Wondering if CBD can help reduce your blood pressure? Or are you worried it’s just another snake oil in disguise?
Well, then this guide was made for you!
Could CBD potentially lower or cause a drop in blood pressure? We look to answer that today.
Hypertension
What Is Hypertension?
Millions of people suffer from hypertension otherwise known as high blood pressure. In fact, it affects 33% of adults over the age of 20. After 60, these numbers double to 66%.
High blood pressure is a measurable way to indicate how much pressure is being applied to the blood flow throughout the internal vein network of the human body.
As you go about your day, your blood pressure level changes based on any and all emotional, physical, and environmental stimuli.
Of course, blood pressure fluctuates and there’s a normal range that it can fall and rise within. However, around one-third of American adults rise well above the normal range for blood pressure levels.
But chronically elevated pressures contribute to over 400,000 deaths annually. It’s a high-risk, long-term condition that plagues millions of people across the globe. A vicious rising trend with no end in sight, we look at alternative remedies that may aid in relief for some symptoms associated with high blood pressure – or even high blood pressure itself.
These days many people are turning away from pharmaceuticals for a more natural approach. This is just one of the reasons why so many are picking up CBD.
Can CBD Oil Lower Blood Pressure?
The short answer? Yes.
But of course there’s an important, long answer.
CBD could very well cause some modest drop in a person’s blood pressure levels when taken in high doses. We’re going to dive into how CBD works in the body to affect one’s blood pressure more in-depth, though.
In this guide, we’ll also look at ways CBD might benefit someone with high blood pressure and tips for someone with low blood pressure who still wants to use CBD oil.
Important note – if you’re new or unfamiliar with CBD or you’re taking any other prescription medication. Always consult with a certified medical professional or your physician before getting on a CBD regimen.
Some drugs can interact with CBD, and you only want to add a supplement if it will add to your current routine.
How Can CBD Help with High Blood Pressure?
CBD (cannabidiol) doesn’t just work in one way to potentially reduce high blood pressure.
There are a few CBD effects in the body that have a direct role in blood pressure levels.
Factors attributed to high blood pressure:
- stress
- anxiety
- lack of sleep
- fatigue
Some research suggests that CBD helps manage and lower the symptoms of all of these.
CBD and calm
CBD can also stimulate calming effects.
When you can relax and feel calm, your blood pressure levels decrease in time with your heart rate to respond accordingly.
Vasodilators cause, quite literally blood vessels to dilate. This helps blood flow more easily throughout the body.
CBD is a natural vasodilator and it can help improve positive cardiovascular health.
Since high blood pressure can damage the heart and arteries, cannabidiol is a welcome addition.
Lastly, CBD may have anti-inflammatory properties.
Inflammation triggers high blood pressure or vice versa. CBD is good to have on your side.
You can also use a CBD topical cream to relieve specific target areas. On the other hand, a CBD oil tincture or other consumable allows for general and full-body relief.
Is Using CBD Safe?
In a comprehensive update on the side effects and safety of CBD with a review of relevant animal studies and clinical data, the National Institute of Health tested daily doses of up to 300 milligrams of CBD supplements in pill form consistently for six months.
Finding the supplements could be used safely even in such high doses, they also tested daily pill doses for 1,200 and 1,500 milligrams for up to four weeks. In addition, sublingual dosing through a 2.5mg dose of CBD spray was used safely for two weeks.
Overall, the data considers CBD safe.
We still don’t know for how long and at what quantity until further research is done.
The Harvard Health Letter states potential mild side effects of CBD include the following:
- drowsiness
- lightheadedness
- low blood pressure
- fatigue
- irritability
- nausea
- diarrhoea
There are a lot of factors at play. These include the formula used, how it’s consumed, and the quality of the other ingredients.
All these play an integral role.
Benefits of using CBD Oil for High Blood Pressure
Using a CBD oil tincture is arguably the fastest and most beneficial way of ingesting CBD.
Many users report relief from chronic pain, depression, and much more. Taking CBD for blood pressure also results in experiencing the general wellness it promotes by regulating your endocannabinoid system.
CBD doesn’t just help with symptoms that are most likely to cause high blood pressure.
It can specifically lower blood pressure even with just a single dose.
Double-blind CBD study
In a study of healthy volunteers, nine males were either given a placebo or 600mg of CBD. This was a randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled crossover.
In the test, they used a laser Doppler and a finometer to monitor cardiovascular parameters of the volunteers.
CBD maintained cardiac output and reduced resting systolic blood pressure. The subjects that took the real dose of CBD had a lower blood pressure count, increased heart rate, and a decreased stroke volume.
Of course, more research is vital before we establish that CBD has a role in some cardiovascular disorder treatments. The study’s data shows that precise administration of cannabidiol can reduce both the resting blood pressure and blood pressure caused by an increase in stress to humans.
Brazilian study
In a 2019 Brazilian study, researchers took a look at the effect of CBD on anxiety and stress. This was particularly in relation to public speaking. As environmentally-motivated stress can increase blood pressure, the findings show further promise that CBD can help reduce blood pressure.
The group, who took a medium dose (300mg CBD) experienced the most notable reduced stress response. This indicates that CBD helps reduce stressful environmental factors given the optimal dosage for it.
Concerns of CBD for maintaining or reducing blood pressure
It’s no small thing to say that these studies give an optimistic light for CBD’s future. It is, however, important to mention the risks involved with any natural chemical compound.
There is no conclusive evidence determining CBD as an effective treatment for any condition other than the ones approved by the FDA.
Evidence paints the picture that we may see different results with an ill human subject. This is because studies are largely conducted on healthy individuals.
Potential Concerns
Combining CBD with other high blood pressure medication is the biggest concern using CBD for hypertension.
If you are already prescribed high blood pressure medication, taking CBD in combination could lower your blood pressure too much.
“Too low” is just as bad as “too high,” so you’ll want to speak with your physician before adding CBD onto the medication you’re already taking. Your doctor may want to reduce the dosage strength you’re taking for your other blood pressure prescription before incorporating a CBD oil into your daily regimen.
CBD – Not a cure-all
It should go without saying but it bears repeating – CBD is not a cure-all.
Especially for high blood pressure. (But really any mainstream medication should not be replaced with CBD without doctor consultation.)
CBD, used with other medications, lowers your blood pressure consistently.
You can manage hypertension by reducing and managing the stress in your life. Regularly performing daily activities that get you up and moving, plus make real changes to your diet. On top of that, eliminate or reduce entirely the use of alcohol and tobacco.
Lowering your high blood pressure with CBD oil won’t do much if you don’t follow up with a lifestyle change that continues to improve your health. Start utilizing a CBD oil today to reduce your blood pressure and experience the other benefits that will allow you to live a lighter, healthier lifestyle overall.
Best CBD Products to Use for High Blood Pressure
CBD Tincture / Oil
When it comes to high blood pressure, there is no doubt that CBD products have earned its place as a popular alternative treatment method. Our CBD tinctures provide a quick and easy way to find reliefs.
