Hawthorn
Avoid Hawthorn
(Crataegus oxyacantha)
Crataegus aronia syn
Azarolus
Hawthorn can raise blood pressure in PKD. According to the PDR for herbal medicines (something like the PDR for prescription medicines) hawthorn can cause blood pressure to ↑ especially if used in combination with beta blockers. (Murray & Pizzorno 1996). Hawthorn can react with individuals taking beta blockers producing a blood pressure increase. Hawthorn for some also increases blood pressure without beta blockers. It is for you to evaluate with your doctor how Hawthorn reacts within your own body.
It has been noted in animal studies with a guinea pig's heart to increase cardiac output. (Muller 1999). There was a short term study (8 weeks) where it improved cardiac output with coronary insufficiency of 30 test subjects. (Leuchtgens 1993) There are a multitude of interactions with hawthorn and other medications especially those taken for the heart, heart disease and blood pressure. ALERT Due to hawthorn's anti-platelet activity, put aside for two weeks prior to any surgery.
