How To Treat High Or Low Blood Pressure

Even though certain herbs such as St. John’s Wort may not be ideal for treating hypertension, some herbs such as saw palmetto for high blood pressure may be an option for those interested in using a more natural remedy to treat their condition.

What is saw palmetto and how can it lower blood pressure? Saw palmetto (botanical name: Serenoa Repens) is a small ever-green palm plant that is found in America. The berries of the plant contain the active ingredients used for herbal medicine. Although it is recommended and primarily used for its effectiveness in treating an enlarged prostrate in men caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), saw palmetto for high blood pressure treatment isn’t completely uncommon.

Reasons why this herb is used to treat high blood pressure, in some cases, is because it is a diuretic herb that contains active anti-androgen properties that help reduce water retention and control high blood pressure. Diuretic herbs have a direct effect on the body’s cells and tissues. They increase blood flow to the kidneys, which in turn increase urination, allowing excess salt and toxins to be flushed out of the kidneys, which helps to lower overall blood pressure.

Keep in mind, however, like water pills (prescribed diuretic medications), saw palmetto and other blood pressure reducing diuretic herbs, such as ginger, are generally used to treat mild cases of high blood pressure, and are used in combination with dietary changes, exercise, and possibly with other high blood pressure medications to control hypertension.

Although you will need to adopt other lifestyle changes to help reduce your blood pressure when taking saw palmetto for high blood pressure, you should know that some studies have found this herb to interact with certain antihypertensive drugs, such as terazosin, which are used to treat high blood pressure.

In addition, due to its potential hormonal active ingredients, saw palmetto may also alter the effects of hormone replacement therapy and hormonal birth control. Therefore, while saw palmetto may not interfere with all drugs, you should speak with your doctor to ensure this is a safe and effective treatment option for you.

Saw palmetto is taken orally and is available in tablet, capsule, tea and natural berry form. You can find this herb at your local health store. Both men and women may take this herb, although, due to the fact that it has the potential to affect hormones, pregnant women should not take this drug. Saw palmetto should only be taken as directed by the package, or as recommended by a qualified herbalist or health care provider.

You should also be aware that while saw palmetto for high blood pressure is a possible treatment, in very rare cases some side effects of increased blood pressure have been reported by patients taking this herb. Other rare side effects include headaches, abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, decreased libido, impotence and urinary retention. Therefore, always make sure you speak to your health care provider before using any herb or other form of treatment for your high blood pressure.

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Written by Chicagohealers.com practitionerTeresa Zeigler, L.Ac–

High blood pressure or hypertension also known as the silent killer is a major problem in America’s fast-paced, high stress world. Blood pressure is the force of the flowing blood against the walls of the arteries. It is measured in two numbers. The first number is systolic pressure which represents the pressure generated when the heart contracts and pumps the blood through the artery. The lower number is diastolic pressure, which represents the pressure in the vessels when the heart is at rest. If your systolic pressure is equal or greater than 140 mmhg, and/or your diastolic pressure is equal or greater than 90 mmhg on three separate occasions while seated, a definite diagnosis can be made.

Causes of High Blood Pressure – Although behavior patterns and stress play an important part, hypertension is most closely related to dietary factors. Other key elements are:

Excessive weight or obesity

Lifestyle factors such as coffee consumption, alcohol intake, excessive salt use, and lack of aerobic exercise.

Cigarette smoking is a contributing factor in hypertension. Smoking is also positively associated with increased sugar, alcohol and caffeine consumption. Nicotine stimulates the adrenaline secretion.

If you experience any of the following sign/symptoms you should see your physician to have your blood pressure monitored: headache, fatigue, confusion, nausea/vomiting, excessive perspiration, muscle tremors, chest pain, ear ringing/buzzing How Can You Prevent High Blood Pressure?

Everyone–regardless of race, age, sex, or heredity–can help lower their chance of developing high blood pressure. Here’s how:

1) Maintain a healthy weight, lose weight if you are overweight,
2) Be more physically active,
3) Consume lower salt and sodium foods, reduce consumption of red meat, eat more fruits and vegetables
4) If you drink alcoholic beverages, do so in moderation. Quit smoking it increases your risk of heart attack and stroke.

These rules are also recommended for treating high blood pressure, although medicine is often added as part of the treatment. It is far better to keep your blood pressure from getting high in the first place.

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