Hypertension or high blood pressure is called the "silent killer" because it usually has no symptoms. Individuals with hypertension should be under the care of a professional health-care provider. According to Medline Plus, a website of the National Institutes of Health, high blood pressure may be controlled with a healthy life style, healthy diet and adequate exercise and medications if needed. An alternative approach to treating hypertension is with the use of natural herbs. These may include hawthorn berry, garlic and mistletoe.
Hawthorn Berry
Hawthorn berry has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries as a digestive aid. Hawthorn berry is derived from the flowers, leaves and fruit of the plant. According to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, it is thought that hawthorn berry causes dilatation of the smooth muscles in the coronary arteries which lowers the resistance in the arteries and increases blood flow throughout the body. Hawthorn berry may be used for conditions such as hypertension, atherosclerosis and indigestion as well as congestive heart failure and angina. Hawthorn berry should not be used when pregnant or breast feeding.
Garlic
Garlic, or Allium sativum, is a popular herbal cooking spice used for centuries as food and in traditional medicine. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, garlic may be used to lower high blood pressure, high cholesterol and lower the risk of atherosclerosis, a build up of plaque in the arteries that may lead to heart disease or stroke. Allicin is the active ingredient in garlic. Garlic also protects the cells against free radical damages because of its rich antioxidant content.
Mistletoe
Mistletoe is obtained from the aerial parts of the plant, except for the berries. According to the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, mistletoe preparations may be used to treat a variety of conditions including hypertension. It also is used in treating cancer, arthritis and hepatitis and can stimulate the immune system. Mistletoe is available as an oral product. It can also be administered through injection though these formulas are not approved for use in the United States.
Mistletoe berries and leaves are highly poisonous. More than two berries or three leaves can result in mistletoe toxicity. Mistletoe should not be used when pregnant as it may cause uterine stimulation.
