High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)

Studied Homeopathic Remedies

  • Baryta carbonica
  • Aurum
  • Lachesis

Most people don’t feel symptoms when their blood pressure is high, which is why hypertension is called the “silent killer.” In this case, what you don’t know can hurt you. Elevated blood pressure can lead to a greatly increased risk of heart attack, stroke, and many other serious illnesses. Along with high cholesterol and smoking, hypertension is one of the primary causes of atherosclerosis. In turn, atherosclerosis causes heart attacks, strokes, and other diseases of impaired circulation.

Note: High blood pressure, if not brought down with all deliberate speed, is a dangerous condition. Medical supervision is strongly advised.

Scientific Evaluations of Homeopathic Remedies for Hypertension

Researchers have completed two studies of homeopathic remedies for treating hypertension. However, neither study provided encouraging results.

A 4-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled study enrolling 32 participants evaluated the possible efficacy of Baryta carbonica 15c in the treatment of hypertension.1 This study found no statistically significant difference between the treatment and control groups.

A very small, double-blind, crossover study enrolled 10 people with essential hypertension and compared individualized homeopathic treatment to standard drug therapy.2 These participants were examined on a weekly basis for 16 weeks. Homeopathic treatment proved ineffective.

Traditional Homeopathic Treatments for Hypertension

In classical homeopathy, there are many possible homeopathic treatments for hypertension, to be chosen based on various specific details of the person seeking treatment. Baryta carbonica is traditionally used for people with hypertension who are extremely shy, lack concentration, and often display immature behavior. The symptom picture of this remedy includes high blood pressure that is made worse by exertion or lying on the left side, along with a tendency toward gripping pains in the stomach that improve by the person lying on the stomach.

Aurum is often recommended for people whose high blood pressure is caused by slow-burning, long-term stress, often associated with career or ambition.

Lachesis may be used for a person with high blood pressure who has a flushed look to the face, overactive behavior, and a tendency for compulsive talking, as if an inner boiler were always about to explode.

Other Natural Options

For herbs, supplements, and other alternative treatments that may be useful for this condition, see the Hypertension article.

For a thorough explanation of homeopathy, including dilution of therapies, see the Homeopathy Overview.

 

References

1. Bignamini M, Bertoli A, Consolandi AM, et al. Contolled double blind trial with Baryta carbonic 15CH versus placebo in a group of hypertensive subjects confined to bed in old people’s home. Br Homeopath J. 1987;76:114–119.

2. Hitzenberger G, Korn A, Dorcsi M, et al. Controlled randomized double blind study for the comparison of the treatment of patients with essential hypertension with homeopathic and pharmacologically effective drugs [abstract only]. Wein Klin Wochenschr. 1982;94:665–670.

Last reviewed December 2015 by EBSCO CAM Review Board