Heart Sprinkles

​It's always an emergency when I run out of Heart Sprinkles.  Ever since I discovered this recipe in Rosemary Gladstar's book, Medicinal Herbs, A Beginner's Guide, I've kept a constant supply in my spice drawer.  She calls it Sprinkles for the Heart, but I kind of like the idea of Heart Sprinkles. You really must try it. It's good for your heart, and so tasty!

Hawthorn (Craetagus laevigata) is a tree that grows quite freely here in New Brunswick. Its blossoms remind me of apple tree blossoms, and the berries do indeed look like tiny little apples. The hawthorn is one of the most respected cardiovascular tonics around. The berries, leaves, and blossoms are used (preferably in conjunction) to make tinctures and teas. They are rich in bioflavonoids, antioxidants, and procyanidins, all of which nourish and tone the heart. The result is that the heart muscle is strengthened, blood pressure is regulated, and the heart beat is normalized. Hawthorn is often used as a preventative, but is also used to treat heart problems.  It is one that must be used regularly, though, as hawthorn does not stay in the body for very long. It is thought that hawthorn helps the emotional heart, too, not just the physical heart.  You'll see it often in grief formulas, especially in combo with milky oats, St John's wort, and lemon balm.

Heart Sprinkles are used as a spice, however, and are not necessarily for preventing or treating heart problems.  Shouldn't our food and snacks be useful, healthy and delicious, though?  A trained herbalist can give more tips on how to use hawthorn for health.  For now, enjoy the Heart Sprinkles!

Heart Sprinkles - a recipe by Rosemary Gladstar 
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2 parts hawthorn berry powder
1 part cinnamon powder
1/2 part ginger root powder
1/8 part cardamom powder

1. Measure out your ingredients. Mix them well.
2. Put them into a spice bottle, preferably one with a shaker top.
3. Put that stuff on everything! 

What's everything? Well, here's a few ideas:
*sprinkle on oatmeal
*sprinkle on cut fruit (berries, apples, etc)
*mixed into plain yogurt
*sprinkled on a latte
*added to smoothies
*as a truffle/cookie garnish

Clockwise from the top: Cinnamon, ginger, cardamom and hawthorn berry

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​Of course, don't forget to label your creation.  

​** This is fun, right?! And that's all it is for now.  Information on the traditional uses and properties of herbs in this website are for educational use only, and are not to be mistaken for medical advice. Every attempt has been made for accuracy, but none is guaranteed. Many traditional uses and properties of herbs have not been validated by the FDA or Health Canada. If you have health issues, concerns, or questions, consult your health care practitioner. **

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