High blood pressure affects nearly one in three American adults, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Despite its prevalence, it is preventable. Unfortunately, many people with high blood pressure don't know it because it often causes no symptoms. People with high blood pressure--or hypertension--can try to bring their readings into the normal range with diet or exercise. Prescription medications can also help lower readings. Some people may also choose to treat the condition with herbs. Several herbs may lower blood pressure. However, hypertension is a potentially life-threatening condition and should not be treated herbally without consultation with a medical professional.
Herbal Remedies
Herbs have been used medicinally for centuries to treat a variety of conditions. In the case of high blood pressure, herbal remedies that may be beneficial include garlic, hibiscus, Reishi mushrooms and Achillea wilhelmsii, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. However, how these herbs work in the body remains largely unknown. Because of the seriousness of hypertension, be sure to speak with a knowledgeable medical professional before using any herbs to treat the condition.
Dosage
Different herbs have different recommended doses, and in some cases the recommended dose is dependent on the condition being treated. For people with hypertension, the recommended dose of garlic is 400 mg two or three times daily, according to the UMMC. When using hibiscus, make a tea by steeping 2 tablespoon of dried herb in 1 cup of water. The proper dose for Reishi mushroom is 150 mg to 300 mg two or three times daily. Achillea wilhemsii is available as a tincture, and users should take 15 to 20 drops twice daily.
Side Effects
Just as with medications, side effects are possible when using herbal remedies. For example, garlic may cause allergic reactions as well as bad breath and body odor, according to the National Institutes of Health. Users of Reishi mushrooms, also called ganoderma, may develop a dry or sore throat, upset stomach, nausea, vomiting or itchy skin, according to Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. Hibiscus is generally well tolerated with no known side effects when used as directed. The effects of Achillea wilhelmsii in the body are not fully known. Always consult with a medical professional before using herbs to treat hypertension.
Warnings
In addition to mild side effects, some herbal treatments for high blood pressure may be dangerous for people with certain medical conditions. Garlic, for instance, has been linked to several cases of severe bleeding and should not be used by people with bleeding disorders or those about the undergo surgery, the National Institutes of Health advises. It also may affect blood sugar levels and should be used with caution in people with diabetes. Reishi also may increase bleeding risks and may also interfere with the body's immune system response, according to Sloan-Kettering. Consult with a doctor about the possibility of side effects before using herbs to treat high blood pressure.
Drug Interactions
Just as with prescription medications, herbs can interfere with certain medications. Hibiscus may interfere with the effectiveness of acetaminophen, according to the University of Michigan Health System. Reishi may interfere with chemotherapy medications and can also interfere with drugs that use certain pathways for metabolism, according to Sloan-Kettering. Garlic, too, poses potential for drug interactions. It can alter levels of anti-cancer drugs as well as the HIV drug saquinavir. Always discuss all drugs and herbal remedies you are using with your health-care practitioner before using herbs to treat hypertension.
Member Comments