Crategus oxycanthus (Hawthorn)

The name Crataegus, from Gr. krataigos, a flowering thorn, is believed to be derived from kratos, strength, alluding to the hardness of the wood. Oxyacantha means 'sharp thorn'. Traditionally hawthorn was thought to have been used for the Crown of Thorns.

It is the symbol of hope, probably the hope that nobody will gain access to a spot blocked off by hawthorns. In olden days, these were especially the places of sacrifice, holy places, but also citadels and castles.

The hawthorn was used in ancient Greece as a marriage torch. Greek brides often used sprigs of hawthorn, and the wedding altar was adorned with its blossoms to bring a blessed future for the bride and groom. The ancient Romans dedicated the hawthorn to Cardea, protector of physical well being. Cardea refers to Gr. kardia, heart, the protector of well being.

"The German name of Hagedorn, meaning Hedgethorn, shows that from a very early period the Germans divided their land into plots by hedges; the word haw is also an old word for hedge." [Grieve]

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Natural Order : Pomaceae.

Common Name : White or May Thorn, English Hawthorn

Preparation : The fresh berries are pounded to a pulp and macerated in two times their weight of alcohol.

(The New York Medical Journal, October 10, 1896, published a communication from Dr. M. C. Jennings, under the heading "Crataegus Oxyacantha in the treatment of Heart Disease," of which the following is the substance)

Dr. Green, of Ennis, Ireland, for many years had a reputation for the cure of heart disease that caused patients to flock to him all parts of the United Kingdom.

He cured the most of them and amassed considerable wealth by means of his secret, for, contrary to the code, he, though a physician in good standing, refused to reveal the remedy to his professional brethren.

After his death, about two years ago, his daughter, Mrs. Graham, revealed the name of the remedy her father had used so successfully. It is Crataegus Oxyacantha.

So much for the history of the remedy. Dr. Jennings procured for himself some of the remedy, and his experience with it explains Dr. Green's national reputation.

Produces giddiness, lowered pulse, and air hunger and reduction in blood-pressure. Acts on muscle of heart, and is a heart tonic. No influence on the endocardium.

Myocarditis. Failing compensation. Irregularity of heart. Insomnia of aortic sufferers; anemia; edema; cutaneous chilliness. High arterial tension.

Is a sedative in cross, irritable patients with cardiac symptoms.


Chronic heart disease, with extreme weakness. Very feeble and irregular heart action. General anasarca. Very nervous, with pain in back of head and neck. Collapse of typhoid. Hemorrhage from bowels. Cold extremities, pallor; irregular pulse and breathing. Painful sensation of pressure in left side of chest below the clavicle. Dyspepsia and nervous prostration, with heart failure. In the beginning of heart mischief after rheumatism. Arteriosclerosis.

Said to have a solvent power upon crustaceous and calcareous deposits in arteries.

Cardiac dropsy. Fatty degeneration. Aortic disease.

Extreme dyspnea on least exertion, without much increase of pulse.

Pain in region of heart and under left clavicle. Heart muscles seem flabby, worn out. Cough. Heart dilated; first sound weak. Pulse accelerated, irregular, feeble, intermittent. Valvular murmurs, angina pectoris. Cutaneous chilliness, blueness of fingers and toes; all aggravated by exertion or excitement. Sustains heart in infectious diseases.