When it comes to treating ailments, many of us like to opt for natural remedies. Studies continue to come out on the effectiveness of supplements and natural remedies. But as the influx of going naturally grows, it’s important to know which supplements are effective and which are ineffective when treating ailments.
One major concern that many Americans have is blood pressure. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 70 millions Americans have high blood pressure. With alarming numbers it’s no wonder so many people seek out natural alternatives to such maintaining healthy blood pressure. But some herbs may actually not be as beneficial as they can have side effects and in fact make your blood pressure worse.
Popular supplements that raise blood pressure
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As mentioned there are some supplements that have proven to be ineffective in the treatment in lowering blood pressure. Furthermore, there are supplements which can harm blood pressure even though they may be used in treating other ailments. These include St. John’s Wort, arnica and liquorice. Although these herbs may pose effectiveness in treating other ailments they are not advised when treating blood pressure.
St. John’s Wort
St. John’s wort is an herb used for its medicinal properties. It is most commonly used in treatments for depression and anxiety. It can be made into oil which people will apply on themselves topically for relief from pain and bruising. St. John’s Wort can interfere with other medications and for this reason France has actually banned its use.
Although St. John’s Wort may be effective for mood disorders it does come with a nasty side effect – it can raise blood pressure. For this reason, if you are using St. John’s Wort as a treatment for another ailment and already have high blood pressure, you may wish to steer clear.
Arnica
Arnica is another flower used for medicinal purposes. It is most commonly used for pain, insect bites and acne. Arnica, though, does come with many side effects such as worsening allergies especially towards ragweed, increasing one’s heart rate and raising blood pressure.
It is not advised to take arnica if you have high blood pressure or take medications to treat blood clots.
If you’re seeking out a natural pain reliever and don’t wish to disrupt your blood pressure opt for an alternative natural remedy.
Liquorice
When we think of licorice we think of the candy that can either come in black or red. But before liquorice flavoring can be made into a treat it actually starts as a root. Liquorice is commonly used for digestive problems and to combat ailments like coughs and sore throat.
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Similar to St. John’s Wort and arnica, liquorice is another herb that not only interacts with medications but can very well raise blood pressure. Therefore if you’re battling an upset stomach your best bet is to reach for ginger and avoid liquorice for its side effect on blood pressure.
Choosing the right supplements
It can be tricky to find the right supplement to treat the right ailment. Many times we make decisions based on what we heard from those around us. This is not advised because what may work for one person may cause much concern in someone else.
Therefore when you choose to embark on natural treatments always speak with a doctor to give yourself some clearance. Make sure the herb of choice isn’t going to interact with any medications you are currently taking. Additionally, be extra cautious if blood pressure is already an issue for you. The last thing you want to do is worsen it simply by treating something else.
