If you know the power of herbs you may be wondering about hawthorn extract for blood pressure. Blood pressure is one of the leading causes of heart attack and stroke; the number one killer in the United States.

Hawthorn is very good for strengthening the heart and can actually help with both high and low pressure. It’s helpful with many blood pressure problems. We’ll look at exactly how, as well as:

• Blood Pressure information
• What exactly is an extract
• Safety issues
• Additional ways to lower blood pressure

Let’s get into it.

What Exactly Is High Blood Pressure And What Causes It?

According to natural health expert Jethro Kloss “total blood pressure reflects the contractile powers of the heart and the resistance of blood vessels.” The first number in your blood pressure reading (systolic) is the force that blood exerts on the artery walls when the heart is pumping. The second number (diastolic) is the residual force that remains when the heart relaxes between beats.

For a young adult the average blood pressure is 120/80 and hypertension is defined as anything greater than 140/90. Nearly 50 million Americans have high blood pressure. Because of this many people consider it the “silent killer.”

As you get older your blood pressure naturally and slowly rises and normal blood pressure by 60 is 140 mm/hg. Women tend to have lower blood pressure than men in the early part of life but reverses once in their 40’s.

Common causes of hypertension include:

• Overeating
• Wrong diet including high salt intake
• Lack of exercise
• Smoking

Unfortunately a lot of blood pressure problems are inherited and can make up to 70 percent of cases.

Before we get into hawthorn extracts, let’s look at extracts in general.

What Is A Herbal Extract?

There are many ways to take herbs and an extract is a very common and convenient way to do so. They are an extremely concentrated and liquid form of a herb. Tinctures are similar except extracts are 10 times stronger.

Extracts are made in a variety of ways including evaporation by heat, high pressure and cold percolation. They are also faster acting than a herbal teas, powders and capsules.

You can make one if you have the knowledge to do so or you can easily buy it online or at a herbal shop.

How Does Hawthorn Help Blood Pressure?

Hawthorn helps with all blood pressure problems including high and low. This is because it strengthens the actions of the heart.

According to respected health newsletter Lawrence Review Of Natural Products and famed herbalist Dr. James A. Duke, hawthorn extracts can “widen or dilate the blood vessels, especially the coronary arteries.” This improves the blood supply to the heart muscle which improves how forcefully your heart beats and its efficiency.

It also improves blood circulation which decreases strain on your heart. In Germany, where herbs are used more freely, this is one of the most prescribed medications for heart problems by doctors.

In three German studies, hawthorn significantly improved congestive heart failure in participants with the same effectiveness as standard pharmaceuticals.

And according to well known cardiologist Dr. Sinatra, hawthorn can acts as an Ace inhibitor. People of the past knew its powers and it has been used as a heart tonic for centuries.

German physicians recommend 6 to 10 drops of the extract with water or juice upon waking and going to bed.

Additional Hawthorn Benefits, Information And Safety Issues

What’s great about herbs in general is they have multiple health benefits. The medicinal value of hawthorn goes beyond just improving blood pressure. Making a tea out of the dried flowers is good for nervous tension and insomnia.

You can also make an infusion using 2 teaspoons of crushed leaves or berries per cup of boiling water. Steep for 20 minutes and drink 2 cups per day.

There aren’t many side effects with hawthorn and everyone in German trials experienced none. You could take too much which could cause your blood pressure to drop. In this case you could faint.

It’s important to talk to your doctor before you start taking hawthorn. Not because it’s dangerous but because high blood pressure is dangerous. You have to keep your doctor in the loop when it comes to serous problems like this one.

Pregnant women and children should not take.

You Have To Make Some Lifestyle Changes

This may sound scary but it’s not too bad. Some foods you should avoid are:

• White flour products
• Cane sugar products
• Meat
• Tea
• Coffee
• Pepper
• Vinegar
• Mustard
• Pickles
• Alcohol

You want to eat a simple nourishing diet and eat a lot of fruits; eating a healthy vegetable soup everyday is great too.

Exercise is a must and deep breathing exercises will benefit you greatly. I personally know and perform a routine daily that makes use of both exercise and deep breathing, and you can learn about it here. It only takes 15 minutes and is everything your body needs to be healthy. It’s very relaxing and energizing as well.

You need rest too. Blood pressure goes up when you don’t get enough sleep and when you run your self wild. A warm bath at night is a great way to relax yourself.

Most importantly you need to limit salt intake and make sure you are not overweight.

People with mild to borderline high blood pressure should try diet and lifestyle changes (everything mentioned above) before turning to synthetic drugs.

Hope This Helps

I hope you feel encouraged about treating your blood pressure problems naturally with hawthorn. Pharmaceutical companies make 2.5 billion dollars every year off hypertension medications so don’t expect them or your doctor to start recommending it.

I mentioned earlier heart disease is the number 1 killer in America. It may surprise you but prescription medicines are the number 5 killer; more than car crashes and more than all illegal drugs combined. It’s up to you to become more knowledgeable about treating yourself the way nature intended. Bring this information to your doctor and discuss options.

I personally purchase my herbs and herbal products from Starwest Botanicals and they are well known for their quality and innovation. They are one one the largest online suppliers and take care of all my herbal needs. They can certainly do the same for you.

Check Out Starwest’s Hawthorn Extract

If you have any questions or opinions, comment below and I’ll get back to you as fast as I can. Also, share on social media and help spread the message.

Thanks for reading!