[vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”12910″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]You can look in the hedges along tie lane ways in our country side or at forest edges and you may find a shrub with delicate white flours in early spring, usually in March, but this year already in February.

The shrub has long spikey thorns and in October little fruits not unlike plums, but are bitterly sour and used traditionally in sloe gin after the first frost. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

You may know it as

Blackthorn/Sloe – Prunus Spinosa (Rose family)

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]This plant is one of the first to flower in spring and one of the last to fruit in Autumn. This long growing through 3 seasons gives an indication of its healing properties. Medicinally flowers, leaves, bark and fruits are used. Especially the blossoms have a blood purifying effect and strengthening-stimulating properties in the metabolic processes.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”12912″ img_size=”medium” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_outline” border_color=”green”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]I find the external application of Blackthorn Massage Oil (infused with the flowers) extremely helpful for spring tiredness, or when recuperating from flu and other illnesses that leave one depleted. Blackthorn Oil experienced via a Massage is even more effective. It is available in Only Natural from Dr Hauschka or Weleda as are some other products like Bath Milk or Blackthorn Elixir (made from the fruit). [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]submitted by Doris Potter, Rhythmical Massage Therapist.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]