According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, high blood pressure affects about one in three American adults. While doctors most frequently prescribe medication to keep blood pressure under control, lifestyle changes such as reducing dietary sodium, exercising and eating healthy may also help. In addition, several herbal remedies have the potential to lower high blood pressure. Always talk to your doctor before taking any new herb, however, and never stop taking your prescription medication unless under the supervision of a qualified medical provider.
Garlic
Healers have used garlic as a medicine for thousands of years. Evidence suggests that the herb may also help lower blood pressure. A systematic review published in BMC Cardiovascular Disorders in 2008 examined 25 studies clinical studies and found that garlic preparations work better than placebo for reducing blood pressure in individuals with hypertension. The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends taking 400 mg of garlic up to three times daily for the best results.
Reishi Mushrooms
Though scientific evidence appears weak, reishi mushrooms may help lower blood pressure in some individuals. Used in China and Japan for centuries, healers have prescribed the herb for reducing "bad" LDL cholesterol and triglycerides in addition to treating hypertension. Taking 150 to 300 mg of reishi mushroom two to three times per day or 30 to 60 drops of reishi tincture two to three times per day may benefit sufferers of high blood pressure. Always consult a doctor before taking reishi mushroom, as it may increase the risk of bleeding and interact with prescription medications.
Coleus
Another common herbal remedy lacking clinical support, an extract of coleus known as forskolin enjoys widespread use for the treatment of high blood pressure in India. According to Linda B. White, in her book "The Herbal Drug Store," forskolin may reduce blood pressure by increasing the body's concentration of cAMP, a chemical found in smooth muscles. Increased levels of cAMP relax the smooth muscles, which dilates the artery walls and allows blood to flow more easily. White recommends taking 50 mg of concentrated forskolin extract three to four times per day for the best results.
Hawthorn
Hawthorn, a traditional herbal remedy for high blood pressure, may benefit sufferers of hypertension, according to a study published in the British Journal of General Practice in 2006. In the study, 79 patients with type 2 diabetes received either 1200 mg of hawthorn extract or placebo per day for 16 weeks. Around 71 percent of participants also took medication for high blood pressure. At the end of the study, patients taking hawthorn saw a significant decrease in blood pressure levels.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Hypertension
- Mayo Clinic: High Blood Pressure Alternative Medicine
- PubMed: Effect of Garlic on Blood Pressure: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
- The British Journal of General Practice: Hypotensive Effects of Hawthorn for Patients with Diabetes Taking Prescription Drugs: A Randomised Controlled Trial
- "The Herbal Drugstore"; Linda B. White, Steven Foster; 2000
