Hawthorn

Hawthorn is also known as quickthorn, thornapple, May-tree, or hawberry. Hawthorn is a small tree or shrub that are native throughout temperate areas of North America. The small fruits are nutritious as well as the fruit, leaves, and flowers have been used traditionally in herbal remedies such as teas and tinctures to treat for digestive issues, heart problems, and high blood pressure. Hawthorn tree wood is very strong and is used to make tools, tool handles, as well as the sharp thorns are used for fishhooks and medical tools.  Hawthorn fruit is used in making jams and jellies. Many cultures use the hawthorn  to make snack foods, beverages, and candies. The leaves can be picked when still young and tender to use in salads. Hawthorns are used by many birds and mammals as food and shelter. The nectar in the flower feeds many insects. In the winter, the fruit persists on the branches and have been used as a survival food throughout human history. During pioneers days, settlers noted this as the only remaining food supply in some areas. Hawthorn has a plethora of health benefits too. Hawthorn teas, supplements in powder, pill or liquid forms, are used to treating chronic heart failure and cardiovascular disease. The extracts can be made from berries, leaves and flowers have great potential for providing antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, gastro-protection, and antimicrobial activity, plus are used in traditional medicines as well to help treat high blood pressure, arrhythmia, a variety of digestive issues, arteriosclerosis, heart conditions, and  to lower cholesterol.