Low Blood Pressure
My mother has low blood pressure and tends to get giddy when standing up or turning suddenly. What causes this and are there any foods or supplements that could help?
Siberian ginseng is one of the adaptogenic herbs which help normalise the body's various systems including blood pressure. The best way to benefit, according to patient trials, is to take a therapeutic daily dose for two months, take a break of two or three weeks and then start again. This is known as a multiple treatment regimen.
Siberian ginseng also has an oestrogenic effect in the body which means women with hormone-sensitive conditions such as breast or ovarian cancers, endometriosis and fibroids and anyone taking HRT should not use it. You should also avoid coffee, alcohol and spicy foods if you plan to take it since all three increase the risk of side-effects.
The daily dose you need is 2,500mg. The brand which will provide this dosage per capsule is Health Aid which costs £12.99 for 30 capsules (mail order from Victoria Health on 0800-413596). Do not confuse Siberian ginseng with the more expensive energy-boosting American or Panax ginseng and do not use this herb without medical supervision if you are diabetic.
Silica is another useful remedy for this condition since it can help support blood vessels that have lost their elasticity. Use Kordels Silica (£13.95 for 90 capsules) and mail order from Victoria Health as before.