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Hawthorn extract for lowering blood pressure
I have been diagnosed with slightly higher than acceptable blood pressure. In the past, I’ve been prescribed diuretics and calcium channel blockers - both of which worked but with side effects. I’ve now been told that Hawthorn extract could help. Can you explain how and tell me what dosage I would need to take?
Hawthorn has a long history of use in the treatment of heart failure and other heart-related problems, including hypertension, in Europe. In Germany, for example, the Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices has approved the use of hawthorn leaf with flower extracts in the treatment of mild to moderate heart disease. The use of berries was not approved since it was deemed efficacy has not yet been proved. However, hawthorn was used by Dioscorides, a Greek herbalist practising in the first century AD.
As well as lowering blood pressure, Hawthorn works as a vasodilator to increase the flow of blood and oxygen to the heart. It is reported that is can help strengthen the heart muscle and it also works as a diuretic, helping rid the body of excess water and salt.
In placebo-controlled trials on patients with heart failure, German researchers found that those given 600mg a day of hawthorn extract for eight weeks experienced significant decreases in blood pressure and heart-rate. Reported adverse reactions include fatigue, nausea, and (with high doses) sedation - so do not self-prescribe, but seek advice from a qualified health practitioner who can then also monitor your reactions.
Rich in bioflavanoids, including the antioxidant proanthocyanidins (also called OPCs for oligomeric proanthocyanidins) and the anti-inflammatory agent, quercetin, which boosts the cardio-protective action of vitamin C in the body, hawthorn is safe for long-term use. It can take two months to kick in and should not be taken with prescription cardiac medications.