Hawthorn Berry Syrup

Lately, I've been taking another look at one of my favourites. Hawthorn (or Hawthorne)It is best known as a :herb for the heart". It’s valued as a cardiac tonic because it is gentle and doesn’t build up in the body. We can make tinctures and decoctions from the berries and another delicious idea? Hawthorn Berry Syrup.

The berries, flowers and leaves of the Hawthorn plant are rich in antioxidants, bioflavonoids and procyanidins, all of which tone the heart. Hawthorn dilates the arteries and veins, allowing for increased blood flow and the release of blockages. It is believed to strengthen the heart muscle, regulate blood pressure, and helps to support healthy cholesterol levels.

For a list of some highlights, as well as a quick 'tea recipe', check out this post here on Studio Botanica.

It's easy to make herbal syrups. There are several ways to make these tasty herbal concoctions. I prefer, when possible to make with local raw honey. We can use raw honey or sugar. If choosing sugar, I tend towards coconut sugar or organic cane sugar. I never use "regular refined white sugar" but one can use this if absolutely necessary. There are 'levels of goodness' always.. When possible, let's choose the healthiest options for best results!
Note:  If making a syrup for a child who is younger than 1  year old, we need to use a sugar as opposed to honey.

There are reasons why one may use one over the other, but for today, I'll share an easy recipe which works well.

Hawthorn Berry Syrup is tasty + a delightful heart remedy.

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Hawthorn Berry Syrup

Why not make this and gift your favourite Valentine!?

Ingredients

• ½ C hawthorn berries dried
• 1.5 C good quality water
• 1.5 C local raw honey
• 2 oz Vodka or other alcohol; brandy etc
• optional: 1 tablespoon Ginger tincture or your choice

Instructions

1. Place the berries and the water in a pot and heat on 'low' for an hour or so.
2. We are essentially making a strong tea/decoction
3. Remove the pot from the stove and allow the mixture to come to room temperature.
4. Use a potato masher to mash the berries
5. Add the alcohol to the mashed berries
6. Put the pot back (with lid) onto the stove and on low heat for another 20-30 minutes.
7. Remove from the heat and allow to cool.
8. Strain into a large glass measuring cup.
9. We want to have 1.5 C of this mixture ideally.
10. Pour 1.5 C of the decoction back into the pot + add the raw honey
11. Warm on low heat for about 20 minutes, ensuring that the mixture is 'below a boil'
12. (We want to preserve the healing qualities of the raw honey)
13. At this point or when the mixture has thickened to the desired consistency, remove from heat.
14. Allow the mixture to cool. Add optional tincture(s) if wanting to increase potency + shelf life of the syrup.
15. Pour into a sterilized bottle with a good lid.
16. Store in the fridge after the mixture is completely cool.

Recipe Notes

Use within 3 months.

Note: To learn more about making Hawthorn Berry Syrup:

Check out this article about DIY herbal syrups for another easy recipe template + some details re
using sugar + dosage info.

Many studies are available online for those interested to dive deeper into hawthorn.
Here's one good example:

The medicinal properties of hawthorn (Crataegus spp., a genus comprising approximately 300 species) have been utilized by many cultures for a variety of therapeutic purposes for many centuries. In the Western world cardiovascular disease (CVD) has become one of the single most significant causes of premature death. Echoing this situation, more recent research into the therapeutic benefits of hawthorn preparations has focused primarily upon its cardiovascular effects. This review covers research into the various mechanisms of action proposed for Crataegus preparations, clinical trials involving Crataegus preparations, and the herb's safety profile. Check it out here.

Ideally, find hawthorn berries locally. If that's not possible, here are a couple of resources for you online:

Here are 2 ideas for you :