Sip Tea with Saba: What’s the Tea on Hawthorn?

Feb 19

4 min read

The statements in this editorial are simply for informational purposes, entertainment, and objective research and do not represent the views or policies of the publication, or any other organization with which the author may be affiliated. They are also not to be viewed as personal medical care, but rather for the purpose of general knowledge. The author is not a medical professional. The reader is strongly encouraged to speak to his/her own physician for medical advice.

Getting to the heart of things is also like getting to the root; oftentimes the wellbeing of the root can be seen in the fruit. We will dive into what I see as the center/root of us as humans, and that is the heart. While our marketing cycles of holidays don't always coincide with cycles of nature, love is always the topic (Valentine’s Day or not) and is felt via the heart.

Inner Peace starts in the Heart

Some studies have revealed that our electromagnetic field gets emitted from our heart (and then creates a toroidal field around the body). So having peace in your heart is a great starting point in all that we put out into the world. For this (and a stronger nervous system support) I created one of our High Tech Healing herbal tea blends called Inner Peace. One of the ingredients in this blend is the hawthorn berry. I truly believe that while the other ingredients support calm within the body, the testimonials I’ve received about it supporting grief or hardship show the subtle support that some plants can bring to not just the physical body, but also the emotional.

Since we are humans and life is full of inevitable changes, I would like to believe that when we support our various organs that support us, we have the capacity to be a bit more flexible in life. The heart is the home of a range of feelings, alongside the blood supply to our entire body, so its health is of pristine importance. And for the heart, Hawthorn has been used for ages as a supportive tonic.

History of the Plant

Hawthorn, a tree or shrub that belongs to the genus Crataegus, can grow up to 15 meters tall, with some records having shown Hawthorns living up to 400 years! This plant is most well known for its small red berries which have been revered for centuries due to their medicinal properties. The history of Hawthorn is a rich tapestry as its beloved white flowers and deep red berries are rich in pectin and nutrients. Found in temperate regions across the globe, hawthorn shrubs and trees have been an integral part of traditional medicine in Europe, Asia, and North America. They traditionally grow in hedgerows, woodlands, and along roadsides. The berries, leaves, and flowers of the hawthorn plant have a hefty history of use in treating heart conditions and promoting overall well-being. In medieval Europea, Hawthorn was deemed as a symbol of hope and protection, and believed to ward off evil spirits. Esteemed in herbal medicine, folklore, and the kitchen as a usefully rich plant often times referred to as “heart food”.

Bioactive Compounds of Hawthorn Berries

Hawthorn’s benefits are largely attributed to the rich content of bioactive compounds, antioxidants, flavonoids, and polyphenols, which can help combat oxidative stress and protection of the heart. Additional compounds include oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs) and triterpenoids. These compounds work synergistically to support the very important cardiovascular system. Flavonoids found abundantly in hawthorn are known for their powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Flavonoids like quercetin help to protect blood vessels and improve elasticity of arteries, which aid in lowering blood pressure and improving heart function. OPCs are antioxidants that play a role in the prevention of plaque buildup in the arteries. Triterpenoids have shown promise in protecting heart muscle cells and improving circulation, further contributing to hawthorn’s heart-health benefits. In addition to hearty support, hawthorn can also aid in the reduction of inflammation as well as supporting the digestive system.

For those looking to cultivate hawthorn, it is relatively easy to grow and hardy in various climates. It thrives in well-drained soil and requires minimal maintenance once established. Some can live for a very long time, there are records of some 400 years. There is discussion on the total number of hawthorn varieties (between 200-400 is what most botanists agree on). The seeds are poisonous, however! It is important to cultivate seedless berries to get all of the blooming benefits mentioned. It makes beautiful white or pink flowers in bloom in spring, wonderful for pollinators such as bees and butterflies, making it a fantastic addition to any garden.

So while we can utilize various plants and herbs to support our system, finding space to bring peace through trust that things always work out in this Divine Design is the best input you can have on your health. Part ritual, part benefit, I invite you to have a cup of tea, particularly one with hawthorn berry fruits in it to support this vortex of an organ, muscle, synaptic neuron rich, electrical source: your beloved heart.

Find your blend of Inner Peace (or any of our other blends) at the Saturday Farmers Market at Downtown Summerlin. www.hightechhealing.org