If you're suffering from hypertension, it's helpful to know that herbal high blood pressure treatments may be an option for reducing blood pressure naturally. Consider adding these herbal ingredients to your diet, but do not stop taking any prescribed medications without doctor approval.
Herbal High Blood Pressure Treatment Works
High blood pressure, or hypertension, can often improve significantly with the help of herbs. Adding these to your diet or taking them in supplement form can help, but it is best to work with an herbalist to determine the proper dosage for your particular body and condition.
Garlic
Garlic is easy to add to many meals, including to salad dressings, meats and sauces. It is also one of the very best herbs for the treatment of high blood pressure. Garlic naturally reduces blood pressure and has been shown to be effective at keeping the entire cardiovascular system healthy. Pilot studies confirm these benefits.
Hawthorn
The use of hawthorn dates back several centuries. Even then, it was used to treat high blood pressure, and some studies today have shown it to be effective in conjunction with medication. This herb is consumable in supplement form, but some experts believe that using it in the form of a tea is a better option. For tea, drink one or two cups per day for consistent treatment of high blood pressure.
Lime Blossom
Although no studies have been done to confirm it, lime blossom seems to be quite helpful for reducing blood pressure when it is used consistently over a period of time. Purchase lime blossom, then infuse it into a tea. Experts advise drinking one to two cups of lime blossom tea daily to see significant results in your blood pressure. It can take one to two weeks to begin to show results.
Saffron
The herb saffron is known for being highly expensive and rare. Yet, it is an ideal choice for lowering blood pressure in most people, and studies have shown significant reductions in blood pressure when the herb is taken regularly. Saffron can easily be included in many meals or it can be an addition to any type of tea. The largest drawback of using saffron is that you do need to use it regularly, which is difficult due to the high cost of this herb.
Ginger
In some studies, ginger has been effective at treating high blood pressure in patients. To get the best results, get more fresh ginger into your diet either by using it as a seasoning for your food or by making it into a tea.
Cayenne Pepper
Cayenne is naturally high in sulfur compounds that the body uses to create hydrogen sulfide in the lining of the blood vessels via an enzyme called CSE (cystathionine gamma-lyase). Because hydrogen sulfide helps to regulate blood pressure and needs sulfur to do it, cayenne and other high sulfur herbs and vegetables can provide the raw materials necessary for the body to lower blood pressure naturally. Cayenne is available fresh, dried and in capsule form.
Ginkgo Biloba
The herb, ginkgo biloba, which grows on the mountains of China, is also a good option for improving blood pressure. Studies have shown that it helps by dilating arteries and improving blood flow. The improved blood flow can help with memory and alertness as well. Supplements of ginkgo biloba are available to make this an easy herb to take.
Turmeric
Turmeric is an herb used in many Eastern Indian dishes. It is a strong anti-inflammatory, lowers cholesterol and reduces clot formation. As an herbal high blood pressure treatment, turmeric can offer significant results. Studies have shown it to be effective, particularly with those suffering from auto-immune diseases. Add this herb to dishes or take in supplement form on a regular basis to receive the best results.
Valerian
A natural sedative, valerian is effective at lowering blood pressure because it relaxes the muscles surrounding the walls of veins and arteries. It can be particularly effective when used to reduce stress, although studies have shown that it only has a slight effect on blood pressure. Pregnant or nursing women should not take Valerian. It has also been known to cause heart palpitations and headaches. Usually available as a tincture or in capsule form, valerian root can also be made into a relaxing tea.
Yarrow
Yarrow flowers also lower blood pressure by relaxing muscles and halting contractions. Yarrow promotes perspiration and is also thought of as a blood purifier. No studies have been done on yarrow to determine its true effectiveness.
Maitake
Maitake is a mushroom that has been used for a long time as an immune stimulating herb, but it also lowers blood pressure and blood cholesterol. Maitake has been used for centuries in Chinese Traditional Medicine, but no Western studies have been carried out as to its effectiveness on hypertension.
Olive Leaf
Olive leaf extract offers many useful properties. It acts as a cardiovascular tonic and overall heart-health boosting herb. In studies, olive leaf extract has been shown to drop blood pressure by as many as 11 points when taken at a higher dose (1,000 mg). It can be found in capsules.
Other Herbs Showing Limited Benefits
The above-mentioned herbs are the most well known, effective treatments for high blood pressure. Some evidence shows that long-term use of the following herbs may also have the ability to help reduce high blood pressure. The use of these herbs should be done within the limits of your herbalist's directions.
- Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna)
- Skullcap (Scutellaria)
- Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum)
- Gotu Kola (Hydrocotyle asiatica)
- Jatamamsi (Nardostachys jatamamsi)
- Cardamom (Electtaria cardamomum)
- Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans)
- Burdock (Arctum lappa)
- Kelp (Fucus visiculosis)
While any of these herbs can offer some improvement in lowering blood pressure, the best treatment is to eat a healthy diet rich in vegetables and lean foods. Other nutrients, such as coenzyme Q10, Vitamins B6, B12, C and E can also be quite helpful at reducing blood pressure. In many instances, an effective high blood pressure treatment is one in which a healthy diet, herbs and other nutrients are used together. Speak to your doctor or herbalist to learn the best combinations for your particular needs.
Take Charge of Your Health
High blood pressure is nothing to play with, so be sure to follow your doctor's advice if you suffer from hypertension. Herbal medicine, supplements, diet and lifestyle modification may help you get your blood pressure back under control.