How to Eat Hawthorn

The hawthorn tree has been revered for centuries with many legends being associated to it for its magic-like healing properties. It is considered the ultimate herbal heart tonic, as it has a natural ability to either stimulate or depress the heart's activities accordingly. Hawthorn also aids in depression and anxiety, while promoting healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels. For any hawthorn remedy to be effective, it must be used over a long period of time. Various parts of the tree can be consumed; the leaves, flowers, berries, and tips of the branches are all beneficial. There are numerous ways to ingest the different parts of this healing herb.

Things You'll Need

• Hawthorn (fresh leaves, flowers, berries, tips of branches)
• Water
• Knife
• Strainer
• Alcohol (vinegar or vegetable glycerin)
• Glass jar with lid
• Tincture jar

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Instructions

From Teas to Culinary Creations

• 1

  Herbal teas are both easy to make and easy to drink.

  Make a tea using the leaves, berries, flowers -- or all them combined. A typical infusion requires 1 ounce of herb to 1 quart of water, or 1 Cup of water to 1 Tablespoon of herb. Bring water to a boil before pouring over the herb. Allow to steep for 30 to 60 minutes. The longer the concoction steeps, the stronger the tea. Strain and consume 3 to 4 cups of tea daily for at least three weeks.

• 2

  Tinctures are more powerful than home-brewed tea.

  Create a tincture using one or all consumable parts of the hawthorn tree. Most tinctures are made with alcohol, but if you have sensitivities or prefer a non-alcoholic version, simply use vegetable glycerin or apple cider vinegar instead. If you do use alcohol, use a quality grade of 80 to 100 proof. If using glycerin, dilute 50/50 with water. With vinegar, it works best to warm it. Chop your herbs finely. Fresh herbs are recommended over dried herbs, regardless of quality, as your ultimate goal in making a tincture is to preserve the freshness of the plant. Place chopped herbs into a clean, dry jar. Shoot for a ratio of 1 part herb to 2 parts alcohol (or chosen medium). Generally, there should be 2 to 3 inches of liquid above the herbs to insure total submersion. Cover with a tight fitting lid and place in a warm location for 4 to 6 weeks. Shake the bottle daily. After the appropriate duration of time, strain your herbs and place the liquid in a colored, glass tincture bottle. Keep in a cool dark location. This tincture will keep almost indefinitely. Take 1 teaspoon of tincture three times daily for a month -- or more.

• 3

  The benefits of many herbs can be preserved in preserves!

  Prepare culinary treats with hawthorn, especially with the berries. It's a good tasting plant that can be used in the making of jams, jellies, sauces, liqueurs and wines. Using hawthorn in this way retains much of the herb's nourishing features and allows you to enjoy the benefits regularly -- without carrying a medicinal connotation.