The medicinal use of the hawthorn plant dates back to the first century, and it has long been used to treat heart, kidney and digestive problems, the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine reports. Hawthorn is considered safe when taken as directed. However, you should always consult with a knowledgeable physician before using an herbal remedy to improve your health.
Medicinal Uses
Supplements containing hawthorn berry commonly are used to help people with cardiac conditions such as heart failure and angina. It's also one of several herbal remedies believed to be useful in treating high blood pressure. Its usefulness in treating cardiac conditions is attributed to the chemical compounds in the plant that can dilate the smooth muscles in the blood vessels, allowing blood flow to increase, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center reports. The chemical in the plant can also increase heart rate and nerve conductivity. Heart disease is serious and should not be self-treated with hawthorn or other herbal supplements unless under the care of a doctor.
Dosing Limits
Safe dosing recommendations for hawthorn are based on its use in treating patients with congestive heart failure. The amount you should take each day depends on what type of supplement you purchase. If you have a product standardized to contain 18.75 percent oligomeric procyanidins, take between 240 mg and 480 mg per day. If your supplement is one standardized to contain either 18 percent to 20 percent oligomeric procyanidins or 2 percent to 3 percent flavonoids, you take take between 160 mg and 900 mg per day, the University of Maryland Medical Center reports. In both cases, you'll need to use the supplement for at least six weeks to achieve the benefits. Before taking hawthorn to improve your heart condition, make sure you consult with a doctor who can advise you how to use it safely.
Toxic Drug Reactions
In some cases, taking hawthorn along with a prescription drug can cause a toxic reaction because of how the two products interact with one another. If you take hawthorn along with the heart medication digoxin, it may intensify the effects of the medication and affect your heart rate, the University of Maryland Medical Center reports. It can also interfere with calcium channel blockers and beta blockers, two types of drugs used to help lower blood pressure. In these cases, the medicine may work more efficiently, causing blood pressure to drop dangerously low. Other drugs that may interact with hawthorn include UGT substrates and phenylephrine.
Side Effects and Precautions
Side effects associated with the use of hawthorn supplements are rare, although some people develop headaches, dizziness and an upset stomach, the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine reports. Although considered safe when taken at doses as large as 1,800 mg per day for as long as 24 weeks, you should exercise caution when using the supplement and take note of any changes related to your condition. If your condition seems worse and you notice such things are more pain or more easily becoming exhausted, you should report the changes to your doctor immediately.
