Lately I have been in love with the Hawthorn tree, زعرور in Arabic (za3rour).
This beautiful thorny tree has leaves that look like parsley, sharp thorny branches, and edible berries that grow in the fall. It grows wild in various parts of Jordan, and can be found all over the Dibeen forest (the video in this post is from Dibeen). As it blooms later in the spring, it is said to mark the beginning of warm weather, and coming of summer.
The tree is in the same family as the rose, hence it’s thorny branches, and like the rose, زعرور is all about heart medicine! It is a heart tonic, also said to treat both high and low blood pressure, is anti diabetic, and an antibiotic. Also good for digestive issues, anxiety, and menstrual pain, in addition to various skin conditions.
The crown of thorns that Jesus wore is said to come from hawthorn (how timely this post in the spring) and it is said that Joseph of Aramithea’s staff was from a hawthorn tree. You can use the leaves, flowers, and berries to make infusions, jams, and can even be eaten raw (even the leaves in the spring I have heard).
All in all this tree seems to be all about mending a broken heart, with the thorns used to set clear boundaries, and the nourishing tonic of the fruits, leaves, and flowers to offer support to opening up to the renewal that the spring season offers us. Meaning, the boundaries created by the thorns, provide you with the safe space you need to nourish, heal, and protect your heart. What a beautiful tree indeed!
Yansoon.ink: Stories From the Levant 