Cardiology
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July 17, 2024

Herbs for High Blood Pressure: What Works And What Doesn’t

Written By
Dr. Rachel Magerman ND
Medically Reviewed by
Updated On
January 13, 2025

Hypertension, known as high blood pressure, is a common reason for doctor visits in the United States. It is a condition in which the force of blood against the walls of the arteries is consistently elevated. Roughly half of hypertensive patients do not have blood pressure control. This article discusses herbal medicine as a potential option to support cardiovascular health in individuals with high blood pressure. 

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Understanding High Blood Pressure

Hypertension is a common yet serious condition affecting 1.28 billion adults aged 30-79 years. It can be caused by genetics (primary hypertension) or by lifestyle and other underlying medical conditions (secondary hypertension). Secondary hypertension can result from kidney disease, endocrine disorders, atherosclerosis, obstructive sleep apnea, obesity, or poor nutrition. 

For those with hypertension, the current guidelines recommend diet modification, physical activity, and alcohol consumption alone or combined with pharmacological therapy such as ACE inhibitors, ARBs, thiazide diuretics, or calcium channel blockers. 

Stage 1 hypertension is classified as a blood pressure reading between 130-139 (systolic) / 80-89 (diastolic) mmHg. Stage 2 hypertension is classified if the blood pressure reading is 140 or greater (systolic) / 90 (diastolic) mmHg. 

The primary goal in managing hypertension is to support a reduction to 120/80 mmHg. Addressing underlying causes of secondary hypertension is essential in the management of hypertension. 

The Top 8 Herbs That May Support Blood Pressure Management

Below are eight herbs that may help support cardiovascular health and promote overall well-being in individuals managing high blood pressure.

1. Garlic (Allium sativum)

Garlic is a widely known culinary herb with several health benefits. Garlic may help support healthy blood pressure levels by promoting arterial flexibility, supporting healthy cholesterol levels, and maintaining normal blood viscosity. Garlic may also support cardiovascular health by reducing oxidative stress and supporting normal platelet function. Studies suggest that garlic supplements may help support blood pressure management. 

2. Hibiscus (Hibiscus sabdariffa)

Hibiscus has been traditionally used as an herbal remedy for various health concerns. It contains phytochemicals such as anthocyanins, flavonoids, and tannins. The anthocyanin content of hibiscus is thought to contribute to its potential benefits for blood pressure support. 

Hibiscus supplementation has been associated with supporting healthy blood pressure levels in some individuals. After 6 weeks of use, a percentage of participants reached their target blood pressure goals. 

Olive Leaf (Olea europaea)

Olive leaf has been used to support various aspects of health, including blood sugar, cholesterol, and inflammation. The olive tree is most popular in Mediterranean regions such as Italy, Portugal, and Greece. 

Olive leaf may help support healthy blood pressure levels. Supplementation with it has also been associated with supporting healthy cholesterol and triglyceride levels. 

Rauwolfia (Rauwolfia serpentina)

Rauwolfia is an evergreen shrub used in traditional medicine. Rauwolfia contains the alkaloid reserpine, which may help support healthy blood pressure levels by influencing neurotransmitter activity. 

Studies examining the effects of Rauwolfia suggest that it may help support blood pressure management in some individuals.  

Lavender (Lavandula stoechas)

Lavender has been used for centuries for its calming and stress-relieving properties. Lavender is most known for its ability to ease anxiety, promote sleep, and decrease inflammation. Lavender is commonly used as a tea, capsule, or aromatherapy. 

Lavender aromatherapy may help support healthy blood pressure levels and heart rate. Another study has shown lavender aromatherapy and lavender oil foot massage may support healthy blood pressure levels and reduce stress markers. 

Green Oat (Avena sativa) 

Green oat is an herb that contains seeds, leaves, and bran.  It is commonly used as a cereal green. In herbal medicine, the seed of oat is used due to its nutritive content. 

Oat seeds contain beta-glucan, polysaccharides, antioxidants, and flavonoids. The beta-glucan in oat seed is thought to support healthy cholesterol levels and blood pressure management.  

Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum)

Cardamom is an aromatic spice with various antioxidants that may help support healthy blood pressure levels. In ancient traditional medicine, cardamom was used for digestive disorders, obesity, bronchitis, depression, and influenza. 

Recently, cardamom has shown potential benefits in blood glucose and lipid regulation, inflammation, and blood pressure support. Patients with stage 1 hypertension who received 3g of cardamom per day for 12 weeks showed support for healthy blood pressure levels. Cardamom may also support normal blood clot breakdown and antioxidant status. 

Chinese Cat's Claw (Uncaria rhynchophylla)

Cat’s Claw is a medicinal plant from the Amazon commonly used to support immune function and overall health. Cat’s claw is known for its anti-inflammatory, immune-modulating, and anti-viral properties. 

Cat’s Claw may also be used to support healthy blood pressure levels. The alkaloids in this plant may help support cardiovascular health. Cat’s claw also contains the compound hirustine, which has been shown to stimulate nitric oxide. Nitric oxide promotes vasodilation, which may help support healthy blood pressure levels. 

Natural Remedies That May Not Be Suitable for High Blood Pressure

The following natural remedies may not provide significant benefits for blood pressure, and some of these may not be suitable for those who already have high blood pressure:

St. John's Wort

St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum) is a well-known medicinal plant native to Europe and Asia. It is most known for its potential mood-supporting and anti-viral benefits. St. John’s wort works by influencing neurotransmitter activity. 

It is not recommended for those with hypertension because it may affect blood pressure and interact with blood pressure medications. 

Ephedra (Ma Huang)

Ephedra is a Chinese herb used for centuries to support energy levels and respiratory health. Ephedra contains alkaloids that act similarly to ephedrine, leading to misuse and potentially dangerous side effects. 

