Medicinal May Blossoms!

Ruth Theobold Medical Herbalist BSc hons, SROT, Dip HM, NIMH

Our hedgerows have burst into life with clouds of pinky-white blossoms, the hawthorn flowers known as May blossoms. Beyond their beauty lies a rich history of medicinal use which continues to this day. Hawthorn (Crataegus species) has been a foundation of traditional herbal medicine for centuries, particularly in Europe. Its blossoms, leaves, and berries are all valued, but the flowers and leaf are gathered in May and dried for use in teas, or made into tinctures.

Hawthorn medicine has an affinity for the cardiovascular system. The blossoms contain flavonoids and procyanidins which support improved blood flow, strengthen heart muscle contractions, and promote the dilation of blood vessels, contributing to a healthy effective circulatory system. It is a very safe alternative to Foxglove (Digitalis pupurea) that was used in General Practice for heart failure up until the 1950’s when it was phased out in favour of pharmaceutical medication. We no longer use digitalis species in herbal medicine due to the unreliable content of cardiac glycosides and toxicity issues. Instead, we utilise other plants that contain cardiac glycosides such as convallaria (lily of the valley) and others, there are so many heart herbs like Viscum album (mistletoe) or Allium (garlic). It is really important not to treat yourself with these herbs, with a heart condition, seek a professional consultation and  be safe.

Medical herbalists rely on hawthorn as the basis for heart condition prescriptions. It is used to ease symptoms like palpitations, fatigue, poor circulation and shortness of breath associated with many heart conditions. Unlike many pharmaceutical interventions, hawthorn works gradually, nourishing and toning the heart over time rather than forcing immediate change and has almost no side effects! We frequently combine hawthorn with other more powerful herbs into personal bespoke blends in order to support the individual.

Dose with herbs to address heart function is absolutely key, and they need to be dispensed very precisely, because they can influence heart function and blood pressure. Caution is required especially by those already taking cardiovascular medication, as these herbs may increase the effectiveness of the pharmaceuticals. Consulting a qualified practitioner is essential before taking herbs to treat a heart condition and diet and life style are important in treating heart conditions.

In folklore Hawthorn is associated with love and protection, as an aid to grief. It certainly has gentle calming properties to reduce anxiety and promote emotional balance. A simple cup of hawthorn blossom tea has long been used as a comforting ritual during times of stress.