High blood pressure is a major problem that is affecting millions of people all over the world. Unhealthy lifestyle is the main reason for the rise of high blood pressure condition in most people; no exercise combined with unhealthy diet has contributed to increasing number of high blood pressure cases. It is estimated that one in three persons suffer from the condition that is putting them at risk of acquiring kidney problems, heart diseases including strokes and heart attacks.
Governments all over the world are spending money to find the magical cure for treating high blood pressure and its related problems effectively. There are a number of drugs in the market that are selling like hot cakes to combat the problem; however, the rising cases of high blood pressure clearly show that the medications are not solving the problem.
But there is no reason to despair if you are a sufferer of high blood pressure; the condition can be prevented and be treated by switching to a healthy lifestyle that includes eating healthy and nutritious food and by leading a physically active life. And while you do this there are excellent herbs that can effectively aid you in your quest to lower your blood pressure. Some of the herbs used for treating the condition add nutritional value to your food thereby making your body strong and healthy. In this section we will discuss the herbs that should be used for lowering blood pressure. You are familiar with some of these herbs and already use them in your food as spices.
9 Herbs To Lower Blood Pressure
Garlic
Garlic contains the compound allicin, which is responsible for giving the herb its anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. The compound is also a natural antioxidant with anti-hypertension qualities that are also useful in lowering high lipid levels. A study conducted by Clinical Research Center of New Orleans showed that people who were suffering from severe hypertension showed a drastic drop in the diastolic blood pressure within a few hours of being administered 1.3 per cent of allicin. Another study has proven that raw garlic is better than processed garlic for protecting heart from various diseases.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon is an excellent way of protecting your heart as well as for preventing diabetes. A study showed that cinnamon is more effective in treating high blood pressure than a placebo. Drinking 3-4 cups of cinnamon tea every day will not only lower your raging blood pressure but also lowers sugar levels in the blood stream thus preventing any potential risk of diabetes. Use cinnamon for daily cooking to eat delicately flavored foods and to remain healthy always.
Onions
Quercetin is an anti-oxidant compound found in high traces in onions and can help prevent strokes and heart diseases. Studies have shown that the flavanol can effectively lower the blood pressure by as much as 7mmHg systolic and 5mmHg diastolic in people suffering from severe hypertension. The compound works better than placebos for treating high blood pressure. Therefore, eat at least two raw onions every day to treat high blood pressure and related conditions.
Olives
Many people know that olive oil is excellent for health as it not only keeps cholesterol in check but also lowers blood pressure. A recommended daily dose of 40gm of olive oil is enough to reduce your blood pressure by almost 50 per cent. It is the presence of polyphenols, natural anti-oxidants, in extra virgin olive oils that helps reduce blood pressure and prevent the risk of development of other heart conditions.
Oregano
Oregano is an Italian herb that is widely used in Italian cooking. The herb is a rich source of carvacrol, a compound that helps treat high blood pressure. Studies have shown that the herb was effective in reducing mean arterial pressure and systolic and diastolic blood pressures in animals. The herb is available in both dry and fresh forms but should be had fresh if using for treating high blood pressure.
Hawthorn
Hawthorn is a medicinal herb with antioxidant properties and this is one reason the herb has been in use since ancient times to prevent high blood pressure as well as to reduce chances of heart attacks. In fact, the herb has been proven to be better at treating high blood pressure in comparison to medications for the same.
Cardamom
Cardamom is an excellent way of treating and controlling symptoms of primary hteypernsion. Using as little as 3 mg of cardamom powder every day for three months can bring back your blood pressure within normal limits and also reduce the risk of recurring high blood pressure. The herb has absolutely no side effects and helps increase the level of anti-oxidants in the body while also helping with the disintegration of blood clots clogging the arteries.
Gingko Biloba
The herb is known for its many medicinal properties that have been exploited since centuries by Ayurvedic medicine. It is very effective in lowering blood pressure as it thins the blood line and aids in reduction of inflamed blood vessels. This helps with increased and proper circulation of blood to all parts of the body.
The herb also releases flavonoids and terpenoids both of which are known to reduce the risk of heart diseases as well as lower the blood pressure level. However, do not use the herb along with prescribed blood thinning medicines or you will end up with a hemorrhage.
Rauwolfia Serpentina
Rauwolfia serpentina, also known as Indian snakeroot, is widely used by Ayurvedic doctors for treating cardiovascular problems and to bring down blood pressure to normal. The herb is a rich source of respirine, an alkaloid, which aids in proper functioning of the heart along with lowering blood pressure. However, the herb should never be taken unsupervised; consult an herbalist for the right dosage of the herb and inform your doctor of the same.
Herbs have proven to be rich sources of naturally occurring antioxidants and consuming them as part of your daily diet is an excellent way of lowering blood pressure and reducing the risk of other heart related conditions. The herbs can be incorporated in soups, salads, and vegetarian as well as non-vegetarian dishes. They are a cheaper and more effective option than taking prescription medications to treat the problem.
Caution: Please use 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.
