Blackthorn Tree
These are the blossoms of the Blackthorn (Prunus spinosa). Blackthorn flowers appear in early spring (March-April), giving-off their delicious “honey and almonds” aroma, whereas Hawthorn comes into bloom, with a green apple-like scent, from around May onwards. Another identifier is that Blackthorn blossoms appear before its leaves, unlike Hawthorn, whose leaves always appear before its flowers. That’s how you know a Blackthorn from a Hawthorn. Everyone knows about Sloes, the fruit of the Blackthorn, but fewer people know that its blossoms are just as useful for different purposes. Compared to Sloes, which have a binding and tightening action on the digestive system, the blossoms have a gentle loosening and toning effect, and are very effective at relieving mild constipation, or to just keep you regular. Blackthorn flower tea opens-up the lungs and has a soothing and cleansing effect on the respiratory tract. The tea and tincture is also said to be good for anyone who suffers from an under-active thyroid (that’s hypothyroidism, not hyperthyroidism, which is an over-active thyroid), but tread carefully on that and check with your GP before leaping in. Especially if pregnant or on medication. You don’t want to be that unlucky person who has a bad reaction to something most people find safe, most of the time. Personally, we’ve found they really excel when used as a tea for insomnia. We combine them with a few Linden blossoms for a really good sleep tea. Taste-wise, the Linden doesn’t over-power the Blackthorn blossom’s delicate flavour, but the combination will have you falling asleep in no time at all. Whilst a cup or two a day probably won’t do most people any harm, it’s not recommended to drink gallons of it, daily, or for long periods of time. Just have a cup or two a day, while it’s flowering, and be very careful if you suffer from over-active thyroid conditions. Enjoy!
*Please note:
We are not medically trained and, as such, we make no attempt to give individual health advice, diagnose, or treat any individual’s health complaint. We merely share what we do with the plants we grow and forage and how they‘ve traditionally been used in the Northern European herbal tradition, adding any new research and recent studies where possible.
We will not accept any liability, whatsoever, for any harm, loss or injury which may occur as a result of anyone choosing to act upon the information given. Please understand, you do so at your own risk.
