Herbal Supplements Used in the Treatment of Hypertension
by Indira Maurer, DNP, FNP-C
In today’s age, individuals are turning to home and traditional remedies to control their illnesses. With the increased number of patients turning to alternative medication such as herbal remedies for their ailments or conditions, it is necessary for health care providers to be aware of the use and adverse effects associated with herbal supplements. Herbs are utilized by the population as a form of self-care for many ailments, including hypertension. Many supplements have claims to support cardiac health and improve blood pressure readings. The three herbs addressed include Hawthorn, Garlic, and Hibiscus.
Hawthorn (Crataegus laevigata). Hawthorn, Crataegus laevigata, has been used traditionally as a diuretic, an appetite suppressant, to ease stomach aches, and to improve circulation (University of South Florida [USF], 2010). Hawthorn has a long history of use in the treatment of heart failure and currently remains as one of the top herbs utilized in the self-treatment of hypertension.
Safety and side effects. Hawthorn is considered safe for use when ingested for short periods of time (National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health [NCCAM], 2020). Side effects reported include abdominal discomfort, headache, and dizziness although these are rare findings (NCCAM). Other rare side effects include arrhythmias, fatigue, or insomnia (Banyan Botanicals, 2021).
Forms and dose. The German Commission E recommends a daily dosage of 160-900 milligrams to be divided in 2 to 3 equal doses daily (USF, 2010). The herb should be in the form of an extract made of the leaves and flowers (USF). The hypotensive actions develop with chronic use, and one should expect to see the desired effect after 4 to 6 weeks of use (USF).
Garlic (Allium sativum). Garlic, Allium sativum, is one of the most-used herbal supplements (NCCAM, 2020).
Safety and side effects. Garlic has not been associated with many adverse effects. Side effects reported include halitosis, body odor, heartburn, and abdominal discomfort. However, most of these adverse effects are associated with the ingestion of raw garlic (NCCAM, 2020).
Forms and dose. It is recommended that a dose of 600-900 milligrams per day be taken for desired results (Matsutomo, 2019). This dose should be divided in three doses per day (USF, 2010). Dried garlic should be taken in an enteric-coated tablet to bypass the acidic environment of our gastric fluid and allow the enzyme conversion to take place in the intestine (USF).
Hibiscus (Hibiscus sabdariffa). Hibiscus, Hibiscussabdariffa, is a plant that has been used traditionally in the treatment of hypertension, head lice, and to speed up the childbirth process. Additionally, it is believed to contain anti-fungal, antimicrobial, antipyretic, contraceptive, and anti-tumor properties (Banyan Botanicals, 2021).
Forms and dose.For the treatment of hypertension, a typical adult dosage is 10 grams of the calyx used to make a tea. The calyx is steeped in 1 cup of boiling water for approximately ten minutes and administered once daily (Banyan Botanicals, 2021).
These herbs may require more research and clinical trials to confirm efficacy. However, maintaining an open mind for herbal supplement use may lead to alternate treatment regimens to consider with the inclusion of herbal supplements either in combination with lifestyle changes, or as an adjunct in therapy with the more contemporary, synthetic medications.
Chang, Q., Zuo, Z., Harrison, F., & Chow, M. S. S. (2002). Hawthorn. The Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, 42(6), 605-612.
Matsutomo, T. (2020). Potential benefits of garlic and other dietary supplements for the management of hypertension. Experimental and therapeutic medicine, 19(2), 1479-1484.
Over the past several months we’ve learned of different treatments for COVID-19, which includes hydroxychloroquine and plasma transfusion. Researchers, providers, …
Herbal Supplements Used in the Treatment of Hypertension
by Indira Maurer, DNP, FNP-C
In today’s age, individuals are turning to home and traditional remedies to control their illnesses. With the increased number of patients turning to alternative medication such as herbal remedies for their ailments or conditions, it is necessary for health care providers to be aware of the use and adverse effects associated with herbal supplements. Herbs are utilized by the population as a form of self-care for many ailments, including hypertension. Many supplements have claims to support cardiac health and improve blood pressure readings. The three herbs addressed include Hawthorn, Garlic, and Hibiscus.
Hawthorn (Crataegus laevigata). Hawthorn, Crataegus laevigata, has been used traditionally as a diuretic, an appetite suppressant, to ease stomach aches, and to improve circulation (University of South Florida [USF], 2010). Hawthorn has a long history of use in the treatment of heart failure and currently remains as one of the top herbs utilized in the self-treatment of hypertension.
Safety and side effects. Hawthorn is considered safe for use when ingested for short periods of time (National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health [NCCAM], 2020). Side effects reported include abdominal discomfort, headache, and dizziness although these are rare findings (NCCAM). Other rare side effects include arrhythmias, fatigue, or insomnia (Banyan Botanicals, 2021).
Forms and dose. The German Commission E recommends a daily dosage of 160-900 milligrams to be divided in 2 to 3 equal doses daily (USF, 2010). The herb should be in the form of an extract made of the leaves and flowers (USF). The hypotensive actions develop with chronic use, and one should expect to see the desired effect after 4 to 6 weeks of use (USF).
Garlic (Allium sativum). Garlic, Allium sativum, is one of the most-used herbal supplements (NCCAM, 2020).
Safety and side effects. Garlic has not been associated with many adverse effects. Side effects reported include halitosis, body odor, heartburn, and abdominal discomfort. However, most of these adverse effects are associated with the ingestion of raw garlic (NCCAM, 2020).
Forms and dose. It is recommended that a dose of 600-900 milligrams per day be taken for desired results (Matsutomo, 2019). This dose should be divided in three doses per day (USF, 2010). Dried garlic should be taken in an enteric-coated tablet to bypass the acidic environment of our gastric fluid and allow the enzyme conversion to take place in the intestine (USF).
Hibiscus (Hibiscus sabdariffa). Hibiscus, Hibiscus sabdariffa, is a plant that has been used traditionally in the treatment of hypertension, head lice, and to speed up the childbirth process. Additionally, it is believed to contain anti-fungal, antimicrobial, antipyretic, contraceptive, and anti-tumor properties (Banyan Botanicals, 2021).
Forms and dose. For the treatment of hypertension, a typical adult dosage is 10 grams of the calyx used to make a tea. The calyx is steeped in 1 cup of boiling water for approximately ten minutes and administered once daily (Banyan Botanicals, 2021).
These herbs may require more research and clinical trials to confirm efficacy. However, maintaining an open mind for herbal supplement use may lead to alternate treatment regimens to consider with the inclusion of herbal supplements either in combination with lifestyle changes, or as an adjunct in therapy with the more contemporary, synthetic medications.
References
Banyan Botanicals (2021). The Benefits of Hibiscus. Retrieved from https://www.banyanbotanicals.com/info/plants/ayurvedic-herbs/the-benefits-of-hibiscus/
Chang, Q., Zuo, Z., Harrison, F., & Chow, M. S. S. (2002). Hawthorn. The Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, 42(6), 605-612.
Matsutomo, T. (2020). Potential benefits of garlic and other dietary supplements for the management of hypertension. Experimental and therapeutic medicine, 19(2), 1479-1484.
National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (2020). Herbs at a glance: Hawthorn. Retrieved from http://nccam.nih.gov/health/hawthorn?lang=es
University of South Florida (2010). Shimberg health sciences library: Hawthorn. Retrieved from http://www.clinicalpharmacology-ip.com.ezproxy.hsc.usf.edu/Forms/Monograph/monograph.aspx?cpnum=2223&sec=moncontr&t=0
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