
Answer:
There are many supplements, as discussed below, that may lower blood pressure. However, if you already take medication to lower blood pressure, always consult your physician before using these supplements, as they may lower your blood pressure too much, or interfere in some other way with your current medication.
Supplements that may help lower blood pressure
Omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil and flaxseeds (a source of the omega-3 alpha-linolenic acid, or ALA) may help to reduce blood pressure. For example, a small study found that consuming milled flaxseeds daily lowered both systolic and diastolic pressure in people with peripheral artery disease, many of whom also had high blood pressure. In fact, among those who started the study with a blood pressure of 140 or higher, those who consumed milled flaxseeds achieved a reduction of 15 mm Hg in systolic blood pressure and 7 mm Hg in diastolic blood pressure.
Olive oil may also have a significant benefit; one study among men and women with mild to moderately high blood pressure found that those who slightly reduced their intake of saturated fat and consumed several tablespoons of olive oil per day were able to reduce their dosage of blood pressure lowering medication by 48%.
Olive leaf extract may help to reduce blood pressure, according to a small study in Indonesia among 162 men and women with stage 1 hypertension (average blood pressure 148/93 mm Hg). The study found that those who took, twice daily, 500 mg of olive leaf extract (Benolea from Frutarom, which funded the study) experienced modest but statistically significant reductions in systolic and diastolic blood pressures were similar to those given the blood-pressure lowering drug captopril (12.5 mg to 25 mg per day). However, there was no placebo control, making it impossible to establish the actual effects of the extract and drug (Susalit, Phytomedicine 2011).
Short-term studies have found that vitamin C may modestly lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure, with average decreases of 3.84 mm Hg and 1.48 mm Hg, respectively.
Certain probiotic strains may modestly lower diastolic and systolic blood pressure. However, be aware that Saccharomyces cerevisiae (Brewer's yeast), which is sometimes sold as a probiotic, may cause dangerously high blood pressure if taken with certain medications, so carefully review the label of your probiotic before taking.
Nattokinase, an enzyme derived from the Japanese soybean-based food natto, has been shown to modestly reduce systolic and diastolic blood pressure (by 5.55 mmHg and 2.84 mmHg, respectively) in men and women with untreated high systolic blood pressure.
Cinnamon may reduce blood pressure in people with type 2 diabetes or prediabetes.
Curcumin has been found to lower systolic, but not diastolic blood pressure, in postmenopausal women and people with lupus who have kidney inflammation. Similarly, garlic supplements may reduce systolic, but not diastolic, blood pressure in men and women who take anti-hypertensive medications but whose blood pressure remains uncontrolled.
While low blood levels of vitamin D are associated with elevated blood pressure, a comprehensive review of 46 clinical trials concluded taking a vitamin D supplement was ineffective for lowering blood pressure, regardless of starting levels of vitamin D in the blood.
There is mixed evidence that cocoa and chocolate may cause modest reductions in blood pressure, with some studies finding a benefit and others finding no effect on blood pressure at all. Similarly, evidence that pomegranate juice and resveratrol may lower blood pressure is inconsistent -- although one study did find resveratrol to significantly lower systolic blood pressure people with type 2 diabetes.
A low-dose of vitamin B-2 (riboflavin) may reduce systolic and diastolic blood pressure in people with a certain genetic type (MTHFR 677TT), which can predispose to high blood pressure.
Results from one clinical study in men and women with metabolic syndrome suggests that berberine, a compound found in plants such as barberry, Oregon grape and goldenseal, may lower systolic blood pressure.
