Our next medicinal tree is hawthorn
another beloved native tree
Hawthorns can often be found growing as part of a hedge
though they also can be found growing on their own
in woods, fields, and along pavements
They are a small to medium sized tree, have sharp thorns
and, in the winter, are studded with small
ruby-coloured fruits that have a small stone in their middle
Both the leaves and the berries of hawthorn have medicinal properties
Herbalists prize their ability to help reduce high blood pressure
help reduce high cholesterol
and keep the arteries around the heart
clear of dangerous build up of fatty deposits
The berries can also be used to help relieve constipation
and both the leaves and the berries
can be used to help alleviate mild anxiety
An easy way to obtain the medicinal benefits of the hawthorn berries
is to boil them in water for around 20 minutes
with berries, roots and barks it is usually not enough
to just add boiling water, they’re so tough
you need to boil them in order to release their medicinal properties
Strain the resulting decoction and drink while warm