When blood pressure is chronically high, it can lead to heart disease, stroke or a heart attack. The National Institutes of Health refers to high blood pressure as a "silent killer," as there are often no symptoms to let people know they are afflicted with it. When one is diagnosed, the treatment involves lifestyle changes and medication, but some desire to treat their elevated blood pressure with natural therapies, such as herbs. If you have extremely high blood pressure, never use an herb without the direct supervision of your physician. Herbal remedies are only recommended for those whose blood pressure is not yet critically high, and there are only a few herbs that are recommended to lower blood pressure. Never use herbs if you are currently on blood pressure medication.
Hawthorn
Hawthorn is known to have been used since the 1800s to treat respiratory and circulatory problems. The University of Maryland Medical Center reports that Hawthorn contains two specific substances, flavonoids and OPCs (oligomeric procyanidins.) Flavonoids are reported to improve the flow of blood by dilating and protecting the blood vessels. OPCs and flavonoids, are also powerful antioxidants, which protect cells in the body from damage. Hawthorn is available as a dietary supplement and in teas.
Rauwolfia
Rauwolfia serpentina is a medicinal herb that has been used for centuries in eastern cultures. Also referred to as "Indian snake root," the benefits of rauwolfia on hyptertension have been embraced by modern medicine, and now, according to the Mayo Clinic, a popular high blood pressure medication has been derived from this herb. Rauwolfia alkaloid is often prescribed by doctors for the treatment of hypertension, as it lowers blood pressure and can cause a depressive effect on the central nervous system. It is also available as an herbal tea, powder or supplement.
Coleus Forskohlii
Coleus forskohlii, or forskolin, is another medicinal herb that has been used for centuries. Sloan-Kettering Memorial Cancer Center in New York City, reports that forskolin is known to be effective for treating inflammation, obesity, cancer and hypertension. Available as a dietary supplement, if you are currently taking blood thinners or blood pressure medication, do not experiment with forskolin.
Garlic
A study in the December 2008 issue of the "Annals of Pharmacotherapy" reports that garlic lowers systolic blood pressure in those patients who have an elevated SBP level. If the patient did not have elevated systolic blood pressure, garlic had no effect. The American Academy of Family Physicians also points to four studies that showed garlic had a lowering effect on diastolic blood pressure as well. Garlic not only has possible blood pressure benefits, but it also has been shown to have a lowering effect on blood cholesterol levels. If you are currently on blood pressure medication, adding garlic to the diet is safe, but taking garlic supplements must first be approved by your physician.
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