High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is not a well understood condition according to the American Heart Association. The disorder has many risks including damage to your vascular walls, pressure on your heart due to strain and depleting your levels of oxygen through your body. There are some vitamins and herbs that may be able to help with high blood pressure such as folate, hawthorn, valerian and saffron.
Folate
According to the January 2005 issue of the "Journal of the American Medical Association," a study at Harvard medical school showed that high levels of the B vitamin known as folate can reduce the risk of high blood pressure. Foods rich in folate include chicken liver, beef liver, lentils, kidney beans, spinach, oranges and asparagus.
Hawthorn
Hawthorn has been recommended for decades as a folk remedy for high blood pressure. Extracts from this fruit-bearing shrub have been used to treat people suffering from heart disease, respiratory illness and circulatory disorders. Though no formal studies have been conducted on hawthorn and hypertension, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center studies have shown that hawthorn can improve symptoms of heart failure such as breathlessness and fatigue.
Valerian
Valerian is an herb indigenous to Europe and Asia. It has been used in medicine for more than 2,000 years. Although it has been used in Chinese medicine to treat hypertension, angina and congestive heart failure, according to Medline Plus there have been no formal studies showing that valerian can prevent or reduce the effects of high blood pressure.
Garlic
There are many health claims surrounding garlic and its ability to reduce high blood pressure in once such claim. According to Medline Plus, studies have shown that garlic is able to slightly reduce blood pressure levels in people with hypertension, which may show promise, but more research is needed.
Disclaimer
If you feel that your have high blood pressure and are considering taking vitamins and herbs to reduce it, consult your physician. He will be able to conduct a full examination, give you the necessary tests and recommend appropriate treatment for these conditions.
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