The Faerie Tree and Matters of the Heart: Exploring the Wonders of Hawthorn
As May unfolds and Irish Summer begins, our hedgerows light up with the delicate white blossoms of Hawthorn, or an Sceach Gheal. A tree steeped in ancient lore and medicinal wisdom, Hawthorn has long stood at the intersection of magic and medicine – a guardian of boundaries and a powerful tonic for the heart.
A Tree of Myth and Medicine
In Irish folklore, the Hawthorn is a sacred faerie tree. Standing alone in a field or as part of a hedge, it’s not to be cut or disturbed for fear of misfortune. This reverence isn't just superstition – it’s a deep cultural recognition of the Hawthorn’s special place in the natural world. In fact, Irish folklorist Eddie Lenihan successfully campaigned to protect a “faerie tree” during roadworks in County Clare in 1999, a story that captured national attention.
Across Europe, Hawthorn also has a long history as a healing plant. In ancient Greece and Rome, it symbolised hope and health. In medieval times, it became a staple in apothecaries for treating digestion and heart issues. And today, it’s widely recognised in herbal medicine as one of the most effective natural remedies for cardiovascular health.
Nature’s Heart Tonic
Hawthorn belongs to the Crataegus genus – the name comes from the Greek kratos, meaning strength. And strength is exactly what this plant lends to the heart.
The leaves, flowers, and berries of the Hawthorn are rich in procyanidins and flavonoids – antioxidant compounds also found in blackberries, cherries, and red grapes. These plant constituents help to:
Improve blood flow by dilating blood vessels
Strengthen heart muscles and support circulation
Lower blood pressure naturally
Act as a gentle diuretic, reducing fluid retention and easing strain on the heart
In Germany, standardised extracts of Hawthorn are even prescribed for mild heart failure. And with cardiovascular disease still one of Ireland’s leading causes of death, this little tree on the roadside may be more important than ever.
How to Harvest and Use Hawthorn
Right now – early summer – is the perfect time to gather the young leaves and blossoms for teas, tinctures, or tonics. When freshly cut, they have a musky smell that fades upon drying. In pre-Christian times, that scent was said to stir lusty courtship in fields and ditches. (Later, with the rise of Christianity, the smell was described as similar to death. Make of that what you will!)
Come autumn, the berries can be harvested to make syrups, jams, vinegars, and even brandy. This long seasonal arc – from leaf to flower to berry – means Hawthorn offers us its gifts throughout much of the year.
Hawthorn Tea: A Cup for the Heart
One of the gentlest ways to receive Hawthorn’s benefits is as a simple tea:
To make:
Pick a few fresh young leaves and blossoms (or use 1–2 tsp dried).
Add to a cup or teapot, and pour over freshly boiled water.
Cover and steep for 10–15 minutes.
Strain and enjoy.
This tea is known for supporting emotional and cardiovascular resilience – and is especially grounding during times of heartache, transition or stress.
Beyond the Heart: Other Benefits
Hawthorn is also known to support:
Digestion – its fibre and polyphenols encourage gut health
Anxiety relief – calming the nervous system
Anti-inflammatory balance – lowering systemic inflammation over time
It’s versatile too – appearing in teas, tinctures, capsules, jellies, vinegars and even liqueurs.
A Note of Caution
Hawthorn is generally safe when taken as a tea or food, but it can interact with medications, especially those for high blood pressure, heart conditions or erectile dysfunction. If you’re taking prescribed medication, it’s always best to check in with your GP or qualified practitioner before adding Hawthorn to your routine.
In a world that can feel uncertain, Hawthorn reminds us that Nature still holds us, season by season.
Its blossoms invite us to soften. Its strength steadies the heart. Its roots run deep – as should ours.
