The hawthorn - a magical tree
Hawthorn is a magical tree that has played an important role in many cultures for centuries. Its flowers, leaves and berries are used for their healing and restorative properties and are also ingredients of some elixirs of Heritx. In this article we will take a closer look at the history and properties of hawthorn.
Magic tree
The hawthorn is present in many stories and myths:
One of the most famous stories in which the hawthorn plays a role is the fairy tale of Sleeping Beauty. Here the princess is put into an enchanted sleep by a hawthorn thorn and sleeps for 100 years, protected by hawthorn hedges.
The hawthorn also plays an important role in the legend of Merlin, the most important wizard in Great Britain and advisor to King Arthur. After the fairy Viviane had coaxed his magic powers from him, she cast a spell on him and made him sleep under a hawthorn bush.
In the Middle Ages, people who had to leave their homestead often took with them a staff made of hawthorn, which was supposed to provide protection in the supernatural sense
The history of the hawthorn
Hawthorn has always played an important role in history, mythology and many legends. Among the Celts, together with oak and ash, it was one of the three sacred trees, home to elves and fairies. In Ireland, it is still believed that one should not touch a hawthorn tree that stands alone, as one fears the revenge of the fairies. However, anyone who has a hawthorn standing on their land is said to be assured of good fortune and prosperity.
The hawthorn was also discovered in medicine thousands of years ago in China and was recognized by the Indians in North America as a panacea for general health promotion. It was not until the 14th century that the authors of the various herbal books described the beneficial effects of hawthorn on the heart, circulation and nerves. During the lifetime of Paracelsus (1493-1541), wine with hawthorn was a very well-known remedy for heart ailments. It took until the end of the 19th century before the positive effects of hawthorn on the heart and circulation were scientifically studied.
Healing properties of hawthorn
Nowadays, hawthorn is recognized in medical science as a support for cardiovascular complaints. Leaves, flowers and berries of hawthorn in various dosage forms lead to an increase in cardiac strength. Due to its vasodilatory properties, hawthorn leads to an increase in blood flow to the coronary arteries. This in turn improves the oxygen supply to the heart and increases cardiac activity. Hawthorn is an unconditional and strong supporter of the heart, there are no time restrictions on its use and it is free of side effects, which is rather the exception in herbal remedies.
The hawthorn is a protective hand that wraps around the heart and comforts it when it beats up to the neck again.
