Understanding What Supplement Raises Your Blood Pressure and Why

October 6, 2025 •

5 min read

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly half of all U.S. adults have high blood pressure, and many may not be aware of it. For those managing hypertension, it is critical to know what supplement raises your blood pressure and could pose a risk, as some seemingly innocuous products can have dangerous cardiovascular side effects.

Quick Summary

This article explores various dietary and herbal supplements known to increase blood pressure, including stimulants like caffeine, bitter orange, and yohimbe. It details how certain substances can interfere with medication or affect cardiovascular health. The content provides a comprehensive overview of potential risks associated with unregulated products and offers guidance on managing diet safely.

Key Points

Avoid Herbal Stimulants: Supplements containing bitter orange, guarana, and yohimbe act as stimulants that can dangerously raise blood pressure and heart rate.
Beware of Licorice Root: The glycyrrhizic acid in licorice can cause sodium retention and potassium loss, leading to increased blood pressure even in small, regular doses.
Exercise Caution with Ginseng: The effects of Asian ginseng on blood pressure are inconsistent and unpredictable; its use should be medically supervised, especially for those with hypertension.
Check for Drug Interactions: Supplements like St. John's Wort and high-dose potassium can interact negatively with blood pressure medications, reducing their effectiveness or causing adverse effects.
Prioritize Third-Party Verification: Due to a lack of strict FDA oversight, look for independent seals (USP, NSF) to ensure supplement quality and confirm ingredients.
Consult a Professional: Always talk to your doctor or a registered dietitian before starting any new supplement, particularly if you have hypertension or are on medication.

Supplements with High Blood Pressure Risks

While many people turn to dietary supplements for health benefits, it's crucial to understand that "natural" doesn't always mean safe. Unlike pharmaceuticals, supplements are not regulated by the FDA in the same stringent way, leading to inconsistencies in product quality and potential for undeclared ingredients. For individuals with or at risk for hypertension, several common supplements should be approached with extreme caution or avoided entirely.

Herbal Stimulants

Many herbs act as stimulants on the central nervous system, which can elevate blood pressure and heart rate. These are often marketed for weight loss, energy, or athletic performance, but their cardiovascular effects can be severe.

Bitter Orange (Citrus aurantium): This fruit contains synephrine, a compound that acts as a stimulant similar to ephedrine (a substance banned by the FDA for its health risks). Prolonged use of bitter orange has been shown to raise systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and its use has been linked to heart attack and stroke.
Yohimbe: Sourced from the bark of an African tree, yohimbe (or its active compound yohimbine) is a stimulant marketed for sexual health and weight loss. It raises blood pressure and heart rate by increasing the levels of norepinephrine, a hormone that constricts blood vessels. Given its association with serious side effects, including heart attacks, many experts advise avoiding it entirely.
Guarana: This seed contains a potent form of caffeine, with some varieties having four times the amount found in a coffee bean. Often found in energy drinks and other supplements, excessive intake of guarana can cause temporary spikes in blood pressure and heart rate, as well as lead to heart rhythm disturbances.

Licorice Root

Licorice root, especially when consumed in large amounts or over a long period, is a well-documented cause of high blood pressure. The active component, glycyrrhizic acid, can cause the body to retain sodium and lose potassium. This imbalance, also known as pseudohyperaldosteronism, increases fluid volume and puts significant strain on the cardiovascular system. Recent studies suggest that even relatively low daily intake of glycyrrhizic acid can measurably increase blood pressure in healthy individuals, warranting greater caution in those with hypertension.

Ginseng: A Controversial Case

Ginseng’s effect on blood pressure is complex and often contradictory in studies. Some research has suggested that certain types of ginseng, like American ginseng, may have a neutral or even blood pressure-lowering effect. However, other studies, particularly those involving Asian (Panax) ginseng, have observed an increase in blood pressure. The National Capital Poison Center and Mount Sinai Hospital both advise that Asian ginseng can cause blood pressure changes and should not be used by those with hypertension without a doctor's supervision. This variability highlights the lack of consensus and the risk of taking ginseng without medical advice, especially since many supplements lack standardized dosages and ingredient profiles.

Interactions with Medications

Beyond directly raising blood pressure, some supplements can interact dangerously with prescription medications, making them less effective or increasing the risk of adverse effects.

