Beta-blockers are a type of drug that can reduce stress on the heart. Fish, garlic, berries, and certain vitamins and amino acids are all natural alternatives to beta-blockers.

Doctors usually prescribe beta-blockers to treat cardiovascular conditions such as angina and hypertension, which is also known as high blood pressure. However, they can also help prevent or manage other conditions, such as migraine and anxiety.

Beta-blockers work by blocking certain hormones in the nervous system that manage the body’s stress responses. This can cause a person’s heart rate to slow, easing stress on the heart and reducing blood pressure.

However, many of these natural sources do not work exactly the same as beta-blockers, but may have similar properties, such as helping to lower blood pressure.

Additionally, it is important to note that these natural options are not a substitute for prescription medications. It is best for someone to discuss their condition and any questions they may have with a doctor before making changes.

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Potential sources of natural beta-blockers may include widely available fruits, vegetables, spices, herbs, and supplements.

Fruits

Older research suggested that hawthorn berries may act in a similar manner to beta-blockers and posses antihypertensive properties. A 2020 systematic review indicates that a herbal medicine of hawthorn may be able to lower blood pressure. However, more research is still necessary to review its effectiveness and safety profile.

Similarly, other fruits may also be beneficial for lowering blood pressure. These may include strawberries and bananas. However, eating a healthful diet rich in fruit can also contribute to a lower blood pressure. As such, a person’s overall dietary plan is more likely to contribute to reducing blood pressure than a single food item.

Vegetables

Certain vegetables, such as celery, may also help lower blood pressure similarly to beta-blockers. A 2024 narrative review notes that celery and its extracts are effective at lowering blood pressure. However, the review notes that more research is still necessary.

While further research is still necessary, the British Heart Foundation (BHF) add that beetroot juice may also help to lower blood pressure. This is likely due to vegetables, such as celery and beetroot, containing nitrates, which can benefit cardiovascular health and reduce blood pressure.

However, a 2024 study suggests that a diet rich in high-nitrate vegetables did not appear to present any greater benefit to blood pressure than adding low-nitrate vegetables.

Similar to eating fruit, it is more likely that an overall healthful diet, rich in vegetables, is more likely to reduce blood pressure than consuming a specific food.

Garlic

According to the BHF, garlic contains heart-healthy nutrients such as selenium, manganese, vitamin B6, and vitamin C. Experts believe garlic can lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels because it contains an antioxidant called allicin.

In a 2020 review, garlic supplementation lowered blood pressure enough to reduce the risk of experiencing cardiovascular problems by around 16 to 40%Trusted Source. However, more research is still necessary.

Hibiscus

People commonly use hibiscus in folk medicine to treat hypertension. A 2022 systematic review suggests that regular consumption of hibiscus could lower blood pressure and also reduce cardiovascular disease risk.

Saffron

Saffron is a spice from the Crocus sativus flower. A 2021 systematic review indicates that supplementing with saffron may help to improve blood pressure. However, the review notes that the effects were small, and may not reach clinical importance.

Minerals

Another natural source of beta-blockers is potassium. The World Health Organization (WHO)Trusted Source suggest that potassium may help to reduce blood pressure and risk of cardiovascular diseases in adults. Foods high in potassium include beans, peas, nuts, spinach, cabbage, parsley, bananas, papayas, and dates.

However, it is important to eat foods containing potassium in moderation, as it can lead to heart issues such as arrhythmias.

Amino acids

L-arginine is a semi-essential amino acid that helps produce nitric oxide, an important chemical in relaxing muscle cells and reducing blood pressure. Many types of nuts, seeds, meat, poultry, and leafy green vegetables contain high amounts of L-arginine.

Although more research is necessary, a 2021 literature review indicates that L-arginine supplements may help to decrease blood pressure.

Fatty acids

The American Heart Association (AHA)Trusted Source says that omega-3 fatty acids may lower a person’s risk of heart disease.

The organization recommends eating fish rich in omega-3 at least twice a week or taking a 1-gram omega-3 supplement daily.

Fish that are high in omega-3 include:

  • salmon
  • herring
  • trout

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There are very few risks from eating most fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, fish, or meat unless a person is allergic to them.

Most herbs and spices also carry minimal risk of negative side effects if people consume them in moderation.

However, some fruits, vegetables, and nuts can be high in calories, fat, or sugar.

Other herbs and supplements may also interact with prescription medications or other supplements.

A person should contact a doctor to check if it is safe for them to take herbs or supplements.

Beta-blockers work by blocking the release of adrenaline and noradrenaline.

This slows the heart rate and reduces the force with which blood pumps through the body.

Beta-blockers may also reduce blood pressure by reducing the production of the hormone angiotensin 2, which can increase blood pressure.

There are two primary types of beta-blockers: nonselective and selective.

Nonselective beta-blockers block adrenaline and noradrenaline in the heart and other parts of the body. This may cause undesirable side effects, such as increasing the risk of asthma attacks.

Selective beta-blockers are more common because they specifically target the heart tissues, which reduces the risk of side effects.

According to a 2021 studyTrusted Source, beta-blockers are common in managing and treating cardiovascular conditions.

This can include:

Beta-blockers can also sometimes help manage, prevent, or treat:

Beta-blockers come in three forms:

  • oral pills
  • injections
  • eye drops or ointments

The type of beta-blocker that people use depends on their condition, how severe the health issue is, and whether they have a chronic illness.

There are many different brands of beta-blocker, including:

Beta-blockers can cause a range of side effectsTrusted Source, including:

If a person has concerns about any side effects, they should contact a doctor.

If the side effects worsen or do not improve with over-the-counter or home remedies, an individual should also contact a healthcare professional.

Beta-blockers may not be safe for everyone.

People with a history of the following conditions should talk with a doctor before using natural beta-blockers:

Many foods, herbs, spices, and supplements contain ingredients that mimic the effects of beta-blockers. These natural sources of beta-blockers are widely available and are safe to consume in moderation.

Although the American Heart Association does not currently recommendTrusted Source using vitamin supplements to lower a person’s blood pressure, they suggest receiving the same beneficial vitamins from food sources, such as fruit, vegetables, and fish.

People should contact a doctor before changing their diet, starting a new supplement, or trying beta-blockers for the first time.