While a know that stress can alter readings (white coat syndrome) I can assure you im not under stress at this point in my life. The pill really works for me otherwise I would have not shared. It's the only change I've made.
I was arguing more in the sense that sometimes the placebo effect is all you need. Especially if there is no underlying physical condition but a case of psychological stress. If it's alleviated well by a placebo (or meditation, or other technique), then using something that has a biologically active ingredient might be counterproductive, because of the possibility of adverse side effects. As the side effects are then again medicated, the person is caught in a medication loop.
I'm all for studies and finding the right active molecule for treating the illnesses. But from my anecdotal experience, many cases of the common ailments like back pain[1], stomach problems, blood pressure are either psychogenic or stem from conditions of one's life. If a placebo brings enough amelioration, it should not be considered 'quackery'.
In this case it isn't placebo, I take two pills once per day in the morning. If I back it off to 1 pill my pressure readings increase accordingly after a few days.
Something or a combination of things in this pill is helping my levels stay in acceptable bounds.
