Hawthorn – Medicinal and Magickal

Hawthorn trees are magickal! My mother-in-law had a hawthorn tree growing along her driveway that she had pruned into the shape of a Japanese Lace-Leaf maple tree. It was beautiful! So, early on in our marriage, we began pilfering small volunteers from their home of the various trees my husband grew up with to transplant on our property. The Hawthorn tree came first.

We planted the two small hawthorns we brought home, one on each side of the house, and over time, they grew into majestic trees which have produced many offspring. My husband planted some up the driveway which the deer population, when they were still grazing on the property, kept pruned to around a foot high. Now that eight-foot fencing is up around our five acres preventing deer access, the trees along the driveway have grown and begun producing flowers and berries. Other volunteers are producing as well, so I have plenty for drying and tincturing.

Hawthorn berries are considered as a mild cardiac tonic and their adaptogenic effect helps maintain normal blood pressure and proper circulation. Of course, if taking prescribed medications or pregnant, an individual would want to consult their doctor or herbal practitioner for any advice or cautions associated with adding hawthorn to any daily medications. However, if approved, hawthorn berry is safe enough to be used long-term.

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Considered a fairy and witch tree, it’s always best to ask permission before taking any part of it, leaving a small token of appreciation in the form of coins or perhaps a small amount of cornmeal at the tree’s base. But watch for thorns as you’re gathering or you’ll need a bandaid or two before you’re finished.

Hawthorn berries can also be used in winemaking which my husband is eager to do. It typically takes three to four pounds of berries, and I probably need to gather another pound before we have enough. But that won’t take long with as many trees as we have and after fermentation, six months later, we should have a nice gallon of hawthorn wine.

Of course, the most important aspect of the hawthorn tree beyond its medicinal value is its wood. I craft runes and wands from my hawthorn trees and the quality is superb. The thorns from the hawthorn tree can be used in magickal workings for protection and are often included in witch balls, mojo bags, or other forms of protective magicks. I’ve also used longer thorns to carve sigils onto candles as well.

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So, whether you use hawthorn medicinally or magickally, its presence around you adds a magickal quality to your surroundings and confers faery blessings to all!

Until next time…

Herbal Blessings!