Plant M e d i c i n e : Hawthorn

Please join me in the circle, as we celebrate, honor, and learn from the wisdom of Hawthorn. 

As we build and grow the ToVA community, I deeply feel the desire to share with you all knowledge I have gained or feel called to share from the plants. 

Or should I say, remember, together with you all, the knowledge of the plants. 

Working with plants as medicine is something that is engrained within our bones, and in our very DNA. Since the beginning of humanity, plants have stood as beautiful, powerful allies and have long been depended on by all life on Earth as food, medicine, and nourishment. 

And as you read this, it may feel strange to believe that we all hold this knowledge within us. How can that be the case? Why do some of us choose to spend many years of study in this then? 

It is because no matter where you come from, your ancestors worked with plants. This knowledge was passed down, in often a deeply sacred way, from generation to generation, for thousands of years. The loss of this knowledge, did not really occur until more recent times, with the rise of destructive systems like patriarchy and capitalism. This knowledge was seen as a threat to power systems, oppressive ideals, and toxic individualism, due to the fact that practices such as herbalism are centered around community, recognized ourselves as a part of a network versus separate from, and are reciprocal - giving back as much as we take, which stand in direct opposition to these destructive systems. 

When we seek to commune with nature, when we seek to work with plants - truly hear them and seek their guidance, wisdom, and nourishment, we remember, as my beloved teacher, Tonja Reichley so beautifully states it; who we were before the rise of these systems. 

Think about it, have you ever felt stressed or on edge, and reached for Lavender, whether in a tea, or as aromatherapy, because you just knew that would help bring relief? Or perhaps you have had your attention drawn out of the blue to a flower, as if it is calling to you? That is because it is, and a very ancient part of you remembers how to communicate. Or if you love to garden, is there something that just feels natural about your hands in the soil, or the way you knew to clip a decaying leaf from a stem? 

These whispers in our ears of remembering only grow louder the more we foster them. 

C a l l i n g  upon  H a w t h o r n . . . 

Beloved Hawthorn, a tree of protection, guardian of the Faeries and deep sacredness - I invite you to welcome her presence with us, and may we honor Hawthorn as the first of the plants we study in this beautiful online space. 

I also offer a personal disclaimer, as well as an invitation, as we continue to explore plant medicine on the Curiosities & Apothecaries platform: I do not see myself as a healer, but instead as a midwife, or support to healing. Each and every one of us has the power to heal ourselves, but may simply need tools or guidance to reach what is needed. All knowledge I share, I share from my own perspective or study, as is the extent of my ability. Each of us is experiencing their life journey in their own way, and with their own perspectives, and the journey of working with plants is not linear, but fluid. This means that my experience may be similar, but not exact to your own, and that is a beautiful thing! The plants come to us in the ways that we are best meant to receive them and their incredible offerings. 

I also extend the invitation to join me in taking on the embodiment of the eternal student. I do not have all of the answers, and it is hubris to think I ever will. I am committing to a continual journey of forever learning, and stand today learning along beside you, and am open to the flow that accompanies this. I extend offerings to this community as I receive them, but recognize that I am always a Student first. I encourage you to also lean into this approach, and to seek with curiosity versus ego. 

I felt called to start these offerings with Hawthorn, as I recently was blessed with the opportunity to visit Ireland. This is a place I have dreamed of visiting for so, so long. I have Irish heritage, (Along with British, Scandinavian, French, and German lineage) and feel deeply connected to the stories of the land. I also recently completed a magical community herbalism apprenticeship in which we were firmly rooted in Irish tradition and ancestral practice (If you are someone who is feeling called to walk the path of a Community Herbalist, I cannot rave about my teacher Tonja Reichley enough. She is a homecoming, and regardless of whether Irish blood is in your veins, you are welcome in her circle and will leave with such fulfillment and empowerment. Check out her offerings here.) Hawthorn was abundant, in the hedgerows, standing in the fields, and particularly rising above sacred sites such as Holy Wells of Brigid as protective guardians. All of the trees were flush with bright red berries that stood out like beacons among the leaves on misty, foggy days. She feels like the perfect spirit to call upon in this circle to begin our journey in plant knowledge together. 

Hawthorn, of which the parts we work with are leaf and berry (the thorn can also be incorporated into protective magic/charms or to help oneself better affirm emotional and spiritual boundaries), is deep nourishment for the heart. She is a powerful ally that can help improve and increase circulation of blood through our veins, and also helps to cleanse the blood of impurities. Hawthorn also is a powerful support for cardiovascular-related ailments, including such dis-ease as angina or chronic heart disease, high blood pressure, or heart palpations, and helps improve the muscular function of the heart muscle and tones arteries. 

As a quick disclaimer, it is important that you check with your doctor or trusted medical professional (as well as consulting a trusted and reliable community herbalist!) before working with any sort of herbal supports or remedies, particularly if you are using pharmaceuticals, as may be the case if you are experience dis-ease of the heart. That said, Hawthorn can be utilized in many different forms, including tea, infusing it it in vinegar or honey, or tincture. It is also a great herb to blend with other supports for the physical and emotional heart, including Linden, Rose, or Nettle. Combining Hawthorn with Motherwort can also help be powerful relief for heart palpitations or hot flashes associated with menopause as we transition into our Crone years. 

Hawthorn is not only an incredible ally for the physical heart and cardiovascular system, but is a beautiful support for ailments associated with our emotional heart. Hawthorn is like a deeply beloved Grandmother, who always knew "just the thing" to bring healing to our brokenness. Hawthorn provides space for us, and holds us tenderly as we move through deeply painful events such those caused by grief or loss. She also cradles us in love when our hearts may be broken, and reminds us of our own strength and power if we are lacking love for ourselves. 

Magically speaking, Hawthorn has long been associated with the Faeries. It is even believed in Ireland, that if one were to cut down a Hawthorn tree, they warrant extreme risk of facing the wrath of the Fae Folk who live among her branches. The Hawthorn trees bloom in the spring, and have long been associated with fertility and the bond of equality between the masculine and feminine energies. Hawthorn is empowering, protecting us when we may fear connections of the heart with others, or intimacy, reminding us that our love for others starts with deeply loving ourselves. The Hawthorn, while beautiful, has thorns among her branches. These serve as deep reminders of the importance of boundaries, and holding space for ourselves. Hang Hawthorn in the home to protect your space from negative energy that tries to enter, and carry the thorn upon your person as a protection of your energy. 


And now dear ones - have you worked with Hawthorn? How has she shown up for you? What does she call upon you to share with the world? Please feel invited to share in the comments below. And thank you for being in the circle today. 

So much love,

S h a y l e



References: 

Bennett, Robin Rose. The Gift of Healing Herbs: Plant Medicines and Home Remedies for a Vibrantly Healthy Life. 2014. North Atlantic Books. 
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McGarry, Gina. Brighid's Healing: Ireland's Celtic Medicine Tradition. 2005. Green Magic Publishing.