Low Blood Pressure: Causes, Medicinal Herbs and Herbal Preparations

Low blood pressure, also known as hypotension, is a condition where the blood pressure is lower than the normal range, typically below 90/60 mmHg.

It can be caused by factors such as dehydration, certain medications, hormonal imbalances, and underlying medical conditions like anemia, heart problems, or autonomic nervous system disorders. If left untreated, low blood pressure can lead to dizziness, fainting, and even organ damage. To alleviate this condition, herbal remedies like ginseng, ashwagandha, and ginger can be used to stimulate circulation and boost energy levels.

However, it's essential to consult a healthcare professional before using medicinal herbs, as they may interact with medications or exacerbate underlying conditions.

This article explains in detail what are the causes of low blood pressure, what medicinal herbs to use to relieve this problem and how to prepare these herbs to get the best results.

What are the main causes of low blood pressure?

The main causes of low blood pressure are multifaceted, involving a combination of factors such as dehydration, particularly in older adults or individuals with underlying medical conditions, which can lead to a decrease in blood volume and subsequently blood pressure.

Additionally, medications like diuretics, beta blockers, and certain antidepressants can cause a drop in blood pressure. Other causes include hormonal imbalances, such as adrenal insufficiency or hypothyroidism, and nutritional deficiencies, particularly a lack of vitamin B12 or iron. Furthermore, certain medical conditions like autonomic nervous system disorders, heart problems, and blood vessel abnormalities can also contribute to low blood pressure.

In some cases, low blood pressure can be a sign of an underlying medical condition, such as pheochromocytoma or aortic stenosis, which requires prompt medical attention.

• Dehydration: Dehydration is a common cause of low blood pressure because the body loses more fluids than it takes in, leading to a decrease in blood volume and a subsequent drop in blood pressure.
• Diuretics: Diuretics are medications that increase urine production, leading to a loss of fluids and electrolytes, which can cause a decrease in blood volume and blood pressure.
• Hormonal Imbalance: Hormonal imbalances, particularly a decrease in the production of aldosterone and renin, can lead to low blood pressure because these hormones play a crucial role in regulating blood volume and blood pressure.
• Medications: Certain medications, such as beta blockers, ACE inhibitors, and some antidepressants, can cause low blood pressure by either reducing the heart rate or dilating blood vessels.
• Anemia: Anemia, a condition characterized by a decrease in red blood cells or hemoglobin, can lead to low blood pressure because red blood cells carry oxygen to the body's tissues, and a decrease in their number or function can reduce blood pressure.
• Heart Problems: Heart problems, such as heart failure or a heart attack, can lead to low blood pressure because the heart is unable to pump enough blood to meet the body's needs, leading to a decrease in blood pressure.
• Nerve Damage: Nerve damage, particularly to the nerves that regulate the heart and blood vessels, can lead to low blood pressure because the body's ability to regulate blood pressure is impaired.
• Infections: Infections, such as sepsis or endocarditis, can lead to low blood pressure because the body's inflammatory response can cause blood vessels to dilate and reduce blood pressure.
• Nutritional Deficiencies: Nutritional deficiencies, particularly a lack of vitamin B12 or iron, can lead to low blood pressure because these nutrients play a crucial role in the production of red blood cells and the regulation of blood pressure.
• Sleep Disorders: Sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea, can lead to low blood pressure because the body's ability to regulate blood pressure is impaired during periods of poor sleep.

What are the primary medicinal plants used for low blood pressure?

The main medicinal herbs used for low blood pressure are Ginkgo biloba, Panax ginseng, Astragalus membranaceus, Panax quinquefolius, Withania somnifera, Zingiber officinale, Schisandra chinensis, Rauvolfia serpentina, Glycyrrhiza glabra, and Angelica sinensis.

Ginkgo biloba increases blood pressure by improving cardiovascular function and preventing platelet aggregation. Panax ginseng enhances blood pressure through its ability to increase the release of norepinephrine, a neurotransmitter that stimulates the heart. Astragalus membranaceus, Panax quinquefolius, and Withania somnifera have adaptogenic properties, allowing them to help regulate blood pressure in response to stress.

Rauvolfia serpentina, Zingiber officinale, Schisandra chinensis, and Glycyrrhiza glabra also support blood pressure by enhancing cardiovascular function, reducing inflammation, and modulating the autonomic nervous system, while Angelica sinensis helps to regulate blood pressure through its ability to improve circulation and reduce oxidative stress.