Hawthorn extract made from the leaves and flowers may modestly lower blood pressure, although more studies are needed to confirm. The blood pressure-lowering effect is attributed to flavonoid constituents (including quercetin), which may have vasorelaxant, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects (Verma, Nat Prod Bioprospect 2021). A small study among people with type 2 diabetes and hypertension (71% of whom were taking one or more blood pressure-lowering drugs) showed that taking 600 mg of hawthorn leaf/flower extract (standardized to 2.2% flavonoids) before breakfast and dinner (total daily dose 1,200 mg) for 16 weeks lowered diastolic blood pressure by 2.6 mmHg compared to placebo, but there was no significant reduction in systolic blood pressure (Walker, Br J Gen Pract 2006). A previous small study by the same research group among people with mild hypertension showed that taking 500 mg of hawthorn extract (standardized to 1.8% vitexin-2-rhamnosides, a hawthorn flavonoid) daily for 10 weeks tended to lower diastolic blood pressure, but the change was not significant, possibly due to the lower dose (Walker, Phytother Res 2002). Many commercially available hawthorn extract supplements (typically made from the leaves and flowers) are standardized to 1.8% flavonoids or vitexin (a specific flavonoid), which is similar to the amount used in clinical research, but products containing hawthorn berry syrup (such as Dr. Christopher's Formulas Hawthorn Berry Heart Syrup) or hawthorn berry extract are often not standardized to any constituents and there is no strong evidence to support the use of hawthorn berry syrup or berry extract for any indication.
Potassium is an important electrolyte that helps maintain blood pressure. In general, experts recommend that people with high blood pressure — especially those with high sodium intake — aim to increase intake of potassium from foods to about 3,500 to 5,000 mg daily. One method for doing this is substituting table salt with potassium-enriched salts (See our good options among "lite" salts). Be aware that certain types of medications used to treat high blood pressure may increase potassium levels. Therefore, it's best to consult with your physician before increasing dietary intake of potassium, especially if you are already taking medication for high blood pressure. (Also be aware that noni juice contains a large amount of potassium.)
Preliminary evidence suggests ashwagandha and black cohosh could potentially lower blood pressure. Although there is not enough evidence to take these supplements for this use, take with caution if you are already taking blood-pressure lowering medications.
CBD (cannabidiol) oil can cause a modest drop in blood pressure in people taking high doses, although there do not appear to be clinical studies specifically investigating its effects in people with high blood pressure.
Beetroot juice (also known as beet juice) may have a very modest effect on lowering blood pressure. Most beetroot supplements, however, are unlikely to provide this benefit.
L-Theanine may lessen blood pressure increases associated with caffeine use.
Having low or deficient levels of magnesium may elevate blood pressure, although magnesium supplementation in people with high blood pressure appears to have, at best, a very modest benefit.
Although some studies have found CoQ10 to lower high blood pressure, a critical review of these studies concluded that overall, CoQ10 does not have a significant effect on lowering blood pressure.
Acetyl-L-carnitine, taken alone or with alpha-lipoic acid, may modestly lower systolic blood pressure in people with high blood pressure, but it does not seem to lower diastolic blood pressure in most people (McMackin, J Clin Hypertens 2007; Ruggenenti, Hypertension 2009; Parvanova, J Endocr Soc 2018).
Research suggests that L-arginine may modestly lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure in people with high blood pressure, but more research is needed to confirm.
Taurine supplementation appears to lower blood pressure in people with prehypertension, but it may take about 3 months for any benefit.
Getting adequate niacin from foods has been associated with a decreased risk of developing high blood pressure, although getting too much niacin from foods may increase the risk. In clinical trials, the effects of niacin supplementation on blood pressure have been inconsistent.
Hibiscus, taken in the form of capsules or tea, may reduce systolic blood pressure by about 7 mmHg compared to control (e.g., placebo, other teas or diet), but it does not appear to significantly lower diastolic blood pressure. Hibiscus may have the greatest benefit when taken in daily doses of more than 1 gram of dried flower and when used for more than 4 weeks, although more studies are needed to confirm (Ellis, Nutr Rev 2022). Hibiscus may lower blood pressure by a mechanism similar to ACE-inhibitors (Nwachukwu, Indian J Pharmacol 2015).
Supplements that may increase blood pressure
Despite the fact that melatonin has been reported to decrease blood pressure in healthy people without hypertension, it may increase blood pressure in people taking antihypertensive medications.
Whole licorice, which contains a substance called glycyrrhizin, can increase blood pressure. However, licorice from which this substance has been removed, called deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL), is not believed to increase blood pressure and is available as a supplement.
