Is high blood pressure caused by St. John's wort?

Is high blood pressure caused by St. John's wort?

It's important to be able to recognize the signs of high blood pressure, but it's also important to know what can cause blood pressure to rise so you can avoid these factors if you're prone to high blood pressure. For example, not only certain foods and medications can affect your blood pressure, but also some natural herbal remedies. In fact, high blood pressure caused by St. John's Wort, an herb commonly used to treat mild depression, can be dangerous for those who suffer from or are prone to high blood pressure.

St. John's wort is a bright yellow flower. Its petals are used as an herbal remedy that can be administered as a topical ointment to heal burns. However, it is primarily used as an oral supplement to treat mild depression. Studies have shown that one of st. St. John's wort's active ingredient, hypericin, affects neurotransmitters (brain chemicals) in a similar way to antidepressants. The reason why the active ingredient is so effective is that it reflects monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors, which are the component of the main antidepressants.

How is high blood pressure caused by St. John's wort?

St. John's wort can cause an increase in blood pressure because the hypericin ingredient, which is similar to an MAO inhibitor, causes a strong and dangerous reaction when mixed with the amino acid tyramine. Reactions that may occur when tyramine is taken in excess with this herb include a rapid increase in blood pressure, severe headaches, and an irregular heartbeat. However, it should also be noted that although these reactions can occur, such events have not been frequently reported.

Nevertheless, until more is understood about the interaction, a person takes st. St. John's Wort should drastically limit or avoid foods or drinks high in tyramine, including:

– Aged, dried, smoked, pickled or processed fish or meat (IE bologna, salami, pepperoni, herring, etc.)

– Chicken liver

– Aged cheese

– Soy sauce

– Yeast/protein extracts

– Legumes

– Overripe fruits

– Figs or raisins

– Alcoholic drinks such as ale, beer, red wines, sherry and liqueurs.

It is also suggested that a person who st. St. John's wort also limits caffeine intake.

Aside from being aware of the hypertension caused by St. John's wort due to the tyramine interaction, you should also know that like all herbs, there is a risk of st. St. John's wort may interact with other medications, including those used to control high blood pressure. Additionally, some users of the herb have also reported st. John's wort caused an increase in blood pressure when other prescribed antidepressants and over-the-counter medications were taken.

However, studies have shown that there is little reaction when other medications are taken with st. St. John's Wort, until further research can conclude the side effects or risks of taking medications in combination with the herb, it is strongly recommended that those taking st. John's wort for the treatment of mild depression does not take any other form of medication and also has her blood pressure checked regularly.

Since high blood pressure is possible from St. John's wort, people with high blood pressure who have previously had high blood pressure or who are susceptible to this condition should avoid taking this herb. Talk to your doctor about other alternative remedies that do not increase your risk of high blood pressure if you have mild depression.

Inspired by Paul J Johnson