High blood pressure, a condition called hypertension, occurs when blood moving through the arteries travels at a higher pressure than normal. Untreated hypertension may damage the blood vessels, which can increase the risk of heart disease, heart attack, kidney failure and stroke. Physicians may recommend exercise, a change to the diet or medication to lower blood pressure. There are also a variety of herbs that may prove useful in decreasing high blood pressure levels.
Hawthorne
Hawthorne is a herb that may lower high blood pressure. The University of Michigan Health System website reports that some scientific evidence exists to suggest herbal medications made from the leaves and flowers work to decrease blood pressure in those with diabetes, as well as those with congestive heart failure. Hawthorn is a spiny, flowering tree categorized as belonging in the rose family. Herbalists have used it to treat blood pressure since the first century.
Mistletoe
European mistletoe, a type of plant that grows on trees, may decrease the likelihood of headaches and dizziness that often accompanies high blood pressure, according to the University of Michigan Health System. This herbal remedy is taken as a liquid three times per day. The effects of mistletoe on blood pressure are mild and not fast-acting. Mistletoe can be toxic to humans, so physicians recommend taking this herb to lower blood pressure only under medical supervision.
Indian Snakeroot
Indian snakeroot, an herb that grows in India, Thailand and other parts of Asia, South America, and Africa, may help lower blood pressure. This plant contains alkaloids like reserpine that alter blood pressure and the function of the heart. Herbalists have traditionally utilized Indian snakeroot to treat hypertension in conjunction with stress and anxiety, and its use is documented back to 600 B.C. Physicians warn that Indian snakeroot should be used only under medical supervision, as side effects like decreased heart rate, depression, increased appetite and weight gain, swelling, diarrhea and stomach or intestinal ulcers may occur.
Ginger
Ginger, a herb used commonly in Chinese, Japanese and Indian herbal medicines, may lower blood pressure. Ginger can be taken fresh or dried or as tablets, capsules and liquid extracts. It may also be brewed into a tea. MayoClinic.com reports that unclear scientific evidence exists for its usefulness for this condition. Few serious side effects are reported if ginger is taken in small doses, although Medline Plus warns that those with heart problems should not take ginger for lowering high blood pressure as it can make some other conditions worse and interact with medications, resulting in an unsafe drop in blood pressure or an irregular heartbeat.
Olive Leaf
Taking the herb olive leaf may be good for lowering high blood pressure. Research published in the August 2008 journal "Phytotherapy Research" indicates that ingesting 1,000 mg of a specific olive leaf extract may successfully decrease blood pressure in patients with slightly raised blood pressure. The Drugs.com website reveals that adverse side effects for olive leaf consumption are not well documented, but diabetics should take care to only take olive under a doctor's supervision as it can impact blood sugar levels.
References
- FamilyDoctor.org: High Blood Pressure: Things You Can Do to Help Lower Yours
- University of Michigan Health System: Hypertension
- Fox Chase Cancer Center: Mistletoe Extracts
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Hawthorn
- American Cancer Society: Indian Snakeroot
- MayoClinic.com: Ginger
