OK, since i quit taking Benicar HCTZ I've been trying several herbal remedies, most of them dont do anything

Valerian root, however seems to control my BP somewhat, dropping my average numbers from 150/100 to 142/94, which I would be happy with at this point if the diastolic would go down just a little more

My averages on Benicar HCTZ were 146/89 but my pulse was 100 (its mid to high 80's normally) and the BP was very erratic, swinging all over the place - higher highs & lower lows

All these readings were taken without any regard to whether I was just sitting around, had been working physically, or whatever, they are running averages

There is bad news, however - these numbers are taking 4 valerian 3 times a day, I feel sort of tired all the time and dont have much energy, and I am gaining a little weight - all the same things that happened on BP meds (but not as bad)

And I dont have joint pain or headaches like I did on prescription meds

I cant live with the weight gain though, I feel that if I could lose another 20 lb (well, 25 now) I would be low 140's / low 90's without any meds & i could live with that

I am going to gradually cut back on the Valerian root now, & see what happens with my BP & weight numbers

just wanted to leave an update

I am now taking 2 valerian root 3 times a day & my average BP has been 143/94 pulse 83

these readings were taken without sitting & resting (usually) & the highest systolic was 148, highest diastolic 100, both occured after doing a lot of physical labor the lows were 134 & 91

I can still tell I'm taking it, but I'm not super tired like I was on 4 pills, and the 5 lb I gained in the 4 pill dosage has come off

maybe this is going to work I will stay at this dosage for a while & see, I'm sure if I can lose another 20 lb things will be much better

LOSE the 20 pounds...I;ll do it WITH you. Are those vaerians 530's or 600's...I forget.

Believe me, if you lose 20 pounds, you'll lose 10/10...I am NOT joking!

its the spring valley brand valerian root from walmart, the standard dose is 1605mg, which is 3 capsules, 2 seems to work & not make me gain weight so I will stick with that for now

I bought some boca burgers at walmart this AM, I can lose weight if I eat them, even though you need an onion to make them edible, I had quit eating them because of the salt level, but since salt doesnt seem to affect my BP i guess it doesnt matter

Its weird, If I want to lose weight quick I have to not eat much meat, but once I get where I want I can eat normally & I will maintain it

I was 246.5 lb this morning after my shower, I'm shooting for 225

You can also lose weight by (more or less) only eating meat, cheese etc. for a couple of weeks. And that quick fix, as Lenin says, will help you bp as much as fooling around
with that root.