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High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)

Hypertension is sometimes very serious, since the risk of stroke, as well as heart and kidney problems, can increase if the blood pressure gets too high. Stressful episodes of nervousness or worry may raise the blood pressure temporarily, but long-term resting elevated blood pressure is more dangerous and should be monitored. A constitutional remedy chosen by an experienced prescriber is the most appropriate way to treat deep-seated, serious, or chronic conditions. Some remedies may be useful as first-aid in intense situations, but medical care should also be sought immediately. Remedies below have been helpful to some people with hypertension. They are mentioned here to introduce a few of the possibilities homeopathy can offer, and not as recommendations for self-treatment.

For dosage information, please read the information at the end of this section. See also “Using Homeopathy With Professional Guidance” in What Is Homeopathy?

Argentum nitricum: If blood pressure rises with anxiety and nervousness, this remedy may be indicated. “Stage fright” or anticipation of a stressful event can bring on dizziness, headache, diarrhea, and a pounding pulse. People who need this remedy are typically warm-blooded, imaginative, impulsive, claustrophobic, and have strong cravings for sweets and salt.

Aurum metallicum: This remedy is sometimes indicated for serious people, focused on career and accomplishment, with blood pressure problems related to stress. Worry, depression, or anger may occur, especially when these people feel they have made a mistake or failed in some way. A general tendency to feel worse at night, and a strong desire for alcohol, sweets, bread, and pastries are other indications for Aurum.

Belladonna: This remedy is indicated when symptoms come on suddenly, with great intensity and heat. The person’s face is flushed, with dilated pupils, and pulsations and throbbing may be felt in various parts of the body. Despite the general heat, the person’s hands and feet may be cold. Vertigo and pounding headaches, worse from jarring and worse from light, may also occur.

Calcarea carbonica: This remedy is often helpful to people with high blood pressure who easily tire and have poor stamina. They are typically responsible types, who feel overwhelmed when ill and fear a breakdown. Palpitations and breathing problems can be worse from walking up a slope or stairs, and also when lying down. A general chilliness with clammy hands and feet (the feet may heat up in bed at night) and sweat on the head during sleep are other indications. The person may have cravings for sweets and eggs, and tend toward weight problems.

Glonoinum: A flushed face with a pounding headache and visible throbbing in the blood vessels of the neck may indicate a need for this remedy. The chest can feel congested or hot, with a pounding or irregular heartbeat. The person is worse from moving around, after heat and sun exposure, and after drinking alcohol. A feeling of “being lost in a familiar place” is a strong indication for this remedy.

Lachesis: A person who needs this remedy typically is intense and talkative, with inner passion and agitation that need an outlet—a “pressure-cooker.” The person may have a strong fear of disease, and feelings of suspicion, revenge, or jealousy are common. The person may also have heart or artery problems, look flushed or purplish, and feel constriction in the chest, with pulsations in many areas. Feeling worse after taking a nap or on waking in the morning, and a strong intolerance of clothing around the neck (or any kind of restriction) are other indications for Lachesis.

Natrum muriaticum: A person who needs this remedy seems reserved and responsible, but may have very strong feelings (of grief, disappointment, anger, lingering grudges, a fear of misfortune) inside. Headaches and palpitations are common, as well as a feeling of tension (even coldness) in the chest. The person feels worse from being in the sun, worse around mid-morning, and better from being alone in a quiet place. A craving for salt and strong thirst can help to confirm the choice of this remedy.

Nux vomica: A person who needs this remedy is usually impatient and driven—easily frustrated, angered, and offended. A strong desire for coffee and other stimulants, sweets, strong foods, and alcohol or drugs may aggravate blood pressure problems. Palpitations, constricting feelings in the chest, constipation, and hemorrhoids are often seen. The person is typically sensitive to light, noise, odors, and interference.

Phosphorus: A person who needs this remedy usually is sensitive, suggestible, and sympathetic, with a tendency toward weakness, dizziness, a “spaced-out” feeling, and fearfulness. Nosebleeds, facial flushing, palpitations, and a feeling of heaviness or pain in the chest, and left-sided problems are often seen. A strong desire for cold drinks and refreshing things, and a marked improvement after eating and sleeping are other indications for Phosphorus.

Plumbum: This remedy is indicated for people with degenerative problems of the nerves and hardening of the arteries. Chest tightness and palpitations are often worse when lying on the left side. Contractures, paralysis, and nerve or muscle problems are also likely. The person may have a history of heavy drinking and “high living”—becoming apathetic or depressed when physical debility and memory problems develop.

Sanguinaria: A feeling that blood is rushing to the head, with flushed red cheeks and pulsing in the neck, may indicate this remedy. The person may have headaches or migraines (usually on the right and worse from light and noise). Right-sided neck and shoulder problems, allergies, heartburn, and digestive problems are often seen, and burning pains are typical. Symptoms are worse from motion, and relief may come from being in the dark and sleeping. A craving for spicy food, and a tendency to feel worse from eating sweets are other indications for Sanguinaria.

Homeopathy Dosage Directions Select the remedy that most closely matches the symptoms. In conditions where self-treatment is appropriate, unless otherwise directed by a physician, a lower potency (6X, 6C, 12X, 12C, 30X, or 30C) should be used. In addition, instructions for use are usually printed on the label. Many homeopathic physicians suggest that remedies be used as follows: Take one dose and wait for a response. If improvement is seen, continue to wait and let the remedy work. If improvement lags significantly or has clearly stopped, another dose may be taken. The frequency of dosage varies with the condition and the individual. Sometimes a dose may be required several times an hour; other times a dose may be indicated several times a day; and in some situations, one dose per day (or less) can be sufficient. If no response is seen within a reasonable amount of time, select a different remedy. For more information, including references, see What is Homeopathy? and Understanding Homeopathic Potencies. Copyright © 1999 Healthnotes, Inc. 1505 SE Gideon St., Suite 200, Portland, OR 97202 Authors of the best-selling book The Natural Pharmacy The information presented in Healthnotes Online is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over-the-counter medication is also available. Consult your physician, nutritionally oriented healthcare practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. © 2001 The Vitamin Shoppe  The products and the claims made about specific products on or through this site have not been evaluated by The Vitamin Shoppe or the United States Food and Drug Administration and are not approved to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease. The information provided on this site is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for advice from your physician or other health care professional or any information contained on or in any product label or packaging. You should not use the information on this site for diagnosis or treatment of any health problem or for prescription of any medication or other treatment. You should consult with a healthcare professional before starting any diet, exercise or supplementation program, before taking any medication, or if you have or suspect you might have a health problem. Please view our full Terms of Use Agreement for more information and the terms and conditions governing your use of this site.