The herbal supplement market is flooded with claims, many of which do not hold up to inspection. Although mounting evidence reveals that mother nature has devised answers to the challenges plaguing our health, it is critical to remain watchful.
This disclaimer is especially pertinent for individuals looking for solutions to manage their high blood pressure.
“Remember to tell your doctor about any herbal supplements you take or are thinking about taking, to find out if the supplement could raise your blood pressure or interact with blood pressure medications,” says Mayo Clinic.
The health body lists the following herbal supplements that may have an effect on your blood pressure or blood pressure medications:
- Arnica (Arnica montana)
- Ephedra (ma-huang)
- Ginseng (Panax quinquefolius and Panax ginseng)
- Guarana (Paullinia cupana)
- Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra).
“Herbal supplements aren’t necessarily safe just because they’re natural,” it warns.
“Check with your doctor before taking any herbal supplements.”
Mayo Clinic further adds: “You may need to avoid supplements that raise your blood pressure or interfere with your blood pressure medications.”
Evidence to the contrary
It is critical to note that mounting evidence does support the use of specific herbal treatments to help decrease blood pressure.
“Garlic supplements have shown effectiveness in reducing blood pressure in hypertensive patients, similarly to first-line standard anti-hypertensive medications,” notes a literature review published in the Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine Journal.
A meta-analysis of 12 trials including 553 hypertensive subjects demonstrated that garlic supplements significantly reduce systolic blood pressure almost as efficiently as traditional antihypertensive drugs.
Systolic blood pressure refers to the force used by your heart to circulate blood throughout your body. It is one of the most frequently used blood pressure readings.
Indeed, lowering blood pressure with garlic supplementation was associated with a 16–40% reduction in the chance of suffering from cardiovascular events.
General dietary tips
However, it is critical not to rely on a single thing to treat high blood pressure.
High blood pressure can be prevented or significantly decreased via a healthy, balanced diet.
Cut down on the amount of salt in your food and eat plenty of fruit and vegetables.
According to the public health guidelines, fruit and veg should make up over a third of the food we eat each day.
It is doubly important to cut down on salt.
According to health experts, you should aim to eat less than 6g (0.2oz) of salt a day, which is about a teaspoonful.
“Eating a low-fat diet that includes lots of fibre, such as wholegrain rice, bread and pasta, and plenty of fruit and vegetables also helps lower blood pressure,” it adds.
“Aim to eat five portions of fruit and vegetables every day.”
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