Maca and hoodia may increase blood pressure.
Ingredients in some sexual enhancement supplements, such as yohimbe and arginine, may cause changes in blood pressure, and should be used with caution in people with high blood pressure or those taking medications to lower blood pressure.
When taken with certain drugs, including SSRI antidepressants, MAO inhibitors and stimulant drugs, St. John's wort can cause high or unstable blood pressure.
Green tea may reduce the effectiveness of certain beta-blocker drugs used to lower blood pressure.
For information about supplements which may interfere with ACE inhibitor drugs - sometimes taken for high blood pressure - see this CL Answer.
Choosing a device to monitor blood pressure
People with high blood pressure are advised to monitor their blood pressure at home, and this may be particularly important for people starting to take a new supplement, since supplements can affect blood pressure. The American Heart Association recommends that people with high blood pressure use a validated, automatic, cuff-style, upper arm monitor, since readings from wrist or finger monitors tend to be less reliable. Surprisingly, a recent analysis of the 100 best-selling blood pressure devices sold on Amazon in the U.S. and Canada between February 2020 and January 2021 found that about 34% of the best-selling devices sold in the U.S. and 22% of those sold in Canada were wrist cuff devices, not the recommended upper arm cuff devices. Furthermore, among the best-selling upper arm cuff devices, 84% of those sold in the U.S. and 70% of those sold in Canada were nonvalidated devices (Picone, JAMA 2023). Nonvalidated devices tend to be less precise and do not have proven accuracy like validated devices. To confirm that a device is validated, check the U.S. Validated Device Listing or Hypertension Canada.
When using an automated, upper-arm blood pressure device, be sure to select an appropriately sized cuff based on the mid-upper arm circumference. Devices usually have an marking on the cuff to indicate, when wrapped on the arm, if the size is right, but the cuff bladder length and width should be, respectively, about 80% and 40% of a person's mid-upper arm circumference (AHA, Selecting a Cuff Size). A study showed that using a cuff that was one size too big resulted in readings 3.6 mmHg lower than if the cuff was the appropriate size, and using a cuff that was one or two sizes too small resulted in readings that were, respectively, 4.8 mmHg and 19.5 mmHg higher than if the cuff was the appropriate size. Similar inaccuracies were seen for diastolic blood pressure readings (Ishigami, JAMA Intern Med 2023). Be aware that the standard cuff that is shipped with a blood pressure device might be too small, or possibly too big, for many people. A comparison of 10 popular blood pressure devices sold on Amazon (including the Omron BP5100, which is a validated device) found that the standard arm cuff shipped with nine out of 10 of the devices could accommodate an arm circumference of 22 to 42 cm, indicating that approximately 7% of U.S. adults would need to obtain a larger cuff size and about 0.3% would require a smaller cuff size. One of the devices could accommodate an arm circumference of only 22 to 40 cm, meaning that nearly 11% of adults would require a larger size (Kaur, Hypertension 2024).
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Taygete
April 15, 2025Without Consumerlab many consumers would not be able to distinguish trusted and reliable research from self-interested research. Bravo Consumer Lab for being perhaps the best resource for consumers!
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Annmarie20721
September 27, 2024My BP has generally been drug resistant. I have also has side effects with every one -- not too serious, but they've interfered with my quality of life A LOT.
Anyway, I tried ALL the tips, tricks, and supplements, but to no avail. The only thing that worked for me? EXERCISE. Anywhere between going up and down the stairs in my home a few times in a row to going out to walk for just 10 minutes. Going out at all (I'm kind of a hermit) seems to help, also. It's really difficult to just move when the biggest side effects of the meds are lethargy and fatigue, but the more I force myself to move, the lower my BP gets, and hopefully, by next year, I'll be off of the meds.
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Gene20714
September 27, 2024I got the Omron and thought the cuff size was ok. The problem is that it consistently returned readings well above various doctor’s offices, e.g., 140/80 vs. 110/62. Since I’m in very good physical shape, top 0.5% for my age as one doc put it, I tend to believe the latter figure.
