Herbs have been used as medicine for thousands of years. Medical researchers are constantly hunting for better alternatives while some revisit these natural remedies. It’s believed that some can even treat hypertension, also known as high blood pressure.
Whether it is the whole herb or in the form of supplement, there have been talks about these herbs being natural ways of treating high blood pressure — alongside lifestyle changes.
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What Affects Blood Pressure?
High blood pressure has a lack of symptoms, and because of that it can inflict damage even before one is aware of having it. But what causes the rise in blood pressure are quite prominent. These include genetics, stress, diet, smoking and the lack of exercise.
The essential hypertension is the most prevalent type, affecting 90% to 95% of those affected with high blood pressure.
A sedentary lifestyle, visceral obesity, potassium deficiency, sodium sensitivity, alcohol intake and vitamin D deficiency are usually the main factors of it. Secondary hypertension isn’t as common, but it’s resulted from the compromise or imbalance of the pathophysiological mechanisms.
High blood pressure can increase risks of other health problems like heart attack, stroke, diabetes, heart failure and kidney disease. Hence, it is important to be regular with blood pressure check-ups.
Herb 1. Basil
Going well with a variety of foods, basil is known to help lower blood pressure. The chemical eugenol found in the herb may block certain substances that tighten the blood vessels, and thus preventing the rise in blood pressure as well as lowering it.
Adding fresh basil into your diet is as simple as it gets — putting it on pastas, soups, salads and casseroles is the same as sprinkling some salt for seasoning. A little goes a long way, and it wouldn’t even feel like much, especially when the taste of basil is more like an added seasoning rather than a necessary addition.
Herb 2. Cinnamon
Another herb that requires little effort to include in your daily diet is cinnamon. This tasty seasoning has been said to lower sudden onset and prolonged high blood pressure. A sprinkle on your breakfast meal or even coffee might do just the trick.
An enhanced flavour for dinner with a dash of cinnamon could potentially be a new routine as well. While it is an easy addition to a daily routine, most people opt for supplements instead. Either option works just as well, and it depends on the individual who takes them. There are no side effects to supplements either, so there are no downsides to taking them.
Herb 3. Cardamom
Often used in South Asian cuisine, Cardamom is a very loved herb used as seasoning that originated in India. A study showed that the intake of cardamom powder twice a day for three months have shown significant results of reduction in blood pressure.
It may be because that cardamom has a diuretic effect, which promotes urination to remove water that builds up in your body — around the heart, for example. Taking cardamom on its own is just as effective as including cardamom seed in soups and stews, or even baked goods. Consume it moderately as excessive intake might do more harm than good.
Herb 4. Flaxseed
Flaxseed has numerous studies of its effectiveness to lower blood pressure. Not only that, it can also protect against atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease by reducing serum cholesterol, improving glucose tolerance and acting as an antioxidant.
There are many products that have flaxseed in it, but the most effective way is to get it as a whole or ground seeds and then adding them into your home-cooked meals. From soups to smoothies, there’s no excuse to not add it to your diet.
Herb 5. Garlic
Garlic has been widely misjudged. Although its ability to ruin one’s breath is the reason some avoid it, garlic not only adds a ton of flavour to your food but also increases a substance in one’s body known as nitric oxide.
This substance aids the lowering of blood pressure as it helps the blood vessels in the body to relax and dilate, allowing blood to flow more freely and thus reducing blood pressure.
We all know it’s so simple to include garlic in any recipe, but if the pungent smell is still a bother, roasting it first helps. Alternatively, there are garlic supplements if you really can’t get over the flavour of natural garlic.
Herb 6. Ginger
Commonly used in Asian foods, ginger is an extremely versatile ingredient that can also be found in beverages, desserts and sweets. Studies have proven its positive effect on the improvement of blood circulation and relaxation of muscles surrounding the blood vessels, which helps to lower blood pressure.
Chop it up, mince it, or grate fresh ginger into any of your dishes to get your dose of ginger daily.
Some might even choose to use powdered ginger and take it as a drink, while others prefer supplements. All of the forms of the herb, when taken within the appropriate quantities, have the same exact positive effect and it all depends on individual preference.
Herb 7. Hawthorn
Used in traditional Chinese medicines for thousands of years for high blood pressure, Hawthorn is still one of the unbeatable natural remedies today. Its anti-inflammatory compounds and other factors have benefits on cardiovascular health like preventing the hardening and relaxation of arteries, lowering cholesterol and predominantly lowering blood pressure.
The effect of dilating blood vessels is the reason why the hawthorn herb is effective for those with high blood pressure. Consuming it on its own is the most popular method, but there are also supplements available for those who prefer that.
Herb 8. French Lavender
Lavender is not only for decoration and scent. The French lavender has been shown to lower heart rate and blood pressure. This herb can be used in culinary as well as baked goods.
The easy addition of this flower herb is so simple that there is no excuse for not including it in your daily diet. If the alteration to some recipes caused by the French lavender’s strong aroma is an issue, diluting the powdered form and consuming it as a drink would be a better option.
Herb 9. Celery Seed
Celery seed has long been used to treat high blood pressure in China. This herb is more known as a seasoning for soups, stews, casseroles and other savoury dishes, but its medicinal benefits is what’s underrated. Regardless of consuming the seeds or juicing the whole plant, celery may also be a diuretic that can have positive effects on blood pressure.
Herb 10. Cat’s Claw
The Chinese have been using cat’s claw as a herbal medicine for centuries, especially for hypertension as well as neurological health problems. Its act on the calcium channels in the cells reduces blood pressure significantly. This herb can be found in supplement form and can easily be found in health food stores for those who would prefer that than adding the herb to daily meals.
Alternative Natural Treatments for High Blood Pressure
On top of the natural remedies to include in your daily diet, a change in lifestyle alongside medicinal treatment can greatly lower blood pressure. Lifestyle modifications like quitting smoking and exercise can greatly reduce hypertension. Smoking blocks the vessels gradually and a permanent stop to the habit can greatly improve high blood pressure in the long run.
Including meditation, breathing exercises or yoga into your exercise routine can be an effective stress reliever and a positive impact on mental health. Mental health can greatly affect one’s physique regardless of their past experiences or history.
A boost in health mentally makes one feel good about themselves and, in turn, promote overall health as well as the improvement of high blood pressure.
A modification in diet should be considered as well. Food with high water content such as fruits and vegetables can help keep the blood pressure at an ideal level. A diet that is low in sodium can greatly assist in that too, so cutting down on salty foods and salt seasoning might be beneficial in reducing high blood pressure.
While it may be difficult to cut down fully, a gradual decrease in sodium intake that will eventually lead to a full stop is a good approach as well.
Even though high blood pressure is hard to recognise without the proper check up, adding these herbs and alternative natural treatments into one’s diet and routine can greatly benefit one’s health.
Even if one doesn’t feel like they have high blood pressure, it is important to maintain the blood pressure and have it at an ideal level. High blood pressure can lead to serious consequences, but herbs are mother nature’s answer to treatment for just about anything.
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