IS GOLDENSEAL A CURE FOR HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE?

Back in 2001 I decided to return to school to get my Masters Degree in Mass Communications. Following the school's protocol, I paid a visit to the university's health clinic to get examined by the physician there. To my dismay, he informed me that I had HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE (OUCH!!!)!!! My rate was 150/86. And of course he ran the proverbial line down, "You know high blood pressure is the leading cause of death among young Black males." Then he capped it with, "Come back in two weeks. If it's still high, I will have to prescribe some pills for you." I arrived back at the clinic two weeks later for my second examination. Now, mind you, my home was about a couple of miles away from the doctor's office. Since, I was walking, my blood pressure was bound to be higher than normal. I tried to explain this to the doctor and the nurse who took my blood pressure; however, they insisted that I was in dire need of high blood pressure medication (DRUGS!!!)!!! Now don't get me wrong, there may come a time when drugs are necessary in cases of emergency; but even then I prefer the Homeopathic type (NO SIDE EFFECTS). I remember the doctor telling me sternly, "You're gonna be on this medication A LONG TIME." After he presented me with the prescription, I walked out of the clinic thinking, "I ain't gonna be on this drug NO TIME." You must realize that I have much contempt for the pharmaceutical industry and any industry or corporation that places profit before people. And that represents about what ... 80 percent? Anyway, the VOICE OF GOD THE FATHER told me to "EXERCISE and take GOLDENSEAL." That sounded good to me, so I had no problem obeying His voice. I proceeded to buy a bottle of about 90 goldenseal capsules at 600 mg each. I also started jogging and walking around the university's old football field. I began testing my blood pressure at home right away. Immediately, my blood pressure registered 130/80. At one time it got as low as 117/69. In the years since, I have been tested by various doctors with the highest peak of my pressure registering at 132/84. The doctor even tried to frighten me with THAT number. Normally my pressure is just under 120/80. I found out recently that one's appropriate pressure is based on such variables as age, body type, blood type, and level of athletic activity. Therefore, I suggest that everyone finds a GOOD NATUROPATHIC PHYSICIAN and NUTRITIONIST to keep you abreast of the 411 concerning YOU.

I know that much information released concerning goldenseal warns against its use if you do have high blood pressure, insisting that it may exacerbate the problem. However, according to the website Herbal Extracts Plus (www.herbalextractsplus.com), goldenseal has been known to lower blood pressure in laboratory tests. This conflict in perspectives is probably due to the anti-inflammatory alkaloids hydrastine and berberine that are contained in goldenseal. Juniper and Sage (www.juniperandsage.com) points out that HYDRASTINE RAISES BLOOD PRESSURE while BERBERINE LOWERS BLOOD PRESSURE. From my perspective, this represents BALANCE; for blood pressure can also be TOO LOW. And BALANCE is ALWAYS GOOD.

From the website www.herbalextractsplus.com/high-blood-pressure.cfm, the following herbs, including goldenseal, are useful in lowering high blood pressure:

1. Hawthorne Leaf
2. Olive Leaf
3. Garlic
4. Cayenne
5. Passion Flower
6. Celery Seed
7. Ginger Root
8. Korean Ginseng
9. Skull Cap
10. Parsley Leaf
11. Maitake Mushroom
12. Goldenseal Root
13. Valerian Root
14. Kelp

Well, I'm certain that I have solved my high blood pressure problem forever. And I'm not a SLAVE to some EXPENSIVE DRUG FOREVER. I hope that if you or anyone you know has high blood pressure, just remember that all ills and diseases have a CAUSE. And EVERY CAUSE has a CURE.