Considering Taking Saw Palmetto for High Blood Pressure?
Although certain herbs like St. John’s wort may not be ideal for treating hypertension, some herbs like saw palmetto for high blood pressure may be an option for those interested in using 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 for herbal medicine. Although recommended and used primarily for its effectiveness in treating an enlarged prostate in men caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), saw palmetto for the treatment of high blood pressure is not entirely uncommon.
The reasons why this herb is used to treat high blood pressure, in some cases, is because it is a diuretic herb that contains active anti-androgenic properties that help reduce water retention and control high blood pressure. Diuretic herbs have a direct effect on the cells and tissues of the body. They increase blood flow to the kidneys, which in turn increases urination, allowing excess salt and toxins to be flushed out of the kidneys, helping to lower blood pressure overall.
Be aware, however, that like water pills (prescription diuretic medications), saw palmetto and other blood pressure-lowering diuretic herbs, such as ginger, are typically used to treat mild cases of high blood pressure. and are used in combination with dietary changes. exercise, and possibly with other high blood pressure medications to control high blood pressure.
Although you’ll need to make other lifestyle changes to help lower your blood pressure when taking saw palmetto for high blood pressure, you should be aware that some studies have found this herb to interact with certain antihypertensive medications, such as terazosin, which are used to treat high blood pressure.
Additionally, due to its possible hormonal active ingredients, saw palmetto may also alter the effects of hormone replacement therapy and hormonal birth control. So while 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 tablets, capsules, tea, and natural berries. You can find this herb at your local health store. Both men and women can take this herb, although because it has the potential to affect hormones, pregnant women should not take this medication. Saw palmetto should only be taken as directed on the package or as recommended by a qualified herbalist or health care provider.
You should also be aware that while 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 headaches, abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, decreased libido, impotence, and urinary retention. Therefore, always be sure to speak with your health care provider before using any herb or other form of high blood pressure treatment.