Horses witharthritis can benefit greatly from eating Hawthorn, both the tops of the plant and theberries. Its proper botanical name is Crataegus monogyna & Crataegus oxyacantha and it isconsidered an extremely valuable medicinal herb.

Hawthorn berries are used extensively as a cardiac tonic and for increasing circulation whichis very important for horses with arthritis. The leaves and flowers are used for the samepurpose and it was known in the Middle Ages as a symbol of hope and taken for manyailments.

Western herbalists consider it to be a “food for the heart” increasing blood flow to theheart muscles and restoring normal heartbeat. It is a wonderful herb for the elderly seniorhorse helping with circulation and strengthening the heart.

Hawthorn is also used for joint remedies for horses with arthritis as it increasescirculation and is great for helping rid the body of toxins which can build up in the joints.It is considered an astringent, antispasmodic, cardiac, diuretic, sedative and tonic. Hawthorn is also very useful in horses that have navicular syndrome as it dilates the bloodvessels. Often you can see horses with navicular or laminitis nibbling on the new leaves ofHawthorn bushes if they are so lucky to have easy access.

Hawthorns are normally planted as a hedge and are perfect for creating a hedgerow containingother edible herbs for horses. The sharp thorns protect the edible herbs from beingcompletely eaten to the ground by voracious horses but allow them to nibble any tasty morselswithin their reach.

Hawthorn is in fact considered a noxious weed in Victoria and South Australia and is nativeto Europe, North Africa and West Asia. Hawthorn is very common throughout Victoria, southeast New South Wales, Tasmania and South Australia where there is moderate to highrainfall.

Hawthorn has been relatively well researched and its main medicinal benefit is due to itsbioflavonoid content. The active constituents relax and dilate the arteries, especially thecoronary arteries. This then increases the flow of blood to the heart.

Hawthorn is also considered to be highly antioxidant, which in turn helps reduce degenerationof the blood vessels. It is used today for angina and irregular heartbeat but also requires afew months to produce noticeable results. Like many herbs, hawthorn works in tune with thebody which requires time for change to occur.

Not only is this herb used for high blood pressure but it also raises low blood pressure andherbalists have found it can restore blood pressure to normal. Combined with Ginkgo it isused to improve memory by improving circulation to the head and oxygen to the brain.

The 2 species of Hawthorn are very similar, differing mainly in the number of seeds perfruit. They are erect shrubs or small trees around 4-6 metres though can grow up to 9 metres.There are many spreading branches with thorns and triangular to ovate leaves. Flowers arewhite and appear in clusters with a sweet scent. Hawthorns have bright red berries in autumnbut with a mild flavour.

Flowering tops (leaves and flowers)are harvested in late spring and the berries are gathered in late summer and early autumn.The optimum time for harvesting the tops is only about a week so you need to be vigilant toget the correct time. The flowers should be mostly open but not yet fading.

You will need gloves when harvesting the berries. They should be harvested once they turnred. At this stage their level of active constituents is highest and the berries are lesslikely to be damaged as they are firmer at this stage. Strip the berries into a basket withgloved hands. The berries will need good drying conditions.

Hawthorn leaf and flowers dry quite easily but should be dried quickly in order to retaingood colour. This can then be used as a tea or infusion or you can steep the berries andfeed to your elderly horses. A wonderful herb for maintaining a healthy older horse witharthritis or when competing on a regular basis.If you would like to learn more about using herbs for your horses and get your free herbalguide please visit BrookybyHerbs.

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