While the weather is turning from spring to summer the hawthorn tree blossoms into life. It's also called the May Tree for this reason. In this session we show you how to use those fresh new blossoms to make a simple delicious tea which you can relax and drink while the world carries on around you. Hawthorn is known to be good for the heart and our circulation and particularly good for those with raised (and even low) blood pressure. It helps by creating relaxation in the circulatory system allowing the heart to do its job efficiently and with less bodily resistance. In this sense it can also be good if you are feeling stressed or anxious too. Hawthorn blossom tea is a wonderful relaxing drink for all to enjoy to have when the blossom are young and in season. However, one note of caution if you want to start drinking this tea regularly and are on any medications related to the heart of blood pressure, then check in with your doctor first. Be sure to correctly identify your tree before you consume as there are other white blossom around this time too - namely the cherry, rowan and the elder, the best way is to use the leaf to identify. The flowers are also quite pungent as they aim to attract the insects. Only take what you need - 1 sprig per cup of tea (approx 250ml) being made fresh and leave the rest for nature or should it interest you, learn how to dry the blossom for future teas.
Enjoy!
Items Required: Secateurs - to cut your sprigs Hot water - a flask full if you are out on the hop.
Cups
Optional: Lemon
Honey/maple syrup/sugar
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This activity is great for your wellbeing because you can:
Get Active - Take a walk locally to see if you can source some fresh growing hawthorn trees and if they have blossomed. Hawthorn is often found in hedges, parks and woodlands.
Keep Learning- Learn how to identify the Hawthorn tree HERE at the Woodland Trust or use a mobile plant app to ensure that you understand what you need to find. Hawthorn blossom and leaves can also be dried for tea during none flowering times.
Be Mindful- Forage mindfully and only take what you need. If you are planning on drying some, perhaps consider taking a little from a number of trees in different areas so as not to deplete any one area. Wildlife and insects also depend upon the trees & blossom too.
Practice Kindness- If you enjoy this tea of know someone who would benefit from the wonderful properties of the Hawthorn blossom tree, then share the love.
Think Community- Why not create a tea club with your wider family, some friends or neighbours and then share the different teas that you learn about that you can harvest and enjoy for free. Agree to sit out and enjoy a brew together.