Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna)

Other names: hawthorn, hawthorn, hawthorn, hawthorn, hawthorn, hawthorn, hawthorn, hawthorn, thorn

Hawthorn, or Crataegus monogyna, is a tree belonging to the rose family, which is found mainly in the cooler regions of the northern hemisphere. It is known by many vernacular names, such as monocotyledonous hawthorn, hawthorn hawthorn, loch, hawthorn, hawthorn, hawthorn, heartbread, hawthorn or thorn. In spring, its dark green leaves are adorned with a row of white flowers, which later produce shiny red fruits called hawthorns. Single-seeded hawthorn is not only decorative but also very useful. Its bark, leaves, flowers and fruits are used in medicine, where they are used to make various preparations to support the heart and the vascular system.

Hawthorns, the fruit of the hawthorn tree, are edible and can be eaten raw, but by far the most common uses are to make jams, compotes, liqueurs and wine. Dried and ground hawthorn apples are also used to make coffee. Hawthorn flowers are often used as part of various tea blends for their beneficial effects on the body, specifically the heart and blood vessels. Hawthorn flowers can also be found in various teas, tinctures or syrups. Hawthorn bark can be used as a source of tannins for natural fabric dyeing. Finally, the wood of the hawthorn is very hard and durable, which makes it useful in carving or tool making. The hawthorn thus offers a wide range of uses, not only in medicine, but also in gastronomy, craftsmanship and even industry. The hawthorn is thus a great example of how nature can provide man with multifaceted means for life and health.