Spotlight On Hawthorn
by Connie Handscomb
Title
Spotlight On Hawthorn
Artist
Connie Handscomb
Medium
Photograph - Photography - Fine Art
Description
Whenever I smell a May tree, I think of going to bed by daylight.
~Wm. Morris
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Hawthorn
Crataegus oxyacantha (common hawthorn, native to Europe)
Crataegus laevigata (native to Europe and Asia)
Family : Rosaceae
(commonly known as May tree; quickset; whitethorn)
This small barb-covered tree - or large shrub - can live for several hundred years. It flowers heavily-scented blossoms in May. There is a single seed in each berry (a 'haw'). Over 1,000 species have been identified in North America alone.
Medicinally, it is used for lowering cholesterol, normalizing blood pressure, restoring weakened, aging or inflamed heart muscle, and other heart problems such as angina. Hawthorn use for physical ailments dates back to AD 659, where it was used in China. The dried fruit was also used to treat scurvy, and stomach ailments.
Some folklore: the early Romans used to tie sprigs on baby cradles to protect the infant against evil and disease, and during medieval times, branches were hung over doorways to protect against evil spirits.
The hawthorn does not have a specific shape; rather, it adapts itself to the circumstances it finds itself in and thus, spiritually, it represents 'alignment' - being centred, in the present - rather than being pulled in several directions.
Hawthorn Tea
Soak 2-3 tsp. of crushed hawthorn berries in 8-2 oz. (1/4 litre or qt) of cold water
Let sit for 7-8 hours
Heat quickly to a boil; cover & let steep for a few mins.
Strain & drink.
Hawthorn berries can also be used to bulk up potpourris with colour and texture.
Sources:
Your Natural Medicine Chest [Jeanne Marie Martin]
Medicinal Herbs: Complete Guide For N. Am. Herb Gardeners [Turcotte]
The International Book Of Trees [H.Johnson]
The Healing Energies Of Trees [Bouchardon]
Desk Ref. To Nature's Medicines [Nat.Geo:Foster & Johnson]
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Taken in natural light ; Undedited; Uncropped, : Nature in all its natural splendour.
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♥ Heartfelt Gratitude to FAA groups for featuring this image :
The Artistic Forager
Flower Mania
Visions Of Spring
Medicinal Plants
10 Plus
Uploaded
April 23rd, 2015
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Viewed 469 Times - Last Visitor from Ottawa, ON - Canada on 03/22/2024 at 4:09 PM
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Comments (27)
Connie Handscomb
Thank you! Michael African Visions! for featuring this image in Medicinal Plants :))
Patricia Griffin Brett
My hawthorne is in full bloom right now, so this one really caught my eye! Very beautiful photo with great use of light & shadow :) Voted!
Connie Handscomb
Happy Day, Dora! & my many thanks to you {again!} for featuring this image in Visions Of Spring :))
Connie Handscomb
'Morning, 'Morning, Martin! & thank you! for featuring this image in Flower Mania;))
Connie Handscomb
Alexandria, thank you very much! for featuring this image in The Artistic Forager :)) {Happy Monday!)
Glenn DiPaola
Wonderful light in this one, just a little beam. The detail fade to the background is great, leads to some pretty blurs of colors. v/f
Carla Parris
Lovely image with beautiful light!!! v & tw Thanks so much for your recent visits and support, Connie. I have enjoyed connecting with you here and on Twitter, and being introduced to your beautiful work!!!
Jerry Bokowski
I love the play of light and shadow here, Connie....your tea recipe looks to be a winner for better health! Have you ever tried it! Anyway, splendid photograph in all its natural wonder! FAV / Like