Hawthorn is a flavonoid-rich herbal supplement commonly used to treat congestive heart failure by improving the ability of your heart to pump blood through your body. Recently, hawthorn supplements have also been evaluated as a potential treatment for high blood pressure, or hypertension. Although more research is needed, treatment with hawthorn may help you regulate your blood pressure levels, which can help to improve the health of your heart.
Consult A Doctor
Heart-related health conditions, such as hypertension, shouldn't be self-treated. Seek hawthorn dosage guidance from a physician familiar with your medical history before taking this supplement. The amount of hawthorn that's appropriate for you to take may depend on the severity of your hypertension, additional health issues or your age or weight.
Dosing Guidelines
Daily treatment with 1,200 mg hawthorn extract that contains 2.2 percent flavonoids may help to reduce your blood pressure, according to the University of Michigan Health System. You may need to take hawthorn daily for several weeks before blood pressure lowering effects occur.
Safety Issues
Mild side effects including nausea, heart palpitations and headache may occur while you're taking hawthorn. However, hawthorn is usually safe and well tolerated when used as directed. Treatment with hawthorn isn't appropriate for women who are pregnant or breast-feeding.
Drug Interactions
If you're taking other medications, treatment with hawthorn supplements may not be advised. Avoid using this herbal treatment if you're taking digoxin, a medication indicated for heart rate irregularities. This treatment combination may enhance the effectiveness of digoxin and can increase your risk of developing heart rate problems. Hawthorn may also increase the effects of blood pressure lowering drugs, including propranolol, atenolol, metoprolol, amlodipine, nifedipine and diltiazem. Combining a blood pressure medication with hawthorn may severely lower your blood pressure, resulting in dizziness, blurred vision, confusion or loss of consciousness.
