The One Supplement You Should Never, Ever Take If You Have High Blood Pressure

The One Supplement You Should Never, Ever Take If You Have High Blood Pressure originally appeared on Parade.

If you have high blood pressure, you’re likely already aware of the foods you should minimize. Bacon, cheesy entrees, soda and pastries should all only be consumed in moderation. You probably know what you should prioritize too, namely lots of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, plant-based proteins, chicken and fish.

Perhaps you’ve looked into herbal supplements as a way to further lower your blood pressure. After all, herbs are high in antioxidants, which means they support cardiovascular health, right? While it’s true that most herbs are beneficial for heart health—and a great way to add flavor to food in place of salt—there is one herbal supplement that cardiologists warn against taking if you have high blood pressure. It sounds beneficial, but the reality is that it can do more harm than good, and even be dangerous.

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The Supplement To Avoid If You Have High Blood Pressure

We talked to three cardiologists and they all say that people with high blood pressure should avoid taking licorice supplements. “Licorice root can raise blood pressure by causing sodium retention and potassium loss. This leads to an imbalance that places strain on the cardiovascular system and may lead to serious complications in people with hypertension, says Dr. David G. Rizik, MD,an interventional cardiologist and chief medical officer at High Level Science.

Dr. Khashayar Hematpour, MD, a cardiologist with Memorial Hermann and UTHealth Houston, says this too. He says that some people with high blood pressure want to take a licorice root supplement as a way to lower inflammation or to combat symptoms like ulcers and acid reflux. (He adds that licorice supplements are also sometimes taken to soothe a sore throat.) But taking one can be detrimental to heart health if you already have high blood pressure.

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“The substance that is in licorice root is glycyrrhizin, and that has a direct effect on increasing your blood pressure, causing fluid retention and lowering your potassium,” Dr. Hematpour says. This means that if you have high blood pressure, you should avoid consuming licorice in any form, such as teas or candies. “The Food and Drug Administration warns that consuming two ounces of black licorice a day for two weeks will cause potentially serious cardiovascular problems due to increased blood pressure,” Dr. Hematpour says.

If you have high blood pressure and you do consume licorice, Dr. Rohit Vuppuluri, DO, an interventional and vascular cardiologist at Chicago Heart & Vascular Specialists, says that this can cause blood pressure to be raised even more, which can lead to symptoms like a headache, blurry vision and swelling due to fluid retention. Dr. Rizik adds that it could even cause arrhythmias, which are an abnormal heart rhythm. “It’s not worth experimenting with if you’re managing hypertension,” he says.

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More Effective Ways To Lower Your Blood Pressure

Besides licorice root, Dr. Rizik says that people with high blood pressure should avoid bitter orange because it contains compounds that raise blood pressure. In fact, it’s best to talk to your cardiologist or primary care doctor before starting any new supplements if you have high blood pressure.

“I would recommend to anyone considering adding a new supplement to their routine to consult with their physician first, especially if they have high blood pressure or any other medical condition. Everyone is different, and your doctor will be able to advise you on whether a supplement is safe to take, and in what quantity,” Dr. Hematpour says.

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Instead of relying on supplements, all three cardiologists recommend focusing on having a heart-healthy diet, such as the DASH diet, which was specifically created to keep blood pressure levels in check. Dr. Hematpour says the Mediterranean diet is another eating plan to follow that has been scientifically shown to reduce blood pressure and support cardiovascular health. These diets, he explains, emphasize foods rich in antioxidants, which help lower inflammation.

Dr. Vuppuluri adds on to this advice, saying, “A heart-healthy, anti-inflammatory lifestyle is key. This includes a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, olive oil, nuts, whole grains and fatty fish, along with regular physical activity and seven to eight hours of quality sleep per night.”

If you do want to take a supplement that supports your cardiovascular health, Dr. Rizik recommends an omega-3 fatty acid supplement. But you can also get this heart-healthy nutrient by consuming fatty fish, olive oil, nuts and seeds.

Diet can play a powerful role in managing blood pressure, but when it comes to taking any supplements, it’s best to talk to your doctor first. That way, if you do decide to take a supplement, you’ll know it’s truly supporting your cardiovascular health.

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Sources

The One Supplement You Should Never, Ever Take If You Have High Blood Pressure first appeared on Parade on Aug 10, 2025

This story was originally reported by Parade on Aug 10, 2025, where it first appeared.