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Jane19477
May 10, 2024How about "white coat syndrome"? I take my BP at home with a monitor I had checked with the doctor's. I am normal range at home but not at a medical facility. Surprisingly, at my dentist today, my BP was normal, but at my PCP's yesterday it was elevated.
LYNN19498
May 14, 2024This happens to me, too. Last few times, I ask for a 2nd reading after I had rested in the chair for 5 minutes. Then I was 116/65, similar to what I get at home. I brought my home cuff to doctor's office and used it after one of these 2nd (requested) readings. It gave a similar reading to the 2nd lower one as the office cuff.
DEBORAH20712
September 27, 2024I have the same problem. I now take my home unit with to my appointments to show my doctor the readings I get at home.
Terri20716
September 27, 2024Same happened to me.
Annmarie20719
September 27, 2024Maybe it's the way your PCP, or your dentist for that matter, is taking your BP. If they let the air out too slowly, it can change the readings. I find that I can't sleep before a doctor's appointment, and that really raises my BP.
Gary Soucie20735
September 29, 2024I have been around doctors much of my adult life. In undergrad school, I worked in the pathology report (even in the morgue) for two years. My first child had brain surgery at 11 months. 34 years ago, I was diagnosed with a rare, incurable, indolent lymphoma. The last 4 years before I retired, I was the editor of a peer review, clinical surgery journal. And I have quite a few comorbidities to go along with the lymphoma. Despite all that, three years ago (age 84) I was diagnosed with white coat syndrome!
Karen21874
February 04, 2025I take my BP at home right before I head to the doctor or dentist. I sit quietly for 5 minutes before taking it. I take a photo of my BP reading at home and show it when I get to the health care provider. It shows the time and date as well at the BP reading. My dentist uses that photo for my reading. My doctor takes it again there but it eases his mind to see what it is at home.
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Barbara5846
December 16, 2023anyone use a blood pressure monitor kit at home? what brand, and do you like it?
Marie5847
January 07, 2024I use an Omron Platinum BP5450, top choice of Consumer Reports. Their second choice is Omron Silver BP5250.
Sandra18992
March 19, 2024I use a Beurer BM55 upper arm cuff
I’ve had it almost 4 years and it’s still very accurate ( I take it with me to my physician and check it against theirs)
Linda19478
May 10, 2024We use the Greater Goods 0604 monitor. It's recommended by Wirecutter, is on the "U.S. Validated Device Listing" mentioned in the above article, and is close to the readings in the doctor's office.
Larry19494
May 13, 2024I use the Omron BP5450 with accurate results.
Annmarie20720
September 27, 2024I use LifeSource UA-767 Plus, but I think it's been discontinued. I've had a few other brands, and they've all been fine.
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DAVID5843
November 28, 2023My blood pressure used to be about 140/90. I decided to lose weight by improving my diet and doing more cardio (low intensity, not high). I lost 30 lbs (was 200, now 170). Blood pressure is now 110/60.
yalonda5845
November 30, 2023@David30350 Awesome job, keep up the good work
Jackelyne5844
December 12, 2023Love hearing this! Losing weight helps on so many levels! Great job!!
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micheline5834
August 13, 2023I just tried pomegranate for my receding gums and discovered it lowered blood pressure by 10 points! I take one capsule before bed now and my morning BP is normal.
Thank you for sharing this. As noted in the answer above the evidence for pomegranate for lowering blood pressure appears to be mixed.
Emilie19209
April 06, 2024Could you share what brand pomegranate product you were taking? Has it had any positive affect on your receding gums?
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Diane5822
July 31, 2020Michelin how much CBD do you take?
micheline5823
September 06, 2020I only take a dropful before bed, sometimes a second dose in the day if I am stress.
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Eugene5818
April 12, 2020I have been taking L-Carnitine 1000 -1500 mg daily, which have lowered systolic and diastolic readings by 15 -20 points. I have also added Berberine 1500 mg daily.