St. John's Wort: This herbal supplement, commonly used for mood disorders, can interfere with a wide range of medications, including certain blood pressure drugs. Combining it with some antidepressants, for instance, can lead to a life-threatening condition called serotonin syndrome, which is characterized by a rapid heart rate and dangerously high blood pressure.
High-Dose Potassium: While dietary potassium is beneficial for blood pressure, potassium supplements can be risky for those taking certain blood pressure medications, such as ACE inhibitors. This combination can lead to hyperkalemia (excess potassium), which can cause irregular heart rhythms.

Choosing Safe Supplements: Importance of Independent Verification

Because the supplement industry is less regulated than the pharmaceutical industry, the quality and safety of products can vary widely. To protect your health, especially if you have existing conditions like hypertension, you should follow these guidelines:

Prioritize Independent Testing: Look for a seal of approval from third-party certifiers like NSF International, U.S. Pharmacopeia (USP), or ConsumerLab.com. This indicates that the product has been tested to ensure it contains the ingredients and dosages listed on the label and is free of harmful contaminants.
Read Labels Carefully: Scrutinize the Supplement Facts panel and ingredient list for potentially harmful substances. Be wary of proprietary blends that do not disclose the exact amount of each component.
Consult a Professional: Always talk to your healthcare provider or a registered dietitian before starting any new supplement. They can help determine if it's safe for you based on your current health status and any medications you are taking.

Comparison: Supplements that Raise vs. May Lower Blood Pressure


Feature	Supplements that Can Raise Blood Pressure	Supplements that May Lower Blood Pressure (with medical guidance)
Examples	Bitter Orange, Yohimbe, Licorice Root, Guarana, Asian Ginseng, High-Dose Potassium	Omega-3 Fatty Acids, Coenzyme Q10, Magnesium, Potassium (dietary), Garlic
Mechanism	Stimulates central nervous system, causes sodium retention, constricts blood vessels, or interacts negatively with medication	Increases nitric oxide production (vasodilation), supports relaxation of blood vessel walls, balances fluid levels
Key Risks	Cardiovascular events (heart attack, stroke), hypertension, irregular heart rhythms, dangerous drug interactions	Side effects at high doses, risk of bleeding with blood thinners, interactions with certain meds, inconsistent research
Safety Guidance	Avoid entirely or use with extreme caution and medical supervision	Consider as an adjunct to diet and exercise after consulting a clinician; prioritize food sources

Conclusion: Navigating Supplements with Caution

For those seeking to manage their blood pressure through nutritional means, a foundational diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains is the safest and most effective approach, such as the DASH eating plan. Supplements should never replace a healthy diet and lifestyle, and some can actively work against your health goals. Stimulants like bitter orange, yohimbe, and guarana, as well as licorice root, carry clear risks for raising blood pressure. Even supplements like ginseng and St. John's Wort require careful consideration due to variable effects and potential drug interactions. By focusing on independent, third-party tested products and consulting with a healthcare provider, you can safely navigate the supplement market and avoid those that could secretly be harming your cardiovascular health. A proactive, informed approach to nutrition is the best defense against unintentional harm from dietary aids.

For more comprehensive information on dietary recommendations for hypertension, consult resources like the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.(https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/high-blood-pressure/dash-eating-plan)

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, caffeine in supplements, energy drinks, and other products can cause a temporary spike in blood pressure, especially in individuals who do not consume it regularly. Some herbal supplements, like guarana, contain very high concentrations of caffeine.

Licorice root contains glycyrrhizic acid, which can cause sodium retention and the loss of potassium in the body. This fluid and electrolyte imbalance can significantly raise blood pressure, a condition known as pseudohyperaldosteronism.

Ginseng's effects on blood pressure are inconsistent and can vary depending on the type and dose. Asian ginseng has been linked to increased blood pressure, while other forms have shown variable results. It is best to use ginseng with medical supervision if you have hypertension.

Bitter orange contains synephrine, a stimulant that can increase heart rate and blood pressure. Its use has been associated with more serious cardiovascular complications, such as heart attack and stroke, and is not recommended for those with high blood pressure.

Always discuss new supplements with a healthcare provider, especially if you have high blood pressure or take medication. Look for products with independent, third-party verification from organizations like USP or NSF, which test for contaminants and ingredient accuracy.

While general multivitamins are not typically a concern for blood pressure, high doses of certain vitamins, like vitamin E, have shown conflicting results in studies. The most significant risks come from specific herbal and stimulant supplements, not standard multivitamin formulas.

The safest and most effective way is through a healthy diet rich in potassium, magnesium, and other heart-healthy nutrients, such as the DASH diet. Getting these nutrients from whole foods rather than supplements is generally recommended, as it carries fewer risks.