I enjoy the Berries, Leaves, and Flowers combined with Linden, Epimedium, and Hibiscus for myself in a tea to keep my blood pressure in check. It’s a lovely-tasting tea also! I sometimes add a diuretic/lymphatic herb such as chickweed and dandelion if I feel my lymph/kidneys are needing assistance.
A couple of years ago, I learned of Hawthorn Berry’s use from Thomas Easley for those with Mitral Valve prolapse and its use as a heart tonic or trophorestorative (which means it strengthens and tonifies the heart). I’ve used this as a syrup – just like you’d make Elderberry syrup, but I tend to decoct it more. Or I’ve added the berries to herbal infusions for those with strange heart issues. They’ve been to a doctor… they’ve had all the tests… and the doctors don’t know what’s going on or say they are fine, but my clients feel like something is off with their hearts. The symptoms disappear after a good couple of months of taking a strong Hawthorn syrup or infusion. I’ve also used it a couple of times where my clients have noted they have mild mitral valve prolapse and mild arrhythmia, and they have not been put on any medication yet. Again, after a month of taking the syrup or infusion, they feel better! Don’t discount the power of this gentle herb!
I’ve had clients who felt like things were off after a particular virus and felt better after taking Hawthorn. This can also happen after any virus. Many viruses can cause inflammation of the heart. For this reason alone, I try to keep Hawthorn Berries in my herbal infusion rotation every week. Whenever I get sick, I add more hawthorn berries to my infusion. You can read more about making infusions here.
Hawthorn berries have also been known to support the emotional heart as well. If you suffer grief from losing a loved one, hawthorn can help. If you have hardened your heart against someone who has wronged you or you’re against the world. Hawthorn can help. Are you just unhappy? Hawthorn can uplift your mood. It is often seen combined with rose, holy basil, linden, and Mimosa bark for those dealing with these.
My Fave Hawthorn Preparations
Here are my favorite preparations of Hawthorn, each offering a unique way to experience its benefits.
Hawthorn Syrup: Make elderberry syrup just as you would, but decoct it down more to a 1:2.5 ratio instead of a 1:5 ratio.
Hawthorn Solid Extract by Herbalist & Alchemist.
Or Bilberry Hawthorn Apple Cider Reduction by Jim McDonald: https://youtu.be/FXRnEwBUQSU?si=UfypnR0WlGrJTdE2
Check out Thomas Easley’s Felix Cordis + Happy Heart Blend Felix Cordis Plus — ECLECTICA BOTANICA.