Barbara5820
August 18, 2023I found that my blood pressure only spikes when i get even a low grade infection like a light UTI that doesn’t cause much symptoms but is detected by a urine test. I believe a lot of people with BP problems may have an infection and are not aware of it and their doctors just prescribe medicine for the rest of their life all while they have festering infection. It would have happen to me but i said no and just take care of the infection and then I’m fine.
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Lloyd5804
April 11, 2020Im 85 male .. have high blood pressure for past 24 years that I know. maybe more. Doctors want to put me on prescription med. I said no. Tried it didnt like side effects. Ive tried a lot of things ie. olive oil, L arginine, flax seed, liquid coQ10, liquid Turmeric, cinnamon, curcumin, reservatrol, CBD, green tea, etc. Nothing works. I check it at home and doctors office. Any suggestions??
Rick5815
July 31, 2022Hi Lloyd,
I have also tried a number of natural remedies without success until I took L-Citrulline DL Malate 1:1 and grape seed extract. I first tool L-Citrulline for 6 months without taking Grape Seed Extract. The L-Citrulline really only lowered my diastolic number which prior to taking it ranged between 75 - 85 mmHg now is solidly in the 60's. I reduced the daily amount of L-Citrulline from 3000 mg to 2500mg and may reduce it more. However, L-Citrulline didn't really lower my systolic number, but it appears the grape seed extract is (200 mg daily), but I need more time. Prior to taking my home blood test measurements, I make sure my bladder is empty and I drank no water for at least 30 minutes. My feet must also be planted on the floor while I'm sitting down for 5 minutes. Once these conditions are met, I take my blood pressure a number of times. Also, and this is big, breathing through one's nose and exhaling through one's mouth makes a big difference, too. Prior to starting my grape seed extract, I'd take my pressure mouth breathing and then after breathing through my nose. Big difference, but that has to be learned. I still am unconsciously a mouth breather. Lastly, I have been taken Turmeric, CoQ10, fish oil, krill oil, Vitamin D3, K2, different forms of Magnesium etc. and none helped with my blood pressure, not even exercising. I bought these products from Bulk Supplements and have no financial interest in the company.
Rick5814
July 31, 2022lloyd,
I should have added that prior to my taking GSE, my systolic pressure was in the 130 - 140's. Now, it's in the low 120's and at time in the low teens. That's not to say it can't hit the 130's, but on average it's lower.
sami
November 04, 2022great post Rick
robert5817
May 05, 2023Meditation has worked for me with side effects (LOL) MBSR at Brown University. Our use YouTube.
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Glenn5803
February 05, 2020I think that it helps to try different supplements/foods (of the ones that CL has mentioned above as possibly helping lower BP), to find what's best for you personally. My husband tried using olive leaf extract, hibiscus tea and cinnamon at one time or another over the years, and none of those helped. What seems to have worked for him is olive oil. I make sure to give him at least 2 tablespoons of it with lunch and liberally use it in my cooking and to drizzle over certain foods; even cut fruit and yogurt tastes good with some olive oil in it. His blood pressure is now in the normal low end of the range.
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Maggie Ann
August 21, 2019My husband has been taking Hawthorne in place of Lisinopril for over 3 years with excellent results. I got the approval of his doctor before we made this change.
Hi Margaret - Thank you for sharing this.
Deborah5802
September 28, 2023Hi Margaret! Please share the brand of Hawthorne he takes.
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micheline5784
November 15, 2018I have been taking a small amount of CBD for anxiety (it works) and to my surprise it normalise my blood pressure from 145am/90pm to 127am/105pm. Amazing side effect,
no drug can do that.
Zion5785
November 24, 2019Thank you for your post. I am in a similar situation and I’m wondering what CBD brand you’re taking that helped you with your blood pressure?
Thank you
micheline5786
April 12, 2020Sorry, didn't see your post earlier. I buy from sunsoil.com recommended by a doctor and inexpensive.
Phil5794
November 25, 2019Hi Micheline:
I have not seen am & pm in blood pressure readings, but maybe that is my fault, not yours. Usually I see something like 120/80 mm Hg, with 120 the systolic reading & 80 the diastolic.
