Notes from the Brew Room: Inside out and outside in

iv: Notes from the Brew Room

Inside out and outside in

Ann King

All parts of the glorious Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) have well-known associations with heart health, both physically and emotionally. Hawthorn remedies are reputed to strengthen the cardiovascular muscle, improve circulation throughout the body, and to reduce anxiety and symptoms of grief and trauma. It is no surprise that the genus name Crataegus comes from the Greek for strength. They have been used effectively for centuries as spiky hedging to mark boundaries and to corral livestock, and have acquired many other folk uses along the way.

During May the buds, young leaves and blossom can be eaten directly off the tree. Little wonder that one of the Hawthorn’s nicknames is ‘Bread and cheese’! The same parts can be added liberally to a wild green salad for a nutritional boost. Later in the Autumn, the berries can be added to tonics, preserved in savoury ketchups or sweet jams and fruit leathers.

The combination of Hawthorn blossom and dried Rose petals (Rosa spp.) provide a native hedgerow base for our intensely nurturing Heart Hug Balm, which is used to calm oneself before a stressful situation or as a healing embrace in times of need. The topical application of the balm ensures comfort from the outside in. This can be complemented with a freshly gathered Hawthorn, Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) and Nettle (Urtica dioica) infusion blend, which provides nourishment from the inside out.

Heart Hug Balm Ingredients

 10g beeswax

 A handful of fresh Hawthorn blossom

 A handful of dried Rose petals, to bring warmth and lift the spirits

 15ml infused in Almond oil (Prunus dulcis), a carrier oil chosen to enhance the fragrance and act as a light barrier

 5ml Olive oil (Olea europaea)

 5g Cocoa butter (Theobroma cacao), for luxurious hydration

 15g Shea butter (Vitellaria paradoxa), for its silky texture

 10 drops Frankincense essential oil (Boswellia sacra), to act as a fixative, promote cell regeneration, and add depth and musk notes to the fragrance

 Tins for storage

Method

This is a recipe that cannot be rushed. Firstly begin infusing the fresh Hawthorn blossom in Almond oil and the dried Rose petal in Olive oil in a warm place for at least twelve hours. The following day, melt the beeswax slowly over a low heat, then add both the infused oils, the Cocoa butter and the Coconut oil. Stir until completely blended, then remove from the heat. Carefully add the Frankincense essential oil, stir again and quickly pour into tins. The Heart Hug Balm may be applied regularly throughout the day, both onto the decolletage and dabbed inside the wrists for maximum effect. The shelf life is one year.

Freshly Gathered Infusion

Take 2 sprigs of Hawthorn blossom for its delicate almond taste and soothing properties, 4 Nettle tops for their mineral and vitamin content, and 6 Lemon Balm tops for their simple, fresh notes and calming action.

Chop roughly and add to a warmed tea pot. Heat 200ml water to just below the boil, then pour over the herbs and leave to infuse for five minutes. Savour the delicate almondy and lemony fragrance before sipping slowly and mindfully. This blend makes an excellent night-time drink.

Disclaimer

No recipes are intended to replace medical advice and the reader should seek the guidance of their doctor for all health matters. These profiles and recipes are intended for information purposes only and have not been tested or evaluated. Ann King is not making any claims regarding their efficacy and the reader is responsible for ensuring that any replications or adaptations of the recipes that they produce are safe to use and comply with cosmetic regulations where applicable.

Image: Ann King