Ephedra is now banned in the United States due to its stimulant properties. Ephedra has been linked to increased blood pressure and cardiovascular events and should not be used in anyone with hypertension. 

Licorice Root

Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) is a perennial plant from the legume family, Fabaceae. Licorice root contains several potential health benefits, such as anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, and adaptogenic properties. The main constituent in licorice is glycyrrhizic acid, which may affect mineral balance in the body. This can influence blood pressure, so people with hypertension should avoid licorice. 

Yohimbe

Yohimbe is an alkaloid plant with stimulant properties used to support sexual health. Yohimbe has also been used in cases of myocardial dysfunction, inflammatory disorders, and cancers. However, it comes with side effects. The side effects of Yohimbe include increased blood pressure, anxiety, chest pain, and palpitations, and it should not be used in those with hypertension. 

Arnica

Arnica flowers are a common homeopathic remedy used to support recovery from injuries. In herbal medicine, Arnica is considered a low-dose plant due to its toxic components. Arnica is commonly used topically for inflammatory disorders, muscle pain, joint pain, and bruising. However, it should not be consumed in large amounts due to its potential side effects, including increased blood pressure. 

Bitter Orange

Bitter orange (Citrus aurantium) has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for digestive health. It is also used for heartburn, nasal congestion, weight management, and athletic performance. Bitter orange contains p-synephrine, which is structurally similar to ephedrine. Although bitter orange is likely safe in the correct amounts, it can increase heart rate and blood pressure and may not be suitable for those with existing hypertension. 

Lab Tests for High Blood Pressure

Hypertension is diagnosed if the blood pressure reading is equal to or greater than 130/80mmHg on more than two occasions. In some cases, ambulatory monitoring, which requires blood pressure readings over the course of 24 hours, is needed to diagnose hypertension. Lab tests, electrocardiograms (EKGs), and echocardiograms may be needed to evaluate overall cardiac health. 

Other Essential Biomarkers for Hypertension

Blood Lipid Profile

Elevated blood pressure often co-exists with lipid disorders.  It is an additional factor that increases cardiovascular disease risk. Studies have shown that dyslipidemia directly increases the risk of developing hypertension. 

Lipid profile tests can be used for screening and monitoring of cardiovascular disease. If lipids are elevated (triglycerides, LDL, VLDL, or decreased HDL), practitioners can use this information to help diagnose the root cause of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and develop the best management plan.

Kidney Function Tests

The kidneys play an important role in the excretion of waste products such as urea, creatinine, and uric acid and regulation of extracellular fluid. Elevated blood pressure can stress the kidneys leading to decreased blood flow, nutrients, and oxygen delivery throughout the body. Over time, this causes damage to the kidney’s blood vessels, impairing their ability to properly filter blood. If left untreated for years, hypertension can result in kidney function abnormalities. 

Creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) are important laboratory markers for the kidneys. 

  • Creatinine is a chemical waste product produced by muscle metabolism. The kidneys normally filter out creatinine. Elevated levels indicate a problem with the kidneys or increased muscle breakdown. 
  • A BUN test shows the quantity of urea nitrogen in the blood. Healthy kidneys should remove urea and other waste products from the blood. An elevated BUN suggests the kidneys are not working properly. 

Electrolyte Panel

Electrolytes are crucial in regulating blood pressure by maintaining fluid balance, nerve function, and muscle contractions, including the heart. The key electrolytes involved in blood pressure regulation are sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium. 

Reduced sodium intake is associated with a decrease in blood pressure and is, therefore, an established risk factor for hypertension. In addition, higher potassium intake and calcium supplementation correlate with decreased risk of hypertension. Magnesium also effectively supports healthy blood pressure levels by acting as a natural calcium channel blocker and increasing nitric oxide levels. 

Testing electrolyte levels in hypertensive patients helps identify potential mineral imbalances and adjunctive solutions in managing high blood pressure. It is also important to note that treatment with anti-hypertensive drugs may increase the risk of hyponatremia and electrolyte imbalance.

C-Reactive Protein (CRP)

Inflammation may contribute to hypertension by increasing oxidative stress, endothelial cell dysfunction, and cytokine production. Inflammation can damage the lining of blood vessels, resulting in decreased nitric oxide production. Inflammatory cytokines stimulate reactive oxygen species (ROS), further damaging blood vessels and reducing nitric oxide. 

C-reactive protein (CRP) is produced in response to inflammation. Measuring CRP in hypertensive people is important in understanding the root cause of a person’s high blood pressure. 

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Key Takeaways

  • Herbal medicine may be a supportive option for those managing hypertension. 
  • The herbs that may support blood pressure management include garlic, olive leaf, hibiscus, rauwolfia, lavender, green oat seed, cardamom, and cat claw. 
  • Addressing the root cause of hypertension through proper laboratory tests is crucial in diagnosis and accurate management.
  • Avoid these if you have hypertension: St. John's wort, Ephedra, Licorice, Arnica, yohimbe, and Bitter Orange.
  • Commonly used tests for hypertension include lipid profile, CRP, kidney function tests (BUN & Creatinine), and electrolyte panel.
  • Combining herbal medicine, lifestyle changes, and conventional medicine can provide a comprehensive approach to managing hypertension, optimizing blood pressure control, reducing the risk of complications, and improving overall cardiovascular health.
The information in this article is designed for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for informed medical advice or care. This information should not be used to diagnose or treat any health problems or illnesses without consulting a doctor. Consult with a health care practitioner before relying on any information in this article or on this website.

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Rachel Magerman
Author
Dr. Rachel Magerman ND
Naturopathic Doctor
Medically Reviewed by
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