There is a strong chance that prior to today, you have experienced nasal congestion related to allergies or the common cold, and you did the best you could to remedy it. Multiple traditional over-the-counter decongestants can have unwanted effects on blood pressure. Here, we look at why that is, and then recommend three excellent, natural decongestant products that are exempt from this unwanted side effect.
Traditional Decongestant Meds Can Affect Blood Pressure
In recent years, the regulations for some of the most common, traditional over-the-counter decongestants have changed. That is because the active ingredients in some of these medicines can raise blood pressure and heart rate. The ingredients found to have this effect include pseudoephedrine, ephedrine, phenylephrine, naphazoline, and oxymetazoline. As a result, Sudafed and others are now placed behind the counter instead of in front of it. It doesn’t mean they are “bad,” only to be treated with extra caution by those with hypertension. Other regulated decongestants with similar properties include Claritin-D, the decongestant form of the basic allergy med Claritin.
Why do these medicines produce this side effect? Constituent substances such as pseudoephedrine constrict blood vessels in the nose, in order to reduce the swelling of nasal passages and the elevated production of mucus. This constrictive effect can affect blood vessels throughout the body, which can elevate blood pressure in those who already experience high blood pressure (hypertension). For this reason, it could be beneficial to opt for a decongestant that is not prone to produce this side effect. People with hypertension are those most likely to benefit from choosing one of these natural options over a traditional decongestant that can affect blood pressure.
Natural Decongestants That Don’t Affect Blood Pressure
Following are three of our best recommendations for naturally combatting nasal congestion. Each of these products can effectively help alleviate this symptom, while providing other applicable benefits!
Echinacea is a natural herbal remedy that is known for its benefits to the immune system and its capacity to help the body overcome upper respiratory infections. One of its specific benefits supported by scientific research is that of reducing nasal congestion in children with a respiratory infection by about 50%. Echinacea can also reduce other symptoms that occur with nasal congestion. Because of its ability to reduce nasal congestion and other symptoms of infection, as well as support the immune system to overcome an infection, we recommend echinacea first for its natural decongestant properties. You can find echinacea as a solo oral supplement, or in a complex supplement alongside other healthy herbs.
Vitamin C in the form of ascorbic acid has been studied for its benefits in overcoming respiratory infections. Ascorbic acid is the most common form of vitamin C. Among its benefits is the ability to reduce congestion as well as tamp down the inflammation that occurs in tandem with it. Supplementing with ascorbic acid vitamin C could reduce congestion and inflammation from colds (severe colds included) and pneumonia. It can also help prevent colds. Consider an ascorbic acid vitamin C supplement for its basic ability to reduce nasal congestion during the course of an infection, and its ability (like echinacea) to also help your body overcome an infection!
Curcumin is the active ingredient in the spice turmeric. Curcumin is most known for its anti-inflammatory benefits. Studies show that curcumin also reduces nasal congestion as well as runny nose and sneezing in those experiencing seasonal allergies (hay fever). Merely spicing your meals with turmeric will not provide sufficient curcumin to see these benefits. Rather, taking curcumin in concentrated supplement form, combined with bioperine (black pepper) is the ideal way to take in sufficient amounts of his herbal decongestant remedy.
If you or someone you love has high blood pressure, then you ought to be prepared to handle congestion, when it comes, in a proper manner. Consider these three natural products with the power to combat nasal congestion. It is recommended that you talk to your healthcare provider before taking any supplement for the first time.