8 Vitamins and Herbs to Avoid if You Have High Blood Pressure

Vitamins to avoid if you have high blood pressure include arnica, Panax ginseng, guarana, licorice root, and St. John's wort. These supplements can raise blood pressure either by directly affecting the cardiovascular system or by interfering with blood pressure medications.

Some vitamins, like vitamin D and the minerals calcium and magnesium, might actually lower blood pressure. However, you should always consult a healthcare provider before taking a new supplement, especially if you have an underlying medical condition like hypertension or are taking medications.

1. Arnica

Arnica comes from a perennial flower and is most often used in topical creams and ointments to assist in the healing of bruises, sprains, swelling, and inflammation. Arnica is considered safe when used on the skin but should not be taken by mouth in pill or other forms because it can raise blood pressure.

In addition, when taken internally arnica can cause irritation or damage to the mouth, throat, and stomach, as well as vomiting, diarrhea, rashes, shortness of breath, fast heartbeat, damage to the heart and other organs, increased bleeding, coma, and death.

2. Asian (Panax) Ginseng

Asian ginseng, also known as panax ginseng, has been promoted for a variety of uses including to increase well-being, reduce stress, and improve concentration and memory.

Asian ginseng's effect on blood pressure is complicated. Some studies suggest it lowers blood pressure while others found it increases it. This has led researchers to question if ginseng increases blood pressure at usual doses, but lowers it when doses are higher. Until researchers are certain, you should not take ginseng if you have high blood pressure unless your healthcare provider tells you it is safe.

It's not certain whether ginseng interacts with certain medications including blood thinners, calcium channel blockers, and other medications for high blood pressure. Anyone taking these medications should consult with a healthcare provider before using ginseng.

3. Bitter Orange

Bitter orange is a supplement that comes from extract of the fruit or peel of a bitter orange.

It’s often used in weight-loss supplements and sports performance products. While there have been cases reported of heart attack, angina, and stroke after consuming products that contained bitter orange, it’s not known for certain if bitter orange or other ingredients played a role. Studies on whether bitter orange increases blood pressure or heart rate have produced conflicting results.

4. Guarana

Guarana contains caffeine and is an herb commonly used in energy drinks. Many energy drinks contain high amounts of caffeine, and adding guarana increases caffeine amounts.

Excessive caffeine can cause increases in blood pressure and heart rate and lead to heart rhythm disturbances.

A 2019 review noted that if guidelines for caffeine intake are followed, guarana consumption is not likely to be associated with any serious health risks.

5. Licorice Root

Licorice root is a supplement most commonly used for digestive issues such as heartburn, coughs, and viral and bacterial infections. Licorice root can have serious side effects including increasing blood pressure in people who already have high blood pressure or take anti-hypertensive medications, especially when it’s consumed in large amounts or over long periods.

Licorice also decreases potassium, which plays a role in blood pressure. Licorice should not be taken by people who have high blood pressure or heart disease.

6. St. John's Wort

St. John’s wort is an herb that’s used for a variety of conditions including depression, menopausal symptoms, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

If St. John's wort is taken with other antidepressants, it increases the risk of serotonin syndrome, a life-threatening condition. It's characterized by a racing heart rate, high blood pressure, and hallucinations.

7. Vitamin E

Vitamin E is an antioxidant that protects the body’s cells from damage. In an older study, it was determined that vitamin E treatment significantly increased blood pressure, pulse pressure, and heart rate in individuals with type 2 diabetes.

However, more recent studies have shown that vitamin E may lower diastolic blood pressure (the bottom number) and has no effect on systolic blood pressure (the top number). Study authors noted the effects of vitamin E on systolic and diastolic blood pressure are still controversial.

8. Yohimbe

Yohimbe comes from the bark of African evergreen trees. It’s most commonly touted for helping erectile dysfunction and increasing sexual arousal. Yohimbe has been associated with serious side effects including high blood pressure, rapid heartbeat, and heart attacks. Its use has been restricted in many countries.

Do Multivitamins Affect Blood Pressure?

Despite their popularity, little research has been done on the effects multivitamins have on high blood pressure. A recent study found that taking multivitamins does not increase the short- or long-term risk of developing high blood pressure and that taking a multivitamin does not reduce the risk of developing high blood pressure for the average person.

Older studies have suggested multivitamins may help reduce high blood pressure in those at risk for heart disease, but there has been little follow-up research.

Are There Supplements That Can Lower Blood Pressure?

Several vitamins and minerals have been evaluated for their effects on lowering blood pressure.

• B vitamins: Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) may help treat or prevent high blood pressure in those with certain genetic mutations that raise the risk of developing high blood pressure. Folic acid, a synthetic form of vitamin B9, has been found to help lower blood pressure in those who already have high blood pressure.

• Vitamin D: Supplementing with vitamin D may have positive effects on blood pressure in certain groups including those with cardiovascular disease and older people.However, vitamin D toxicity, caused by taking high doses for an extended time, can lead to high blood pressure and heart arrhythmias.

• Calcium and magnesium: A review assessing the effects of six vitamins and minerals found calcium and magnesium supplementation significantly reduced both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. The study authors noted future studies should focus on optimal dosage and treatment length for these supplements.

• Other Supplements: Coenzyme Q10 (ubiquinone), melatonin, grape seed extract, and garlicsupplements have all been found in recent research to have blood-pressure-lowering effects.

In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate supplements the way it regulates prescription drugs. That means some supplement products may not contain what the label says. When choosing a supplement, look for independently tested products and consult a healthcare provider, registered dietitian nutritionist (RD or RDN), or pharmacist.

When to See a Healthcare Provider

High blood pressure usually has no warning signs or symptoms, and many people do not know they have it. Measuring your blood pressure is the only way to know whether you have high blood pressure. That's why seeing a healthcare provider regularly is important.

Symptoms of very high blood pressure (usually 180/120 or higher) can include:

• Severe headaches

• Dizziness

• Chest pain

• Difficulty breathing

• Nosebleeds

• Abnormal heart rhythm

Before taking any vitamins and supplements, talk with your healthcare provider to determine what is safe and best for your health needs.

Summary

Supplements like arnica, Asian ginseng, licorice root, and guarana can raise blood pressure by directly affecting the cardiovascular system or interfering with blood pressure medications.

Unlike prescription or over-the-counter medications, the FDA does not regulate the sale or safety of supplements. You should always seek the advice of a healthcare provider when considering taking any supplement, especially if you are taking medication to control blood pressure.