Hypertension

Also indexed as: Blood Pressure (High), Elevated Blood Pressure, High Blood Pressure
  • Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.
  • Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.
  • For an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support.

Our proprietary “Star-Rating” system was developed to help you easily understand the amount of scientific support behind each supplement in relation to a specific health condition. While there is no way to predict whether a vitamin, mineral, or herb will successfully treat or prevent associated health conditions, our unique ratings tell you how well these supplements are understood by the medical community, and whether studies have found them to be effective for other people.

For over a decade, our team has combed through thousands of research articles published in reputable journals. To help you make educated decisions, and to better understand controversial or confusing supplements, our medical experts have digested the science into these three easy-to-follow ratings. We hope this provides you with a helpful resource to make informed decisions towards your health and well-being.

SupplementAmountWhy
Co-Enzyme Q10100 mg twice per day 3 stars[3 stars] Taking coenzyme Q10 may have a significant impact on blood pressure.
Fish Oil3 to 15 grams daily omega-3 fatty acids3 stars[3 stars] EPA and DHA, the omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil, have been repeatedly shown to lower blood pressure.
Soya10 grams soya protein or 16 ounces soya milk twice per day3 stars[3 stars] Supplementing with soya protein may significantly lower blood pressure.
Asteraceae15 to 20 drops of an herbal tincture twice per day 2 stars[2 stars] In one trial, people with mild hypertension who took a tincture of Achillea wilhelmsii experienced significant reductions in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure.
Calcium800 to 1,500 mg daily 2 stars[2 stars] Calcium supplementation has been shown to lower blood pressure in people with hypertension.
Garlic600 to 900 mg of a daily herbal extract 2 stars[2 stars] Taking garlic may improve heart and blood vessel health and may help lower blood pressure.
Hawthorn1,200 mg per day of an herbal extract standardised to 2.2% flavonoids 2 stars[2 stars] Hawthorn leaf and flower extracts have been reported to have a mild blood pressure–lowering effect.
Hibiscus2 tsp (5 to 6 grams) dried flowers brewed as tea, taken two to three times per day2 stars[2 stars] Two clinical trials have shown that hibiscus can lower blood pressure. The trials have suggested that Hibiscus sabdariffa tea may be as potent as some blood pressure medications.
MelatoninTake under medical supervision: 2 mg daily of sustained-released supplment at night 2 stars[2 stars] For people with night-time hypertension, supplementing with melatonin may reduce nighttime systolic blood pressure.
Vitamin D
(Vitamin D Deficiency)
800 IU daily2 stars[2 stars] In one trial, women with low blood levels of vitamin D who were given calcium supplement plus vitamin D experienced significantly reduced systolic blood pressure.
Vitamin E200 IU daily2 stars[2 stars] In a study of people with high blood pressure, vitamin E was significantly more effective than placebo at reducing both systolic and diastolic blood pressure.
ArginineRefer to label instructions 1 star[1 star] The amino acid arginine is needed by the body to make nitric oxide, a substance that allows blood vessels to dilate, thus reducing blood pressure. Arginine given orally and intravenously has been reported to help reduce blood pressure.
ColeusRefer to label instructions 1 star[1 star] Forskolin, the active ingredient in Coleus forskohlii, has lowered blood pressure in a trial with people suffering from cardiomyopathy.
Indian SnakerootRefer to label instructions 1 star[1 star] Indian snakeroot contains powerful alkaloids that affect blood pressure. It has been used traditionally to treat hypertension, especially when associated with stress and anxiety.
MistletoeRefer to label instructions 1 star[1 star] European mistletoe has reduced headaches and dizziness associated with high blood pressure, according to preliminary research, and has a small blood pressure-lowering effect.
Olive LeafRefer to label instructions 1 star[1 star] Olive leaf has been used traditionally to treat people with hypertension. In animal studies a constituent of olive leaf has decreased blood pressure and dilated arteries surrounding the heart when given by injection.
OnionRefer to label instructions 1 star[1 star] Onion may have a mild blood pressure-lowering effect, according to preliminary research.
ReishiRefer to label instructions 1 star[1 star] One trial reported that reishi mushrooms significantly lowered blood pressure.
TaurineRefer to label instructions 1 star[1 star] Research has found that supplementing with taurine lowers blood pressure in people, possibly by reducing levels of the hormone epinephrine (adrenaline).
Vitamin CRefer to label instructions 1 star[1 star] Some doctors recommend that people with hypertenstion supplement with vitamin C, which has been found to have a blood pressure–lowering effect.

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The information presented in Aisle7 is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. Self-treatment is not recommended for life-threatening conditions that require medical treatment under a doctor's care. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires June 2011.