Having high blood pressure, or hypertension, puts you at an increased risk of developing significant health complications, including coronary heart disease and stroke. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, high blood pressure is a common condition that affects one in three American adults. It is defined as having a systolic pressure of 140 mmHg or above, or a diastolic pressure of 90 mmHg or over, or both. If you suffer from hypertension, you can help yourself by increasing your physical activity, losing weight and reducing alcohol consumption. Your doctor may also prescribe anti-hypertensive drugs. Some herbs may also help to lower your blood pressure, but they should not be used in place of medicines that your doctor prescribes.
Examples
The UMMC website lists several herbs that may help to lower blood pressure, including reishi mushroom and hibiscus. Also known as Ganoderma lucidum, reishi mushroom contains a number of compounds, including sterols and alkaloids. It is used as an herbal remedy for a variety of conditions, including viral infections, high cholesterol and hypertension. Hibiscus is also used as an alternative remedy for several conditions, including stomach problems and bacterial infections. RxList notes that it contains chemicals that may also help to lower blood pressure.
Effectiveness
Studies examining the role of reishi mushroom in the treatment of high blood pressure are lacking. As such, RxList states that there is insufficient evidence to prove that this herb is an effective treatment for high blood pressure. Studies evaluating the efficacy of hibiscus as an anti-hypertensive treatment are also limited. However, research published in the February 2010 issue of "The Journal of Nutrition" found that hibiscus lowered blood pressure in mildly hypertensive adults.
Administration
UMMC notes that taking 150 mg to 300 mg of reishi mushroom two to three times daily to help lower your blood pressure. RxList notes that the appropriate dose of hibiscus may depend on numerous factors, including age and other conditions you may have. However, UMMC notes that steeping 2 tbsp. of this herb in hot water and drinking it once daily may help to alleviate high blood pressure. Check with your doctor that these doses are safe for you.
Side Effects and Contraindications
Hibiscus is likely safe for most people, but RxList notes that its side effect profile is unknown. Do not use this herb if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. Reishi mushroom may cause a dry throat, nausea and itchiness. It may also increase the risk of bleeding so do not use it alongside anticoagulants drugs. It may also heighten the effect of anti-hypertensive drugs so check with your doctor that it is safe to use this herb alongside your current medications.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Hypertension
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: Reishi Mushroom
- RxList: Hibiscus
- RxList: Reishi Mushroom
- "The Journal of Nutrition"; Hibiscus Sabdariffa L. Tea (Tisane) Lowers Blood Pressure in Prehypertensive and Mildly Hypertensive Adults; D.L. McKay, et al.; February 2010
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