Can these herbs make my blood pressure drop? - High & Low Blood Pressure Message Board

wholegrain · 03-26-2007, 11:55 PM

My grandfather had a dietary supplement called 120 Over 80 that he said was supposed to "regulate blood pressure". He didn't know whether or not they were for high or low bp, just that they were supposed to make it right. I don't want to start taking the supplement he gave me until I know if these particular herbs will make my bp drop.

The thing is, I have LOW blood pressure. Usually around 90/55. It is a big problem in my life and I have been talking to my doctor about how to raise it. Can you guys tell me if you know anything about these particular herbs and if they will make my blood pressure fall even lower? I would have to go the hospital if my bp dropped any lower than it already is. Here is what the supplement contains:

ginger
garlic
hawthorn berry
capsicum pepper
panax ginseng root
onion
parsley

famnd · 03-27-2007, 03:41 AM

Hi WG,
Have you tried drinking 16oz of water or other fluid in a short time frame like 15 min.? This will usually increase your b/p for about 2 hrs. Check with your Dr. if you have any heart, kidney problems or fluid retention problems. Also, have you increased your salt intake? Be creative & find ways to include salt without the bad taste. Find positive ways to get the adrenalin flowing. You probably want to avoid alcohol which would cause increased urine production & blood vessal dilation. Think out of the box. Probably you want to avoid getting too hot which again would cause dilation. Drugs are always a last result which your Dr. can help you with after doing the standard tests. Fam

Lenin · 03-27-2007, 06:19 AM

wholegrain,

None of those herbs is particulary diuretic but some people report some BP lowering with hawthorne becasue of it's arteriole dilating effect. I doubt the supplement is a problem.

Capsicum (red pepper) has a temporary effect of raising BP so you might want to try some.

DON'T restrict sodium.

wholegrain · 03-27-2007, 05:16 PM

Thanks for the tips guys! I cannot get hot or take hot showers because it makes me faint. I've been trying to eat a lot of salt but it's so hard!

I guess I will try the supplement out on a low, occassional dose and see how it affects me since you say it sounds safe.