Home > Ginseng and High Blood Pressure Ginseng and High Blood Pressure
By Kristi Patrice Carter
In the past few years, the popularity of Ginseng has risen significantly. Ginseng was previously unknown in the Western world, but it has been used in Eastern medicine for several centuries in order to cure a variety of ailments. Now Ginseng is a popular supplement, is available in some grocery stores as a root, and is a common ingredient in tea.
As the popularity of Ginseng increases, Western medicine is beginning to recognize the relationship between Ginseng and high blood pressure. However, not all Ginseng is created equal. If you have high blood pressure or Hypertension, you should avoid Chinese ginseng because it stimulates the adrenals and can elevate blood pressure even more. If you begin a Ginseng regimen, it is best to stick to Siberian Ginseng.
There are very few comprehensive studies on the benefits of Ginseng on high blood pressure, and many of those studies contradict each other. In cases where people have low blood pressure, Ginseng as been proven to elevate their low blood pressure to normal levels. Some studies have even expressed the concern that Ginseng may elevate high blood pressure to dangerous levels. Those studies, however, are not proven to be true.
Ginseng has been proven to relieve stress. This can also help lower blood pressure levels. When you are stressed, your body releases stress hormones. These hormones have been linked to high blood pressure, and by avoiding the release of these stress hormones, patients can avoid high blood pressure.
There are a wide variety of Ginseng supplements on the market. In fact, you can walk into any pharmacy or health food store and find the ginseng supplement that is best for you.
You can also choose to brew a delicious tea from ginseng root. Ginseng root is becoming widely available and is not expensive. In order to make a tea from Ginseng, all you have to do is cut several slices from the root and steep it in hot water for five minutes. If Ginseng root is hard to find, you can also make a tea using a ginseng extract found at your local health food store.
If you are pregnant, you should discuss taking ginseng with your doctor before you begin a Ginseng regimen as studies do not conclusively indicate how ginseng impacts a baby growing in the uterus. People who are taking prescribed medication for high blood pressure should also consult their doctor before taking Ginseng regularly. Ginseng may counteract the prescribed medication, and it is best to talk to a doctor about how Ginseng will react with blood pressure medication or any other medication you may be prescribed.
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