ENGLISH NAME: Caucasian
Hawthorn
LATIN NAME: Crataegus caucasica
LOCAL NAMES:
Turkey: Alıç
Georgia: კავკასიური კუნელი (Kavkasiuri kuneli)
Bulgaria: Глог
COUNTRY: Georgia, Turkey, Bulgaria
WHERE TO FIND IT:
Region: Guria, Kartli, Imereti, Racha
Elevation: Widely found; no strict elevation,
but can grow from lowlands up to hills/mountains
Terrain: Open woodlands, hedgerows, meadows,
along roadsides
DESCRIPTION:
Caucasian Hawthorn is a small tree or large shrub (5–15 meters tall) with
glossy, lobed or serrated green leaves. In spring, it produces clusters of
small, white or pink, five-petaled flowers. Its fruits (haws) ripen in late
summer to autumn, turning red, orange, or black. The bark is rough and brown or
grayish.
USABLE PARTS:
Berries, leaves and flowers, bark
MEDICINAL
PROPERTIES:
Berries: Contain flavonoids and antioxidants. Traditionally used for
cardiovascular support, promoting circulation, and managing mild heart
conditions and high blood pressure.
Leaves and
Flowers: Contain flavonoids and oligomeric proanthocyanidins. Used to support
mild heart conditions, anxiety, and digestive issues.
Bark: Contains
astringent compounds, used less frequently, but has traditional applications
for diarrhea and digestive upsets.
UNDESIRED EFFECTS:
Mild gastrointestinal upset (nausea, stomach discomfort), headaches, dizziness.
Rarely, allergic reactions may occur (rash, itching).
PREPARATION:
Berries: Used for teas, tinctures, and syrups.
Leaves and Flowers: Used in infusions or tinctures.
Bark: Used in decoctions or tinctures.
HARVEST TIME:
Berries: Late summer to early autumn
Leaves and Flowers: Late spring to early
summer
Bark: Late autumn or winter
HARVEST METHOD:
Berries: Handpick mature berries on dry days.
Leaves/Flowers: Collect healthy material in
the morning after dew dries.
Bark: Harvest small sections from mature
branches with care.
CONSERVATION
(STORAGE):
Dry all parts thoroughly in a cool, dry, ventilated place. Store in airtight
containers away from moisture and light. For tinctures/extracts, store in dark
glass bottles in a cool place.