If one was to take encapsulated hawthorn berries-powder, would it interfere with blood pressure meds? My mother has high blood pressure and I wondered, if she took hawthorn berries, maybe she could slowly lower the dosage, or possibly even discontinue, her bp meds. But would it be safe to take them the same time?
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Answer:
from Practical Herbalism by Philip Fritchey, MH, ND, CNHP
Hawthorn needs to be used consistently and long-term to achieve optimum results. It is not known to interfere with medications (though many medications may blunt the effectiveness of Hawthorn), so it can be taken by anyone with known or suspected cardio-vascular issues, unless otherwise directed by a medical doctor. Hawthorn extracts are, in fact, ,amongst the most widely prescribed heart medications in Europe.
from The Green Pharmacy Herbal Handbook by James A. Duke, Ph.D.
High doses might lower blood pressure or act as a sedative. Long-term use apparently poses no problems. One stray report claimed that hawthorn might interfere with regular heart rhythm. The extract mixes well with all prescription heart medications except digitalis. Supplements may magnify the action of this drug. Although hawthorn is a food, most naturopaths do not recommend eating the fruit raw.
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