I also have blood pressure problems & I take CBD. I am curious that one number went down from 145 to 127, while the other number went up from 90 to 105.
I wish you continued success with CBD & your heart & your health!!
Phil
Patricia5795
February 27, 2020I believe the am referred to a systolic blood pressure reading taken in the morning, and pm the value for systolic pressure taken in the evening. No values were given for the diastolic pressure readings.
Patty5791
February 05, 2020which brand of cbd oil worked for you ? there are so many.....
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Patricia5781
August 26, 2018Having tried just about all the above suggestions - the ones I can pronounce and easily spell - over the past few decades, I was very happy to finally find what worked for me - big time. Vitamin C, when taken in large amounts dropped my blood pressure from 132/80 to 110/70 virtually overnight. Using 2500-5000 mg per day mixed into my drinking water kept my bp down, forgetting to mix and all it took was a couple of days for it to quickly return to 130/80. Note the decrease in the spread of 10 points, also a significant/healthy change.
Warning: Taking high amounts of C didn't change my number of daily BMs but it certainly changed the consistency, ie, bowel intolerance - get to know your number before getting too far from a toilet.
67 year old healthy, prescription free, and active male.
Hi Patricia - Thank you for sharing your experience with this. However, please be aware that this is a very large dose of vitamin C, which can have negative effects (see the "Concerns and Cautions" section of the Vitamin C Review: https://www.consumerlab.com/reviews/vitamin-c-supplement-review/vitaminc/#cautions). In clinical studies showing vitamin C lowered blood pressure, lower doses were used (see the "What It Does" section of the Vitamin C Review: https://www.consumerlab.com/reviews/vitamin-c-supplement-review/vitaminc/#bp).
Patricia5782
March 20, 2019Another 67 year old, active male, would like to ditto your comments. For the first time in decades my Bp is under 120/80, although it took weeks. I should also add that I started taking Magnesium supplements around the same time which erased what I thought was an irregular heart-beat, but now suspect heart spasms were causing the symptoms. Potassium supplements will soon be added to complete our daily electrolyte restoration. Do Docs even check electrolytes in senior patients - all that tea and coffee we consumed we replaced with water but obviously we were stripping away our electrolytes. With all the sugar in natural juices and being low calorie consumers over-all, we simply cannot keep enough electrolytes in our systems without supplementation.
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Patricia5779
August 26, 2018My personal experience with olive leaf is that it lowers blood pressure as stated in the article. Normally when I go in for a check-up, it's right around 120/80. Last summer at my regular check-up I had been taking olive leaf for a couple of weeks, and my blood pressure registered 101/58.
Like other supplements, the actual level olive leaf extract in the olive leaf capsule can be different from the percentage stated on the label. Good brands I have used are Olympian Labs and Natural Factors. Consumer Labs reviews would show others as well. Before using be aware olive leaf usually cleans out your digestive system the first couple of days of use.
John5780
December 16, 2020I tried olive leaf extract twice. Threw up the first time. Choked it up to a virus. Tried again week later and same results. Disappointed I could try it out.
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JNelly
November 26, 2017Rutin works. Lowered my BP by 7-10 points.
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joe5776
November 23, 2017HTN is poorly understood. HTN is just a symptom and there are many causes. Meaning specific supplements only work on specific causes. The real question is how do I identify what is causing my HTN so I can correct it?
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Trace5768
November 20, 2017Good morning, I would say you’re missing one of the most important supplements to take for high blood pressure. There are at least a dozen studies on Co Q10 lowering blood pressure. It’s very safe, very cheap nowadays, and very effective.
Hi Trace - We've now added information about CoQ10 in the answer above.
Helen5770
April 28, 2021Unfortunately CoQ10 is poorly absorbed, even when some brands put enhancers. MitoQ may be better, but it's hard to separate research from marketing.
Please see the "Absorption and Bioavailability Enhancers" section in our CoQ10 and Unbiquinol Review https://www.consumerlab.com/reviews/coq10-ubiquinol-supplements-review/coq10/#absorption for more information about improving absorption of CoQ10. The Review also includes information about the evidence for MitoQ https://www.consumerlab.com/reviews/coq10-ubiquinol-supplements-review/coq10/#mitoq.
