Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is usually treated with medications. If you are looking for a more natural approach, consider the herb Hawthorne. Hawthorne is a traditional remedy for high blood pressure, and it can be a part of your plan for improved health.
Step 1
Talk to your doctor to find out if it is safe for you to take a hawthorne supplement. Hawthorne is contraindicated with certain heart conditions and the following medications: Digoxin (Lanoxin), beta-blockers (Tenormin, Lopressor and Inderal for example), calcium-channel blockers (Procardia, Cardizem and Norvasc for example), nitrates (nitroglycerin, Nitro-bid, Nitrostat, isosorbide and Imdur for example), or a phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor (Viagra, Cialis or Levitra).
Step 2
Purchase a standardized hawthorne extract product with between 4 and 20 mgs. of flavonoids and between 30 and 160 mgs. of oligomeric procyanidins. A product with 1.8 percent vitex rhamnoside and 10 percent procyanidins is also acceptable. This will ensure that the product you purchase has the proper amount of active components.
Step 3
Follow the package directions for the product you purchased, beginning with the lowest recommended dosage. You can take between 80 and 300 mgs. of hawthorne two to three times a day. This is usually about three capsules daily, 30 to 40 drops of a tincture, or one to two tsp. of the dried herb steeped as tea.
Step 4
Monitor your blood pressure and adjust your dosage as needed. After your blood pressure reaches normal levels, you can gradually reduce the amount of hawthorne to the lowest effective dose. Some people are able to discontinue hawthorne without hypertension returning.
Tips and Warnings
- Always talk to your doctor before beginning a new supplement or medication.
- If you are taking medication for hypertension, do not discontinue it except under your doctor's direction.
Things You'll Need
- Blood pressure monitoring equipment
