The most common medications for high blood pressure, or hypertension, cause potassium level imbalances by flushing excess fluids from the body. Herbal remedies preserve the potassium levels in the body by helping maintain and promote elasticity of the blood vessels. Herbal supplements used to treat high blood pressure offer a more natural and less expensive means to manage hypertension symptoms. Search for a natural food store in your area to obtain the most potent and effective supplements.
Bilberry
Bilberry keep arteries flexible and prevents damage to blood vessels in the eye. More pliable arteries maintain blood pressure at a constant level even when the body is stressed by emotions or an increase in activity. Bilberry is available in tablet or capsule form and may be taken in a 240-360 mg. daily dose, states Phyllis A. Balch, CNC, author of "Prescriptions for Herbal Healing".
Corn Silk
The most commonly prescribed medications for high blood pressure increase urination and wash away potassium, thereby affecting heart rate and rhythm. Corn silk acts as a diuretic, but does not flush potassium out of the body. The recommended dose for corn silk is one to two cups of the tea daily, once or twice a day, according to Balch.
Hawthorn
Hawthorn gives you the dual benefit of lowering blood pressure and reducing cholesterol. Arteries not clogged by plaque deposits enable blood to flow freely. Take 250 mg. of hawthorn daily until your blood pressure reaches the desired level. A blood pressure of 120/80 is considered the 'normal' range that every person should strive to maintain.
Garlic
Garlic contains a sulfide compound that dilates blood vessels. As blood vessels widen, blood pressure drops. Garlic also inhibits clotting factors through its blood-thinning properties. As blood thins, pressure also drops. You can either eat garlic cloves---two to three a day are recommended---or take garlic in capsule form if you wish to avoid "garlic breath," states Balch. Take the recommended dose according to the package directions. An added benefit of eating garlic or taking garlic capsules is that mosquitoes will find your blood distasteful.
Ginseng
Ginseng not only lowers blood pressure, it also boosts cellular energy. Ginseng can be taken as a capsule, tea or tincture form, but should not be used on a constant basis. A two week on, two week off, approach works to maintain a lower blood pressure without the body assimilating the dose to the point where it becomes immune to its effects.
Herbal Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy lowers blood pressure by reducing stress and tension. Lavender oil or lemon balm, placed around the room on cotton balls, in lightbulb rings or used in lotions, reduces blood pressure and promotes relaxation, according to Bill Gottlieb in "Alternative Cures".
References
- "Prescriptions for Herbal Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch; 2002
- "Alternative Cures"; Bill Gottlieb; 2008
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Hypertension
Member Comments