6 Herbal Remedies for Blood Pressure That Could Actually Be Dangerous

“Natural” does not mean safe. That is one of the most important lessons in supplement safety, and it applies directly to blood pressure. Several herbal remedies are widely marketed for hypertension despite carrying real risks, from dangerous drug interactions to organ damage. Some can even raise blood pressure rather than lower it.

Here are 6 herbal remedies where the risks may outweigh the benefits.

1. Licorice Root: The Blood Pressure Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing

Licorice root is found in teas, supplements, and candies, and many people consume it without realizing it can significantly raise blood pressure. The active compound, glycyrrhizin, inhibits an enzyme called 11-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, which leads to increased cortisol activity in the kidneys. This causes sodium retention and potassium loss, both of which raise blood pressure. The FDA has warned that consuming just 2 ounces of black licorice daily for two weeks can cause heart rhythm problems in adults over 40. Case reports in medical literature describe severe hypertension, hypokalemia (dangerously low potassium), and even heart failure from licorice consumption. If you have high blood pressure or are taking blood pressure medication, avoid licorice root supplements entirely. Check herbal tea blends carefully, as licorice is a common ingredient.

Why it matters for your metabolic age: Licorice-induced sodium retention and potassium depletion can worsen both blood pressure and metabolic function, pushing your metabolic age in the wrong direction.

2. Ephedra (Ma Huang): Banned for Good Reason

Ephedra was once widely available in weight loss and energy supplements until the FDA banned it in 2004 after it was linked to heart attacks, strokes, and deaths. The active compounds, ephedrine and pseudoephedrine, are powerful sympathomimetics that constrict blood vessels and raise heart rate, causing significant blood pressure spikes. Despite the ban on ephedra-containing dietary supplements, products containing ephedra extract can still be found online and in some international markets. Some weight loss products use similar stimulant compounds under different names. If you are looking for natural blood pressure support, anything containing ephedra, ma huang, or related stimulants is the opposite of what you need. The FDA ban exists because people died.

3. St. John’s Wort: Dangerous Drug Interactions

St. John’s Wort is a popular herbal remedy for mild depression, but it is one of the most problematic supplements for drug interactions. It induces liver enzymes (particularly CYP3A4) that metabolize many medications, potentially reducing their effectiveness. For blood pressure patients, St. John’s Wort can reduce the effectiveness of calcium channel blockers like amlodipine, meaning your blood pressure medication may stop working properly. It also interacts with blood thinners, statins, and many other cardiovascular medications. A 2014 review in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology identified over 150 medications that interact with St. John’s Wort. If you take any prescription medication for blood pressure or heart health, adding St. John’s Wort without telling your doctor is genuinely dangerous.

Why it matters for your metabolic age: Uncontrolled blood pressure due to medication interactions accelerates metabolic aging and increases cardiovascular risk.

4. Yohimbe: A Stimulant Marketed as a Supplement

Yohimbe bark extract contains yohimbine, a compound primarily marketed for erectile dysfunction and weight loss. Yohimbine is an alpha-2 adrenergic antagonist that increases norepinephrine release, which raises blood pressure and heart rate. Studies have documented blood pressure increases of 10 to 15 mmHg after yohimbine consumption. The supplement has been linked to anxiety, panic attacks, rapid heartbeat, and in severe cases, hypertensive crisis. Despite these risks, yohimbe supplements are widely available without prescription. The amount of yohimbine in commercial supplements varies wildly and often does not match label claims, making dosing unpredictable and safety even more uncertain. If you have hypertension or any cardiovascular condition, yohimbe should be avoided.

5. Ginseng: More Complicated Than You Think

Ginseng is often promoted for energy, immune support, and general vitality. Its relationship with blood pressure is complicated and potentially dangerous. Panax ginseng (Asian ginseng) has been shown to raise blood pressure in some studies, particularly at higher doses. A Korean study found that ginseng increased systolic blood pressure by about 5 mmHg in hypertensive adults. The mechanism involves ginsenosides, which can have both vasodilating and vasoconstricting effects depending on the type and dose. American ginseng may behave differently than Asian ginseng, but the research is inconsistent. Ginseng also interacts with blood thinners like warfarin and can affect blood sugar levels, complicating management for people taking diabetes medications. The bottom line: if you have high blood pressure, ginseng is not the herb to experiment with.

Why it matters for your metabolic age: Ginseng’s effects on blood sugar and blood pressure mean it can affect two of the four MetaAge inputs, and not necessarily in the direction you want.

6. Goldenseal: Unproven and Potentially Harmful

Goldenseal is often combined with echinacea in cold and immune supplements. Some alternative health sources recommend it for blood pressure, but there is essentially no clinical trial evidence supporting this use. What we do know is concerning. Goldenseal contains berberine, which can interact with medications metabolized by CYP enzymes, and high doses have been linked to nausea, vomiting, and liver toxicity. The Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database rates goldenseal as “possibly unsafe” when used long-term or in high doses. Berberine itself has some interesting blood sugar research behind it, but goldenseal supplements are a crude way to get it, with variable berberine content and additional compounds that may cause problems. If you are interested in berberine, discuss standardized berberine supplements with your doctor rather than using goldenseal.

The Safest First Step: Know Your Numbers

Before reaching for any herbal remedy, know where you stand. Penlago’s MetaAge calculator takes your blood pressure, blood sugar, BMI, and age and gives you a clear metabolic age score. That gives you a baseline to make informed decisions about what interventions are worth pursuing, and which ones to skip.

Find out your metabolic age in 60 seconds - free.