The following protocol is intended only as a guide. Farmacopia recommends only those nutrients and herbs that have shown positive results in scientific studies or have a long tradition of effectiveness. Each individual is unique, as is the most appropriate combination of products for that individual. We are committed to helping you find the most effective products. These are not FDA approved substances and are not intended to cure or mitigate any diagnosed disease. Physician supervision is advised.

High blood pressure is mainly essential in type, of unknown cause, rather than secondary to another disorder. 20% of white adults and 30% of black adults suffer from the disorder, which is impacted negatively by smoking, diabetes mellitus, elevated cholesterol levels and obesity. The high sodium/potassium ratio, fiber deficiency and excess sugar in our diets contributes to its development. In addition to careful medical attention and the use of medications as indicated certain nutrients and herbs can be helpful in maintaining blood pressure health.

VERY HELPFUL

• CALCIUM - 1,000mg/day, perhaps via increased urinary sodium excretion
• CO-ENZYME Q10 - at 50 to 150mg/day lowers blood pressure in hypertensive individuals. It is deficient in 39% oh hypertensives. Although its' mechanism of action in hypertension is unknown, several actions including the reduction of cholesterol and stabilizing vascular membranes secondary to its' anti-oxidant properties may play a role. It is known to have a positive effect on heart muscle contraction(inotropic effect).
• POTASSIUM at 2.5-5 gm/day decreases blood pressure, possibly via an induced reduction in renin and aldosterone.
• MAGNESIUM - 12mg/2.2-lb body weight. Magnesium is a potent vasodilator via its ability to displace calcium at smooth muscle surfaces, and its interference with the metabolism of acetylcholine at the myoneural junction. Potassium at 2.5-5 gm/day decreases blood pressure, possibly via an induced reduction in renin and aldosterone. Taurine at 6gm/day and L-tryptophan may reduce BP. essential fatty acids, such as occurs in flaxseed oil taken as 1 tablespoon/day, reduce blood pressure.
• HAWTHORNE(CRATAEGUS OXYCANTHUS) The dosage of the standardized (20% procyanidins) extract is 100-250mg/day. Its' antihypertensive effect occurs through multiple pharmacologic actions including the dilation of coronary arteries, inhibition of angiotensin-converting enzyme, an improvement in myocardial metabolism and a mild diuretic action.

HELPFUL

• GARLIC with a total allicin potential of 4mg/day. The mode of action appears to relate to its sulfur content and lipid lowering ability.
• COLEUS - Has numerous pharmacologic effects which includes relaxation of arteriolar tone
• Other blood pressure lowering herbs include Ginkgo, Bilberry, Linden, Yarrow, Motherwort, Corydalis ambigua, Panax notoginseng Red Root Sage, and Coleus. Yucca is reported anecdotally to reduce blood pressure.
• Vitamin A, C and D supplemenetation may lower blood pressure.
• Taurine and essential fatty acid supplementation may lower blood pressure

FARMACOPIA'S RECOMMENDED INITIAL PROTOCOL; the Tyler product HTN Complex contains the majority of important anti-oxidant herbs and nutrients. Another approach would be the initial use of magnesium, Hawthorn and flaxseed oil.