Solve Low Blood Pressure Naturally
Low blood pressure can be problematic when accompanied by dizziness or fainting, but most medical treatments, scientific literature and health warnings concentrate on high blood pressure symptoms and pathology.
There are many natural approaches, including herbs, acupuncture, homeopathy, stress management and simple food strategies which can support healthy blood pressure.
Liquorice
Liquorice can raise blood pressure and some people find that simply having liquorice tea might do this, although the herbal tincture is much more effective. As most people avoid the blood pressure raising properties of liquorice, many products are ‘deglycyrrhizinated’ (labelled DGL), so ask for a preparation which still contains the active ingredient glycyrrhizin. The Herbal pharmacopoeia includes herbs which are called “adaptogens”. This means they help regulate functions (so certain herbs could support healthy blood pressure outcomes whether the individual has low or high readings to start with). The services of a medical herbalist or naturopath would help you choose the appropriate product and dose.
Crataegeus
Crataegeus is a homeopathic heart support remedy. It may be helpful after meals to ward off sudden spells of low blood pressure; look for 12C potency in your independent health food shop or ask at your local homeopathic pharmacy for more information, an individualised prescription and dosage guidance.
Hyradation
Keeping meals smaller and more frequent and sipping appropriate amounts of pure, filtered water throughout the day can also be helpful. Dehydration can cause hypotension. Stick to non-alcoholic drinks as alcohol can trigger lowered blood pressure in some people. Avoid processed foods and include plenty of fresh vegetables in your diet which contain high amounts of bioavailable electrolytes (calcium, magnesium, sodium and potassium), which are very helpful at normalising cell fluid regulation.
Salt
When salting food, Himalayan salt or unprocessed grey salt is preferable, but best to not overdo it and only salt to taste. Be mindful of certain vegetables such as celery which are naturally high in salt (which you can use to flavour soups, stews and salads, especially if you are on a sodium-controlled diet).
Stress can be as much a reason behind low blood pressure as it can behind high. Gentle breathing exercises, stretching, a good walk in nature 3-4 times a week; all these can go a long way towards keeping your circulation active and your blood pressure healthy.
If you are on any medication, it is very important to check the potential adverse effects of that medication and talk to your GP about your symptoms as some medications can cause low blood pressure.
Written by CNM Naturopath, Elle Fox