• Ginkgo biloba: Ginkgo biloba helps with low blood pressure due to its flavonoids and terpenoids, which improve blood vessel function and increase nitric oxide levels, resulting in vasodilation and increased blood pressure.
• Panax ginseng: Panax ginseng helps with low blood pressure by stimulating the release of catecholamines, such as epinephrine and norepinephrine, which increase heart rate and cardiac output, thereby increasing blood pressure.
• Astragalus membranaceus: Astragalus membranaceus helps with low blood pressure by improving cardiovascular function and reducing systemic vascular resistance, which increases blood pressure through the inhibition of nitric oxide synthase and the enhancement of endothelin-1 levels.
• Panax quinquefolius: Panax quinquefolius helps with low blood pressure by stimulating the release of catecholamines, such as epinephrine and norepinephrine, which increase heart rate and cardiac output, thereby increasing blood pressure.
• Withania somnifera: Withania somnifera helps with low blood pressure by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation, which improves cardiovascular function and reduces systemic vascular resistance, thereby increasing blood pressure.
• Zingiber officinale: Zingiber officinale helps with low blood pressure by reducing inflammation and improving cardiovascular function, which increases blood pressure through the inhibition of nitric oxide synthase and the enhancement of endothelin-1 levels.
• Schisandra chinensis: Schisandra chinensis helps with low blood pressure by improving cardiovascular function and reducing systemic vascular resistance, which increases blood pressure through the inhibition of nitric oxide synthase and the enhancement of endothelin-1 levels.
• Rauvolfia serpentina: Rauvolfia serpentina helps with low blood pressure by inhibiting the reuptake of catecholamines, such as epinephrine and norepinephrine, which increases heart rate and cardiac output, thereby increasing blood pressure.
• Glycyrrhiza glabra: Glycyrrhiza glabra helps with low blood pressure by reducing inflammation and improving cardiovascular function, which increases blood pressure through the inhibition of nitric oxide synthase and the enhancement of endothelin-1 levels.
• Angelica sinensis: Angelica sinensis helps with low blood pressure by improving cardiovascular function and reducing systemic vascular resistance, which increases blood pressure through the inhibition of nitric oxide synthase and the enhancement of endothelin-1 levels.

What are the main herbal preparations used for low blood pressure?

The main herbal preparations used for low blood pressure are Decoction, Tincture, Capsule, Cream, Suppository, Powder, Ointment, Elixir, Ghee, Salve.

Decoction of herbs like Ginseng, Ashwagandha, and Licorice root helps to improve circulation and blood pressure due to their adaptogenic properties, which help the body adapt to stress and promote overall balance. Tincture of herbs like Ginger and Cinnamon can be taken sublingually to increase circulation and warm the body. Capsules of herbs like Hawthorn and Garlic can be consumed to improve heart function and circulation, while Creams and Ointments of herbs like Ginger and Turmeric can be applied topically to increase blood flow to the skin.

Suppositories, Powders, Elixirs, and Ghee of herbs like Ginseng and Ashwagandha can also be used to increase circulation and blood pressure, while Salves of herbs like St. John's Wort can be applied topically to improve circulation and reduce inflammation.

• Decoction: A decoction of the roots of Panax ginseng, a plant with adaptogenic properties, helps with low blood pressure by increasing blood flow and improving cardiovascular function.
• Tincture: A tincture of the leaves of Coleus forskohlii, which contains forskolin, a compound that stimulates the heart and increases blood pressure.
• Capsule: A capsule containing the powdered roots of Withania somnifera, an adaptogenic herb, helps with low blood pressure by increasing blood flow and improving cardiovascular function.
• Cream: A cream infused with the aerial parts of Ginkgo biloba, a plant with antioxidant properties, helps with low blood pressure by improving blood vessel function and increasing blood flow.
• Suppository: A suppository made from the roots of Eleutherococcus senticosus, a plant with adaptogenic properties, helps with low blood pressure by increasing blood flow and improving cardiovascular function.
• Powder: A powder made from the roots of Ashwagandha, Withania somnifera, an adaptogenic herb, helps with low blood pressure by increasing blood flow and improving cardiovascular function.
• Ointment: An ointment infused with the aerial parts of Hawthorn, Crataegus monogyna, a plant with antioxidant properties, helps with low blood pressure by improving blood vessel function and increasing blood flow.
• Elixir: An elixir made from the roots of Ginseng, Panax ginseng, a plant with adaptogenic properties, helps with low blood pressure by increasing blood flow and improving cardiovascular function.
• Ghee: Ghee infused with the aerial parts of Bala, Sida cordifolia, a plant with adaptogenic properties, helps with low blood pressure by increasing blood flow and improving cardiovascular function.
• Salve: A salve made from the roots of Kola, Cola nitida, a plant with stimulant properties, helps with low blood pressure by increasing heart rate and blood pressure.