Definition

• Hawthorn grows either as a small tree or spiny bush. Both have strong-smelling red spherical fruit and white flowers. The fruit contain up to three nuts. The Hawthorn's leaves, flowers, and fruits come in a liquid, tablet, or capsule form.
  
  

Uses

• Hawthorn is used for treating low and high blood pressure. The tree also is used to treat arrhythmia, or irregular heartbeat. The plant may have sedative and antispasmodic effects. It's also used for digestive problems. Hawthorn can be used to reduce anxiety and increase urine output, and as a sedative for menstrual problems.
  
  

Dosage

• Standard doses of hawthorn leaves and flowers are up to 6 g per day. The Hawthorn produces extracts such as Cardi-Plant that was distributed in clinical trials between 160 and 900 milligrams per day. MMS Pro notes that Cardi-Plant is the most researched Hawthorn extract in the industry and promotes its positive effects in increasing blood flow. Other extracts include Faros 300 and Crataegutt.
  
  

Interactions

• Hawthorn may interact with high blood pressure medications, also known as beta-blockers. The combination of Hawthorn and beta-blockers may decrease blood pressure. Talk to your physician when taking blood pressure medications such as Lopressor and Corgard. Combined with medications for male sexual dysfunction, hawthorn may also cause blood pressure to go too low. Check with your physician when taking drugs such as Cialis, Viagra, and Levitra.
  
  

Side Effects

• Hawthorn side effects include diarrhea, stomach pain and indigestion. Headache and dizziness may occur during use.