I'm taking a combination of herbs and a new Angiotensin II inhibitor to control my high blood pressure. I know that alpha blockers and/or beta blockers can cause an annoying side effect of coughing and phlegm. I also know from genetic testing that I have a double ACE deletion, indicating that the Angiotensin II inhibitor (Benicar) is a good BP medication for me. I'm trying to figure out how the hawthorne works to control high blood pressure. Does it work like an alpha/beta blocker, and if so, can it be causing my congestion? I was taking primrose oil too, and when I stopped taking it the congestion decreased considerably. I'm suspecting the primrose acts like an alpha-or beta-blocker and it didn't help my BP much. I'm a 72-year-old active woman, not overweight, not a drinker, not a smoker.