Cardiovascular Supplements: Hawthorn Extract
Food Supplements > > Cardiovascular Supplements: Hawthorn Extract
Hawthorn – a prickly-branched hedge that’s a member of the rose family – is often used in the treatment of heart ailments. So popular is the hawthorn extract treatment, that this food supplement is currently a commonly prescribed method of treatment for heart patients in Europe.
Having been used by the ancient Greeks for heart ailments, the extract of the hawthorn plant continues to provide heart-healthy nutrients through the use of food supplements in modern times. The effects of hawthorn on the human body were found by a physician during Victorian times, who used to use the berries for the purposes of tinting in a food supplement for heart maladies.
Known as a powerful antioxidant, hawthorn extract is currently utilized to open the blood vessels leading to the heart, in order to create a stronger, healthier environment for the organ that pumps the life-giving blood throughout the body. This food supplement is available in many forms today, including tablets, capsules, teas, powders and tinctures. Hawthorn extract is also used for the purposes of controlling high blood pressure, relieving angina (except in the case of acute angina), encouraging a normal heartbeat and the strengthening of the heart, in general. In a world full of heart patients, this food supplement is a ’s market.
Drug Interactions
Due to the effects of this popular food supplement, you should consult with your physician before administering it, if you’re currently taking any other OTC (over the counter) or prescription medications. He or she may need to change the prescription dosage when taken in combination with the hawthorn extract food supplement. Do not, however, increase or decrease the dosage of your prescription medications on your own – only
The administration of hawthorn extract can increase the effect of certain prescription drugs to that of a dangerous level. Such drugs include beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, ACE inhibitors, nitrates, and a number of others. Taking such a food supplement while being treated with one of these medications could be perilous, and should be monitored by a physician. Those who are being treated for low blood pressure may also experience adverse side effects from the
While hawthorn extract is considered to be a safe food supplement, there may be certain side effects when used. These may include nausea, fatigue, rash, sweating, lowered blood pressure, dizziness and fainting. If any or all of these symptoms should occur, contact your physician immediately for a check-up to determine whether or not the integrity of your overall health profile has been compromised.
Depending upon the ailment that you’re attempting to address, there are certain recommended dosages of the food supplement known as hawthorn extract that should be used. These dosage amounts should be included in the packaging, or you can consult with your physician before attempting to introduce it into your system. There are also a number of drug interactions that may take place when administering hawthorn extract. These, too, should be listed in the packaging and discussed with your physician before beginning a regular regimen of this particular food supplement.