Common names for hawthorn are may, mayblossom, maythorn, quickthorn, whitethorn, motherdie, and haw. In early times hawthorn was supposed to have the power to ward off witches and evil spirits. Young girls bathed in the dew that formed on it on the morning of the first day of may in the hope improving their complexions.
Some people claimed that the smell of hawthorn had aphrodisiac properties.
Hawthorn was used as a heart stimulant and tonic. It was recommended in cases of low blood pressure and was used as a diuretic in cases of dropsy and kidney disorders.
A decoction of the flowers and berries was used as a cure for sore throats. It was also used for chilblains.
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