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Richard A5765
November 19, 2017I read on WebMD
https://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-938-COENZYME%20Q-10.aspx?activeIngredientId=938&activeIngredientName=COENZYME%20Q-10
"For high blood pressure: 120-200 mg per day divided into 2 doses."
I would be very interested in your thoughts on this since I am taking 100 mg twice a day to help with my high blood pressure and offset any adverse effects of the low dose Lipitor (5 mg/day) I am also taking. Thank you. I consider Consumer Lab a reliable source of information on the web.
Thank you for your kind words, Richard. We've added information about CoQ10 to the answer above.
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Maggie Ann
November 19, 2017My husband was taking Lisinopril for BP issues, and we were uncomfortable with the potential side effects. After checking it with his doctor (GP) I discontinued it and put him on Hawthorne Extract - Total of 2500 mg. divided into the 3 meals. It took a few weeks to stabilize, but for over a year and half now his BP reading is usually around 128/62.
Hortensia5763
November 22, 2017Did he continue taking his blood pressure medication while taking the Hawthorn? I had read online from a pharmacist not to take at the same time. Just asking...
Maggie Ann
August 21, 2019No, it was a complete replacement.
joe5760
November 23, 2017What do you think was causing your husbands HTN ?
Was it reversed?
Why is hawthorne extract effective at lowering blood pressure?
Is it safer than ACE inhibitors?
Are there any risks?
Patricia5762
April 03, 2018With liquid Hawthorn, how many drops does 2,500 mg. come out to? My Nature's Answer liquid Hawthorn I've been taking is 2,000 mgs & I've been taking 24 drops 2-3 times a day.
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Mary5754
November 19, 2017I have read that olive leaf supplement can lower blood pressure. Is there any research done on that? Thanks.
Hi Mary - Thank you for your question. We've added information about olive leaf extract to the answer above.
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Geri5750
November 19, 2017How about hibiscus tea? I've read it can be helpful!
Heather5752
March 21, 2019Readers can go to People's Pharmacy website, enter hibiscus tea in the search box, and several articles will come up regarding use of this tea for high BP, including how to prepare it (flower to water ratio). I began fixing it for my husband just as his BP was beginning to increase, and a daily serving of it has kept his BP within normal range.
Gale5753
December 06, 2023I, too, make a daily teapot of deep red delicious Hibiscus Tea from organic dried blooms which I buy online in a large bag. I also grow hibiscus, and make tea using my fresh or dried blooms. Hibiscus tea is known for lowering BP.
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fred5747
June 05, 2016What about the use of natural reserpine that is found in the supplement Carditone?
It seems to work well for many people and used to be a prescription drug.
Hi Fred - Thank you for your question. We've now answered it here: https://www.consumerlab.com/answers/does-carditone-work-to-lower-blood-pressure/carditone-blood-pressure/
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Lina5745
June 01, 2016I was wondering what amounts to take the supplements. You do not mention how much to take to achieve the goal of reducing blood pressure.
Hi Lina - The links for each supplement in the answer above provide information about dosage.
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ron5740
March 03, 2016I did not find anything on celery seed. I heard that it has been very successful for lowering high blood pressure. Thank you.
Hi Ron - There is some preliminary evidence that celery seed extract may help to decrease elevated blood pressure; for example, it was found to lower blood pressure in rats with high blood pressure, but not in rats with normal blood pressure (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23735001).
We are aware of only one study in people, which was authored, in part, by employees of the companies which sell the exact used in the study (http://www.naturalmedicinejournal.com/journal/2013-04/pilot-study-evaluate-antihypertensive-effect-celery-extract-mild-moderate). This study found that 150 mg of celery seed extract standardized to contain 85% 3-n-butyl phthalide (3nB) taken daily decreased systolic blood pressure an average of 8.2 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure an average of 8.5 mmHg after six weeks. However, this study did not include a placebo, and so the significance of this is not clear.
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