Natural Remedies for High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure, also called hypertension, affects about 1 in 4 adults, or 50 million Americans. The force of blood against artery walls is the blood pressure. When the blood pressure gets too high, it can be dangerous since the heart has to work harder in order to pump blood and it also causes atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries.

When the blood pressure is lower than 130/85, it is considered to be normal, if it goes up to 140/90 and above, it is high blood pressure, and if the blood pressure is between 120/80 and 140/90, then it is considered to be prehypertension.

High blood pressure can increase the chances of heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease. Hypertension, on the other hand, is known as a silent killer, and is particularly dangerous since it usually has no symptoms or warning signs.

Although there are usually no symptoms in the early stages of high blood pressure, but at later stages it can cause dizzy spells, nosebleeds, and headache.

High blood pressure can be caused by various factors like stress, excessive weight, lack of activity, tobacco usage, excessive sodium intake coupled with low potassium intake, consumption of alcohol, age, hereditary factors. Certain underlying conditions like hormonal disorders, kidney disease, adrenal gland disease, and thyroid disease can also cause high blood pressure. Using certain herbs such as licorice or drugs like oral contraceptives can also bring it on.

Using Natural Remedies to Treat High Blood Pressure

Traditional medicine has been using natural remedies to treat the heart and the circulatory system for thousands of years. Research conducted in recent times has corroborated the efficacy of these traditional and natural remedies. Clinical studies have been published attesting the value of a wide variety of herbs that are beneficial for the cardiovascular system, which help to maintain a healthy blood pressure that stays within the normal range.

Given below are some of the natural remedies that can help to keep high blood pressure in control:

Garlic: Garlic is though to be one of the most efficacious remedies against high blood pressure. Clinical research has proven that garlic supplements and fresh garlic have the ability of destroying plaque, preventing blood clots, and lowering cholesterol levels. According to a trial it was found that when high blood pressure patients were given a single garlic clove per day for twelve weeks, it resulted in a significant reduction of their cholesterol levels as well as diastolic blood pressure.

However, garlic supplements ought to be taken only under medical supervision, since it acts in a similar manner as aspirin by thinning the blood or reducing its ability to clot. Garlic could also interfere with other supplements and drugs like prescription blood thinning medications like pentoxifylline (Trental) or warfarin (Coumadin), vitamin E, aspirin, and gingko.

Fish Oil: Recent research also supports the efficacy of fish oil having a beneficial effect on high blood pressure. It has been shown that when individuals with hypertension took fish oil supplements equivalent to 5-15 grams per day, it resulted in a significant lowering of blood pressure. According to another research, having a lower dosage of fish oil daily was also proven to be helpful for reducing blood pressure in patients afflicted with mild hypertension.

Folic Acid: This is a vitamin B which is essential for the formation of red blood cells. It is thought to be helpful in reducing high blood pressure by lowering elevated levels of homocysteine. In a study conducted on cigarette smokers, who were given a supplement of folic acid for four weeks, it was found that it reduced their blood pressure significantly.

Vitamin C: Medical science has found that hypertension can also be caused by free radicals, and that a daily dosage of vitamin C can lower blood pressure significantly in those who are afflicted with hypertension.

Aromatherapy: These days, aromatherapy is increasingly being used as a natural remedy for high blood pressure. Blue chamomile should be inhaled directly to counter stress. Being massaged on the collarbone each night with a combination of sunflower oil, blue chamomile oil and lavender oil can relieve high blood pressure.

Diet and Exercise High blood pressure can also be controlled by making lifestyle changes, like incorporating a healthy diet and a regular exercise regimen. For instance, the ratio between potassium and sodium, and magnesium and sodium must be narrowed. This can be done easily by consuming foods that are high in potassium such as cauliflower, cabbage, oranges, grapefruit, melons, bananas, and other fruits and vegetables. Soy, beans, wheat germ, rice, nuts and bananas are a good source of magnesium. Taking a calcium supplement and lowering the intake of salt are also beneficial. Celery oil and celery help to dilate muscles, which helps in regulating the blood pressure. As for exercise, anything from yoga to aerobics to tai chi can be beneficial if done regularly.

Note: Any natural remedy used for alleviating high blood pressure must be incorporated only after consulting a doctor.