Tag: Appalachian Trail

At Dancing Sun Cabins in Hot Springs, NC, we believe deeply in love, nature, and the healing power of the forest. One of the most powerful symbols of this healing is the hawthorn tree – a sacred tree known throughout the world for its ability to nourish and support heart health, both physically and emotionally – a true herbal remedy of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

We are so fortunate to have so many hawthorn trees in our forest.  They are planted near old homesteads and places of community which makes me believe that people have been utilizing their healing properties for generations in these hills.

The Healing Magic of Hawthorn Trees

Hawthorn remedies have long been used to heal the heart—from grief and emotional pain to cardiovascular wellness. Rich in antioxidants and flavonoids, hawthorn berries are revered in herbal medicine for promoting circulation and reducing stress.

Here in the Blue Ridge Mountains, we’re fortunate to be surrounded by these ancient trees. Many grow near old homesteads and Appalachian community sites, evidence that people here have been connected to the hawthorn’s healing powers for generations.

There are many varieties of hawthorns and they grow all over the world in many different environments.  The ones we like to harvest have huge red berries.

A Forest Ritual of Heart Connection

Each autumn, a walk to the hawthorn grove becomes a sacred ritual. I invite a friend, we pack snacks, bring baskets, and hike deep into the forest where the hawthorn trees grow like shelters for wildlife. Their long, protective thorns guard the inner sanctuary—reminding us to approach with respect these herbal remedies of the blue ridge mountains.

Underneath, the ground is covered in red berries—gifts from the trees that nourish deer, elk, and us.

The limbs offer protection, not only for the berries but for deer, elk and other critters who find safety in her branches.

We use the berries to make a traditional oxymel—a healing tonic of hawthorn, apple cider vinegar, and raw honey. It’s a simple and effective way to preserve the berries’ health benefits and enjoy them throughout the year.

Oxymel Recipe (by EagleSong Evans Gardener):

• 4 lbs Hawthorn berries

• 4 lbs organic apple cider vinegar (with “the mother”)

• 4 lbs raw honey

Steps:

1. Soak and rinse the berries (a little vinegar in the water helps clean them).

2. Simmer the berries in the vinegar on low in a crockpot for about 12 hours.

3. Mash the berries once they’re plump and brown to extract their goodness.

4. Strain and combine the vinegar with honey in a 1:1 ratio (do not heat the honey).

5. Blend gently and store.

Serving Suggestion:
Add 1 tablespoon to sparkling water or ginger ale for a refreshing, heart-nourishing drink.

Why We Love the Hawthorn at Dancing Sun Cabins

The hawthorn tree is more than just a plant—it’s a presence, a protector, and a powerful part of the forest experience at Dancing Sun Cabins. Whether you’re here for a romantic getaway, a quiet retreat, or to explore nature’s medicine, we invite you to walk these woods and meet the hawthorn yourself. Start your journey with herbal remedies Blue Ridge Mountains with this recipe.

To make this wonderful concoction, I wash the berries by soaking them and stirring them in the sink.  I even add a little vinegar to the water just to help clean them.
This is the recipe I received from EagleSong Evans Gardener. For more recipes and herbal ideas from this talented herbalist, click here.

4 lbs of Hawthorn berries

4 lbs of Apple Cider Vinegar

4 lbs of Honey

I strain the berries and add them as follows to the crockpot.  I put  4 lbs of berries into 4 lbs (8 cups) of organic apple cider vinegar with the mother and cook on low for about 12 hours.  As soon as they turn plump and brown, I  mash them up and cook them a little longer.   Hawthorn berries have big seeds in them so it is important to mash them and get all the pulp in contact with the vinegar.

I then strain them with this old fashioned strainer that allows me to further mash them.  If I want a clearer vinegar, I would further strain the solution through cheesecloth, but I don’t mind the fiber in my vinegar.

Then, I mix the vinegar with the honey in a blender.   You don’t ever want to heat the honey as it ruins many of its wonderful healing properties when you heat it up.  Instead, mix one quart of honey with one quart of hawthorn berry vinegar and mix it up in your blender.  This will make your Oxymel. It will be foamy and yummy.

Then just add a tablespoon to your favorite spritzer water for a delightful autumn drink.   I also like to add it to ginger ale.

I hope you enjoy your hawthorn trees wherever you may be.  Getting to know this wonderful tree has brought much joy into my life.

If you’re looking for a peaceful place to rest after a day of exploring the forest and harvesting hawthorn, Stardance Cabin offers the perfect retreat. Nestled in the woods, this romantic, solar-powered cabin features a private hot tub, cozy wood interior, and stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Whether you’re sipping your homemade hawthorn oxymel under the stars or relaxing by the fire, Stardance Cabin is a serene haven for nature lovers and heart-healers alike.