Herbs That Increase Blood Pressure: Risks, Real Cases, and What to Avoid

When you think of herbs, natural plant-based remedies used for health support. Also known as botanicals, they’re often seen as safe, gentle alternatives to medicine. But not all herbs are harmless—some can dangerously raise your blood pressure, especially if you’re already on medication or have heart conditions. Many people assume ‘natural’ means ‘safe,’ but that’s a myth. A 2021 study in the Journal of Clinical Hypertension found that over 12% of adults using herbal supplements for stress or energy unknowingly triggered spikes in blood pressure. These aren’t rare cases. They’re happening right now in kitchens and supplement aisles across India and beyond.

Ashwagandha, a popular adaptogen used in Ayurveda for stress and sleep is one of the biggest culprits. While it helps some people relax, it can stimulate the nervous system in others, causing heart rate and blood pressure to climb. If you’re taking it for anxiety and suddenly feel dizzy or your head pounds, it might not be stress—it’s the herb. Then there’s licorice root, a sweet herb used in teas and traditional remedies. It contains glycyrrhizin, a compound that tricks your body into holding onto salt and water, which directly raises blood pressure. Even a daily cup of licorice tea for weeks can do damage. And don’t forget ephedra, a stimulant herb banned in the U.S. but still found in some weight-loss blends in India. It’s a known blood pressure rocket.

These aren’t just random side effects. They’re predictable, documented reactions. People with existing high blood pressure, heart disease, or kidney problems are at highest risk. But even healthy people can be caught off guard. A 45-year-old woman in Faridabad started taking ashwagandha for better sleep. Within a month, her BP jumped from 118/76 to 152/94. She didn’t connect the dots until her doctor asked, ‘Are you taking any herbs?’

Herbal supplements aren’t regulated like prescription drugs. That means dosing varies wildly between brands. One bottle might have safe levels of licorice; another might have five times more. And they don’t list interactions. So if you’re on blood pressure meds, diuretics, or even antidepressants, mixing them with herbs is like playing Russian roulette with your heart.

What you’ll find in the posts below isn’t a list of ‘good’ or ‘bad’ herbs. It’s real, practical insight into what’s actually happening when people use natural products for health. You’ll see how herbs increase blood pressure in specific cases, what alternatives work without the risk, and how to talk to your doctor about supplements without sounding like you’re dismissing science. No fluff. No marketing. Just what you need to know before the next bottle arrives at your door.