High blood pressure--also called hypertension--is a common ailment of the cardiovascular system that can lead to other health problems. These include an increase risk for heart attack and heart disease. Hypertension can develop from several different factors, such as diet, fitness level and stress. Medications are available to treat this condition and lower your blood pressure, and changes in your diet are almost always necessary. There are also some herbal remedies that can help reduce your hypertension.
Linden
Linden is an herb that can be effective at treating high blood pressure, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Linden should be consumed as a tea--steep 2 g of dried herb in 8 oz. boiling water. Strain before drinking, and consume 1 or 2 cups daily. Linden can also help your body flush out excess fluids.
Rosemary
Rosemary is a popular herb used in cooking, but it can also be used to treat hypertension. Rosemary is best taken as a tea. The tea can be brewed by steeping 1 or 2 g of rosemary leaves in 1 c. boiling water, then straining and allowing to cool before drinking. The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends drinking this tea three times daily.
Danshen
Danshen is an herb that works to relieve high blood pressure by dilating your blood vessels, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. However, it is less commonly-used than other herbs and can pose health risks to users taking blood-thinning medications. For this reason, it is recommended you consult your physician to determine whether danshen is a safe herbal remedy, as well as what doses are best for you.
Hawthorn
Hawthorn's efficacy on hypertension hasn't been determined through medical studies, but many people use it to treat high blood pressure. It has, however, been shown in studies to reduce the symptoms of heart failure. Take anywhere from 240 to 600 mg of hawthorn daily.
Garlic
While medical research hasn't confirmed its benefit, garlic may be useful in treating hypertension. It can also thin out your blood, which can have bad consequences for individuals on blood-thinners. Garlic can be taken in doses of 600 to 900 mg daily, but you should confer with your doctor before taking garlic to verify the herb is safe for you to consume.
