by Brandee (Nashville)

I have high blood pressure and refuse to go on meds, so to help bring it down, I have been losing weight, exercising and taking the heart tonic herb hawthorn. My husband and I would like to start trying to get pregnant this summer. should I stop taking the herb then?

Answer:

Hi Brandee,

It sounds to me like you're doing well with your preparations for trying to conceive!

Susan Weed, author of the Wise Woman Herbal for the Childbearing Year, reports in the book that Hawthorn berries are “a strong and safe vasodilator” (emphasis mine).

She reports that it's a good remedy for hypertension and recommends a cold infusion.

Based on her information I would say that it's safe during pregnancy, but it may be a good idea to consult with a local midwife to see if she has any experience caring for a client with hypertension.

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