The Orthostatic Intolerance (OI) Center
Herbs That Can Affect BP & Pulse
There are drugs and herbs that could increase your BP or pulse..
This is not necessarily a bad thing but it can cause confusion if you and your doctor are not aware of these things.
You might be surprise or alarmed by a higher BP or pulse. You or your doctor may think you need to lower your medications for OI when it is really something else that has caused the change.
Some of these drugs were used in the past to treat orthostatic hypotension but other drugs are used now. (They use midodrine and the stimulants to increase the BP now.
Herbs
There are herbs that can have an affect on blood pressure (BP) and pulse. It is important to be aware of this possibility.
Some people prefer to use herbs for health issues. They could purposely use the herb for the increase in BP. Like drugs, some of the herbs may be used for a different condition and have the side effect that they can increase blood pressure or pulse.
Herb |
Most Common Use |
How it works |
Comments |
Licorice Root |
Stomach upset, indigestion Similar effect as fludrocortisone (Florinef), some use in its place |
Increases BP, more increase as the dose goes higher. Sodium and fluid retention can happen if taking 50 gm per day or if it;s used more than 6 weeks. Major concern is decrease in potassium. Monitor level. |
It does not have as strong an effect as Florinef. See notes on selecting your manufacturer. In the US, some of the products sold as licorice root actually are anise, which has a licorice flavor. |
Licorice root, deglycyrrhizinated |
Stomach upset, indigestion |
This form of licorice root has had the chemical that causes increase in BP removed. |
It should not affect blood pressure |
Yohimbe |
Orthostatic Intolerance Erectile dysfunction |
It is included as a drug that can be used for treating OI. Mechanisms of action: Alpha-2 adrenergic receptor blockage, peripheral serotonin receptor blocking, calcium channel blocking |
|
References
- Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. 8th Edition. Published by Therapeutic Research Faculty. www.naturaldatabase.com 2005.
Author: Kay E. Jewell, MD
Page Last Updated: August 28, 2012
