Dear Bob Liebert,

My 9 year old is on the beta-block propranolol to lower her pulse due to hyperthyroid. I am also treating her with the herb hawthorn. In your opinion is there any risk that the herb and the medication should not be taken together. Thank you.

LJ

Dear Friend,

In checking sources I find herbalists who use the Hawthorn with no problem with the beta-blockers; one person claimed it increased a heart arrythmia. Hawthjorn does increase the strength of the heart; it can be monitored and discontinued if need be without any permanent harm. The ones who have used with the medication claim good benefits and no side-effects. The herbs that are most suited to hyperthyroid heart symptoms are a combination of Motherwort and Bugleweed which both lower the pulse and strengthen the heart and prevent tachycardia, and are mild thyroxine inhibitors as well; I have seen them work well in such cases. The fresh herb extracts are the best bet for effectiveness and controlling dosage. I wouild think they would be preferable to the drug if possible; they do have their side-effects.

You can buy these herbs and many more in the Formula and Single Herb sections of the Teeter Creek Herb website. Herbs that don't appear in the Formula or Single Herb lists can usually be requested in the "Message" section at the bottom of the order page.

The information expressed is the personal observations of Herbalist Bob Liebert based on his personal experience and his studies of folk and traditional herbalism. These observations are not meant to be a substitute for qualified medical diagnosis and treatment. Uses of many of the herbs have not been scientifically verified.