How to Use Cat's Claw to Lower Blood Pressure

Cat's claw, an herbal remedy used for thousands of years to treat a variety of ailments, may be useful in treating high blood pressure. You can use cat's claw to relax the smooth muscle found in your body's arteries and veins, which can promote proper blood flow.

Things You'll Need

• Cat's claw
• Alternative medicine specialist
• Physician

Show More

Instructions

Understand How Cat's Claw Works to Lower Blood Pressure

• 1

  Help your body produce more of the essential amino acids, brain chemicals and enzymes that promote proper arterial function. Cat's claw extract may give production of these essential chemicals a natural boost.

• 2

  Stabilize your blood pressure with help from the phytochemicals in cat's claw extract. While scientific evidence is inconclusive, cat's claw may regulate your heartbeat and promote healthy blood pressure.

• 3

  Use cat's claw to give your immune system a burst of strength. A healthy immune system is thought to help lower blood pressure, even when you're not fighting off other maladies and illnesses. Cat's claw may foster production of vital white blood cells.

Lower Your Blood Pressure With Cat's Claw

• 4

  Make an appointment to talk to your physician before you begin to use cat's claw. Cat's claw may be effective when used in combination with other hypertension medicines, but it can also inhibit their effectiveness. Your doctor can give you specific advice if you're taking other medications to lower your blood pressure.

• 5

  Ensure that the cat's claw you buy contains the active ingredients that help lower blood pressure. You'll need the advice of an herbal remedy expert to read the label properly. Avoid buying cat's claw from Internet retailers until you know the exact proportions of the active ingredients you require.

• 6

  Expect relatively few side effects. Some patients report dizziness, nausea and bowel movement irregularities when using cat's claw. If any of these side effects persist or seem unusually severe, consult your doctor or discontinue use. Also, be aware that skin irritations, such as rashes or itching, can be a sign that you're having an allergic reaction to cat's claw, and you should cease its use at once.

• 7

  Have your blood pressure monitored regularly by your doctor. If cat's claw is not having the desired effect, consider using medicinal treatments as recommended by your physician.