Herbal Remedies for High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure is pretty common. About one in every three adults
in the U.S has it, and about 1/3 of those people don't even know it. Signs
of hypertension may include dizziness or dizzy spells, headaches,
nosebleeds, and a flushed face, neck, and ears. Typically, the early high
blood pressure will not show any signs.
Causes of High Blood Pressure
There is no one cause for high blood pressure, but there are many
factors that may contribute to a person having high blood pressure,
which can include the following:
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Age
Excessive alcohol consumption
Excessive sodium intake
Family history
Low activity level
Low potassium intake
Other underlying condition such as kidney disease, hormonal
disorders, thyroid diseas, and adrenal gland disease
Stress
Tobacco use
Use of certain drugs such as oral contraceptives, herbs, or other
prescription medications
Weight
How to Read Your Blood Pressure
If you try to keep a watch on your blood pressure, but you're not really sure
what you're reading, here are the basic guidelines according to the National
Heart, Lung, and Blood institute: (remember that the upper or first number is
the systolic pressure and the lower or second number is the diastolic
pressure)
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Normal- below 120/80 mmHg
Prehpertension - 120 to139 / 80 to 89
Stage 1 hypertension- 140 to 159 / 90 and 99
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Stage 2 hypertension- 160+ / 100+
Herbal Remedies to Treat Hypertension
Your doctor may want to prescribe a medication for you to take daily, but if
your blood pressure is in the lower stages, you may be able to manage it
naturally and herbally. Just try to work with your doctor and figure out the
best treatment, as high blood pressure can damage your organs, increase risk
of stroke or heart attack, cause brain hemorrhage, vision loss, and even
kidney disease.
Coenzyme Q10
Coenzyme Q10 is thought to reduce high blood pressure by improving the
function of the blood vessel walls. There was a study that showed after 12
weeks of supplementing with the Coenzyme Q10, people with high blood
pressure say a reduction in their systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood
pressure. Some people saw a reduction of about 6.1 mmHG and 2.9 mmHg.
The study also showed that there was a reduction in the long-term marker for
glycemic control (HbA1C).
Fish Oil and Omega 3
Fish oil is thought to have a modest effect on high blood pressure because
the fish oil and omega 3 fatty acids will actually dilate the blood vessels.
There was a study that showed by adding fish oil supplements to your diet,
the DHA (docohexaenoic acid) and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) in the fish
oil will lower high blood pressure.
Garlic
Garlic has been seen to have many herbal benefits, and for those who suffer
high blood pressure may find that by taking garlic supplements, you can
significantly lower the systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure.
There have been many studies on the effect of garlic and blood pressure, and
about 3 to 4 studies show a reduction.
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If you opt to try garlic supplements, you want to do sounder the supervision
of your doctor, as garlic can thin the blood, and it may interact with other
drugs and supplements, such as prescription blood thinners, vitamin E, and
gingko.
As an herbal remedy, garlic can lower cholesterol levels, prevent
blood clots, and destroy plaque, as well as lower blood pressure
after 12 weeks of supplementing.
Hawthorn
Hawthorn is traditionally used by all-natural doctors for high blood
pressure. Studies have shown that after 16 weeks of hawthorn
supplements, patients saw a significant reduction in the diastolic blood
pressure. Generally, hawthorn is seen as one of the safest herbal
remedies as there haven't been any drug interaction or adverse side
effects. Hawthorn supplements have been the most popular alternative
medicine used for cardiovascular illnesses.
Hawthorn berries are used to treat cardiovascular disease by many
cultures and all-natural doctors. They have been proven to protect the
arterial walls, lower blood pressure by dilating the blood vessels, and
strengthen the heart's pumping ability.
Folic Acid
Folic acid has been proven to lower the homocysteine levels in the blood,
which in turn helps to lower blood pressure. When the homoxysteine
levels (an amino acid) are high, there can be damage to the lining of the
arteries, cause higher risk of blood clots.
One study showed that after 4 weeks of supplementing with folic acid,
blood pressure was reduced, especially in cigarette smokers.
Arjuna
Arjuna is an herbal supplement that protects the heart, strengthens
circulation, and helps the overall tone of the heart. The supplement has
been proven to stop bleeding and promote healing after a heart attack.
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The arjuna supplement is helpful to reducing high blood pressure
because the bark from the Arjuna tree is very rich in the coenzyme Q10,
which is a popular supplement for cardio-health to help prevent heart
problems, ease stress on the heart, act as a diuretic, aids to balance
cholesterol, and relieves hypertension.
Guggul
Guggul has been proven to lower blood-fat levels in the body and raise
the good cholesterol. It's also been proven useful aiding with
atherosclerosis, psoriasis and cardiac ischemia. By supplementing a
healthy diet with guggul, blood cholesterol can reduce by 14 to 27% and
triglycerides by 22 to 30%. By lowering blood cholesterol levels. The
supplement has strong rejuvenating powers and after 4 to 12 weeks, you
may see weight loss, lower cholesterol, and improved circulation, which
can help reduce blood pressure.
Rauwolfia Serpentina
Rauwolfia Serpentina, also known as snakeroot, is a powerful herbal
supplement that can help reduce blood pressure with just one dose.
After the first dose of snakeroot, you will see lower blood pressure after
a few days, so don't keep taking it until your see a change.
Do be careful when using rauwolfia serpentina, as some patients have
reported side effects such as nasal congestion, dizziness, nausea, and dry
mouth.
Other Supplements and Herbal Remedies to Aid
Hypertension
There are many different herbs and supplements that you can try to
lower blood pressure, and some will work and some won't. Not
everyone's body is made the same, so you will have to find the herbal
supplements that work for you. Just remember that some herbs have
side effects that you will need to watch out for. Also, make sure that you
consult your doctor before using and self-dosing any herbal remedies.
What you can do to help lower blood pressure, is to make sure that you
change your lifestyle and diet. With basic herbal supplements, you can
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potentially help your body acclimate so that you don't need to take
prescription blood pressure medicines.
The following list, is one of commonly used natural supplements that
have been proven effective.
 Calcium: An element that has an effect on blood pressure, so with
supplementation, calcium can help improve the heart muscle
contractions and potentially have a modest reduction in systolic
blood pressure and a significant reduction in diastolic blood
pressure.
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Magnesium: A supplement that is required to utilize calcium in
the body and to regulate calcium in blood cells. It's been proven to
help reduce diastolic blood pressure, but it doesn't seem to have a
major effect on systolic blood pressure.
Potassium: A supplement that may reduce both systolic and
diastolic blood pressure.
Vitamin C: Dilates the blood vessels, which can potentially help
lower blood pressure.
Vitamin E: An antioxidant that dilates the blood vessels and
protects them from damage, which in turn can potentially lower
blood pressure.
Herbs to Avoid
It is thought that the following herbs may have some effect in causing
high blood pressure. It is recommended that you avoid these herbs as
best that you can, especially if you have a history of hypertension.
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Licorice
Ephedra
Asian Ginseng
Rosemary essential oil
Dr. Darius Homi Umrigar MD (AM),
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