability to ease grief or heartbreak. In a few photos, I will make the identification easy, will explain the traditional uses and how to include Hawthorn into your herbal regime.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/c7/38/c73825ce-926e-4074-bdb7-340dec180829/content/images/2026/10/Picture1-1.jpg)

****Figure 2:** Hawthorn blossom (Wel, 2010).

**Identification**

Hawthorn – Mayflower tree - belongs to Rosaceae family, is a deciduous tree that grows in all soil conditions. Small toothed lobed leaves (Figure 3) appear in early spring, and by May Hawthorn blooms with white sweet-scented flowers (Figure 2). Red fruits (Figure 4) appear in autumn (WT, 2026). Herbalists often use *Crataegus monogyna* and *C.laevigata* species which grow abundantly across the UK, and their conservation status is labelled as ‘least concern’, so ethical foraging is acceptable (BSBI, 2026).

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/c7/38/c73825ce-926e-4074-bdb7-340dec180829/content/images/2026/10/2026_10_01MayHills-Haws-005.jpg)

****Figure 3:** Hawthorn leaf. Image Author’s own.

**History**

Ancient herbalists used Hawthorn for matters related to the heart: from dropsy through weak heart conditions to heart palpitations (HR, 2026). Culpeper recommended crushed seeds boiled in wine for inner pains, which could possibly be related to sorrow (Culpeper, n.d.). Flowers and leaves are edible; hence, their past name: ’’bread and cheese’’. In folklore, Hawthorn trees were associated with fairies, enshrined in mysticism, and were used to open the heart (Perry, 2026).

Some people consider the smell of flowers death-like, so under the Doctrine of Signatures, it would imply that the flowers might be useful for grief.

Historically, there is a strong affiliation of Hawthorn to the cardiovascular system, as a compassionate friend and defender of the weak and feeble heart.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/c7/38/c73825ce-926e-4074-bdb7-340dec180829/content/images/2026/10/2026_10_04-Hawthorns-014.jpg)

****Figure 4:** Hawthorn berries. Image Author’s own.

**Nowadays**

Modern research confirms Hawthorn’s many phytochemicals: oligomeric procyanidins, flavonoids, anthocyanins, triterpenoids, amines and phenylpropanoids capable of relaxing the central nervous system, dilating coronary vasculature, increasing cardiac contractility, stabilising heart function and regulating lipid metabolism (Fisher, 2018).

As a vasodilator, circulatory stimulant, cardiotonic and rejuvenative, Hawthorn is powerful in fixing strong emotions like deep-rooted grief, sadness and sorrow - it works by strengthening and tonifying the heart and circulatory system, moving oxygen throughout and rejuvenating the body, mind and spirit (McIntyre, 2019). Adaptogenic properties help restoring balance within the grief-ridden body by gently stimulating the endocrine system and helping to navigate stressful bereavement situations (Stansbury, 2018).

Hawthorn’s nervine and sedative properties promote calmness, induce restorative sleep, reduces anxiety and tension (McIntyre, 2019). Hawthorn’s magical powers work holistically through nervous, endocrine and circulatory systems to bring equilibrium in the most gentle, caring and tender way appropriate to a grieving heart.

**Preparations**

According to Lucy, combining powders of Hawthorn blossom and Rose petals in equal parts, encapsulated, can softly and lovingly resolve deep-seated grief or an emotional trauma (Jones, 2023).

Hawthorn berry tincture (Figure 5) is another convenient way of introducing hawthorn’s healing properties into your body.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/c7/38/c73825ce-926e-4074-bdb7-340dec180829/content/images/2026/10/2026_10_02-Hawthorns-002-2.jpg)

****Figure 5:** Hawthorn tincture. Image Author’s own

Hot tea of dried berries (Figure 6), flowers and leaves with linden blossoms, motherwort and yarrow, is my colleague Kim’s favourite recipe (Chown & Walker, 2017).

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/c7/38/c73825ce-926e-4074-bdb7-340dec180829/content/images/2026/10/2026_10_02-Hawthorns-005.jpg)

****Figure 6:** Dried hawthorn berries. Image Author’s own.

Syrup made from fresh berries, sweet and flavoursome is my favourite remedy (Figure 7).

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/c7/38/c73825ce-926e-4074-bdb7-340dec180829/content/images/2026/10/2026_10_02-Hawthorns-001.jpg)

****Figure 7:** Hawthorn syrup. Image Author’s own.

**Safety**

Hawthorn is safe to take, but professional advice is strongly recommended when pregnant, lactating, and taking any medications, especially cardiac medicine or beta blockers (McIntyre, 2019).

**Offerings**

If you are unsure how to take Hawthorn, need a professional advice or medical consultation please do not hesitate to contact me. I can offer detailed consultation and many herbal prescriptions.

#betonicaschoolofherbalmedicine #[BETONICA](https://www.betonica.co.uk/?ref=betonica-school-of-herbal-medicine.ghost.io) #lucyjones #[Myrobalan Clinic](https://www.myrobalanclinic.com/?ref=betonica-school-of-herbal-medicine.ghost.io) #kimwalker #vickychown

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Social media post:

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/c7/38/c73825ce-926e-4074-bdb7-340dec180829/content/images/2026/10/2026_10_04-Hawthorns-016.jpg)

Figure 1: Hawthorn tree with berries. Image Author's own.

**Hawthorn for grief**

Hawthorn herb for a suffering heart

Supporting, comforting, making the day less hard.

Strengthens the heart, pleases the mind,

Leaving the sadness, sorrow and grief behind.

Tea can be drunk to ease one’s sorrow,

Tincture to bring the hope for tomorrow.

\--> Learn more on my [blog](https://betonica-school-of-herbal-medicine.ghost.io/ghost/#/editor/post/6ada5c7ef559f30001eb2936)

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**References:**

BSBI. (2026). *Crataegus monogyna*. Botanical Society of Britain & Ireland. https://bsbi.org/taxa/2cd4p9h.f6c/crataegus-monogyna

Chown, V., & Walker, K. (2017). *The homemade apothecary*. Kyle Books.

Culpeper, N. (n.d.). *Culpeper’s Complete Herbal*. W. Foulsham & Co.

Fisher, C. (2018). *Materia medica of western herbs*. Aeon Books.

HR. (2026). *Hawthorn (Crataegus Spp.): Benefits, Uses, Safety*. Herbal reality. https://www.herbalreality.com/herb/hawthorn/

Jones, L. (2023). *A working herbal dispensary: Respecting herbs as individuals*. Aeon Books.

McIntyre, A. (2019). *The complete herbal tutor, the definitive guide to the principles and practices of herbal medicine*. Aeon Books.

Perry, N. (2026). *Hawthorn’s Secrets: From Ancient Remedy to Modern Science – Dilston Physic Garden*. https://dilstonphysicgarden.com/hawthorns-secrets-from-ancient-remedy-to-modern-science/

Stansbury, J. (2018). *Herbal formularies for health professionals, volume 2, circulation and respiration including the cardiovascular, peripheral vascular, pulmonary, and respiratory systems*. Chelsea Green Publishing.

WT. (2026). *Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna)*. Woodland Trust. https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/trees-woods-and-wildlife/british-trees/a-z-of-british-trees/hawthorn/

**Figures:** 

Figure 2: Sander van der Wel (2010) *Wikimedia commons. File:Pink and brown (4627395373).jpg - Wikimedia Commons*