Hawthorn









Hawthorn


Natural product category
Herb
What is this natural product used for?
Hawthorn has many applications in the support of heart function. It has been used in both high and low blood pressure, and is used in mild heart failure, angina, and certain circulatory disorders.
How does it work?
The various plant parts contain at least two groups of chemicals thought to contribute to the activity of hawthorn. Some of these may act directly on the heart to help muscle strength and to help it work more efficiently. They may also increase the amount of oxygen delivered to the heart. Other chemicals may dilate, or widen, certain blood vessels and increase the amount of a beneficial compound known to help with blood flow and heart function.
How is it best taken?
  • Take this product with or without food. Take with food if it causes an upset stomach.
  • Take this product with a full glass of water.
  • Take this product at a similar time every day.
  • Since the effects of this product may take several weeks of regular use, you are encouraged to use it for a minimum of 1 month before determining whether it has been effective.
What do I do if I miss a dose?
  • To gain the most benefit, do not miss doses.
  • Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
  • If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.
  • Do not take a double dose or extra doses.
What are the precautions when taking this natural product?
  • Check medicines and natural products with healthcare provider. This natural product may not mix well with other medicines or natural products.
  • Use with caution if you are taking antiarrhythmic medications or cardiac glycoside medication.
  • Use caution if you have a weakened heart. Talk with healthcare provider.
  • Use caution if you have high blood pressure. Talk with healthcare provider.
  • Use caution if you have low blood pressure or if you are taking a medicine to lower your blood pressure. Talk with healthcare provider.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicines or natural products. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.
  • Do not use in pregnancy and do not get pregnant. Use birth control that you can trust while taking this product.
  • Do not use if you are breast-feeding.
What are the possible side effects of this natural product?
  • Dizziness. Rise slowly over several minutes from a sitting or lying position. Be careful climbing stairs.
  • Headache. Mild pain medicine may help.
  • Changes in blood pressure, particularly a decrease in blood pressure.
  • Cough.
What should I monitor?
  • Watch for unusual swelling of the legs or belly, shortness of breath, weight gain, or exercise tolerance.
  • Check weight weekly. Report a 3-5 pound weight gain.
  • Check blood pressure regularly.
  • Follow up with healthcare provider on a regular basis.
Reasons to call healthcare provider
  • Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; tightness in the chest; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
  • Severe headache.
  • Chest pain, fast heartbeat, shortness of breath, or decreased ability to walk.
  • Severe nausea or vomiting.
  • Severe diarrhea.
How should I store this natural product?
  • Store in original container at room temperature.
  • Protect from moisture. Do not store in a bathroom or kitchen.
Plant part used
Flower, leaf, berry
Dosage forms
Oral
Drug interactions
Antiarrhythmics, antihypertensives, cardiac glycosides, vasodilators, angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blocking agents
General statements
Under current law in the United States, herbal supplements are classified as dietary supplements and fall under the regulations of the food service industry. This includes the manufacturing practices imposed by the local agriculture departments for food manufacturers. Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) are currently not required by the FDA, yet many companies follow GMPs, and the industry is improving self-imposed practices. Use herbs with extreme caution in the following groups:
  • Children younger than 2 years of age
  • Pregnant or lactating women; some herbs are contraindicated in pregnancy, make sure to observe warnings.
  • If you are taking pharmaceutical medications (prescription and others), always review for potential herb-drug interactions with your healthcare provider.
  • If you are taking other natural products, always review for potential herb-herb, or herb-natural product interactions with your healthcare provider.
  • Individuals having known allergies to plants. If you fall into this category, speak with your healthcare provider before using an herbal product. Both large doses of herbs and herbs taken over a long period of time may increase the risk for adverse effects. Many herbs, due to a variety of their chemical ingredients, may cause temporary adverse effects such as nausea, vomiting, and stomach distress.
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