Are you considering taking saw palmetto for high blood pressure?

Are you considering taking saw palmetto for high blood pressure?

Although certain herbs such as St. John's Wort may not be ideal for treating high blood pressure, some herbs such as saw palmetto for high blood pressure may be an option for those who want to use 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 evergreen palm plant found in America. The berries of the plant contain the active ingredients used in herbal medicine. Although it is recommended and used primarily for its effectiveness in treating enlarged prostate in men caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), saw palmetto is not uncommon for treating high blood pressure.

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

Note, however, that saw palmetto and other antihypertensive diuretics such as ginger such as water pills (prescribed diuretics) are generally used to treat mild cases of high blood pressure and in combination with dietary changes. Exercise and possibly with other high blood pressure medications to control high blood pressure.

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

In addition, due to its potential hormonal agents, saw palmetto may also alter the effects of hormone replacement therapy and hormonal contraception. Although saw palmetto may not interfere with all medications, you should talk to your doctor to make sure this is a safe and effective treatment option for you.

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

You should also be aware that 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 headache, abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, decreased libido, impotence and urinary retention. Therefore, always make sure to speak to your doctor before using any herb or other form of treatment for your high blood pressure.

Inspired by Paul J Johnson