High blood pressure or hypertension is often referred to as ‘silent killer’. This is because the ailment does not show any major recognizable symptoms and the risk of stroke, heart disease and other cardiovascular disorders rises significantly even with a slight increase in blood pressure. Alcohol abuse, smoking and unhealthy eating habits can lead to this problem.
Herbal formulas are used by many cultures across the world to support and balance the various systems in the body. Unlike the traditional medicines, herbs are a rich source of multiple compounds that provides various benefits. Many of the herbs used to treat hypertension stimulate the circulatory system of the body, which aids in regulating the blood flow.
Some herbs reduce hypertension by getting rid of the mucus (from bronchial arteries) and alleviating anxiety and stress (a major cause of high blood pressure) by calming the nervous system. In case, the blood pressure hovers around the dangerous mark, the herbal remedies must be stopped and a doctor must be consulted immediately.
7 Herbal Remedies for Hypertension
Hawthorn
Traditionally, this herb has been used to heal hypertension. Clinical and pharmacological trials have revealed that it lowers hypertension. In a research conducted in the UK, about 79 patients with type-2 diabetes were randomly given 1200 mg of the extract of hawthorn and another group was administered medication for hypertension.
The results showed that the mean diastolic pressure in patients, who were given hawthorn had declined by the 16th week. Oligomeric procyanidins and flavonoids are the two main substances in the herb that contribute to its beneficial effects. These are powerful antioxidant agents as well.
Oregano
The compound carvacrol present in this herb is very effective in treating blood pressure. The researchers from Turkey (Eskisehir Osmangazi University) conducted a study on animal subjects and found that carvacrol reduced mean arterial pressure, heart rate and diastolic and systolic blood pressures.
Olives
This herb is one of the important ingredients included in the Mediterranean diet and is recognized to be the healthiest herb in the world. The oil extracted from olives reduces the blood pressure.
To determine the importance of the oil, the Associate Professor Dr. L. Aldo Ferrara from the University of Naples (Italy) conducted a study and discovered that 40 g of olive oil, if taken daily, reduced the amount of medications for blood pressure in patients suffering from hypertension by almost about 50%. The extra virgin oil contains a compound known as polyphenols, which is credited for the decrease in blood pressure.
Garlic
A substance known as allicin present in garlic has lipid lowering, anti-hypertension, antioxidant and antibacterial properties. The New Orleans, Clinical Research Center conducted a pilot study to know whether garlic can lower hypertension. Nine patients, who were suffering from high blood pressure, were administered garlic preparation that contained allicin in 1.3 percent.
There was significant decrease in sitting blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure and this change was seen within 5 – 14 hrs after the dosage was given. Another study in the year 2009 proved that there are potent cardio-protective properties in the fresh garlic than processed one.
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Fuchsia Magellanica
The common names of this plant are Tilco, Chiko and Hardy Fuchsia. This is native to Chile and Argentina. The extract of hardy fuchsia leaves is known to lower blood pressure. Also, it acts as diuretic and reduces the body temperature. Schmeda-Hirschmann investigated aqueous/ethanol extracts of this plant in NMT mice and discovered a reasonable to strong decrease in the mean value of the arterial pressure.
Celery
According to Chinese hypothesis, this herb is quite effective in treating hypertension because it works on the liver and one type of blood pressure is related to the liver. In the Mainland China, this herb was helpful in reducing hypertension in about 14 out of 16 participants. The extract of celery was combined with an equal quantity of organic honey and was consumed orally (8 ounces) 3 times every day for about a week.
This treatment was proved effective in reducing diastolic and systolic BP. After the treatment, there was a significant difference in BP (p<0.05) indicating that A. graveolens seeds can be an effective and safe treatment for high BP.
Also, fresh celery juice is mixed with vinegar and consumed orally to relieve headache, shoulder pain and dizziness associated with hypertension. It is administered in case of hypertension associated with climacteric and pregnancy as well.
Avena Sativa
It is commonly known as green oat. A diet that includes soluble fiber-rich green oats can significantly improve BP control. In view of the glucose and lipid improvements too, increased consumption of green oats reduces the peril of cardiovascular disease.
There is a reduction in both diastolic and systolic BP by including oat cereals in the regular diet of the patients with hypertension. Soluble fiber-rich oats is an effective dietary treatment in the prevention of hypertension.
Caution: Please use Home Remedies after Proper Research and Guidance. You accept that you are following any advice at your own risk and will properly research or consult healthcare professional.