High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a serious condition that may increase the risk of developing heart disease and stroke. If your systolic pressure is consistently 140 or above and your diastolic pressure is 90 or above, your doctor will diagnose hypertension. If you have high blood pressure, your doctor may advise you to take more exercise and eat a healthy diet. You may also have to take medicine to lower your blood pressure. Some natural supplements may help lower blood pressure. However, the University of Maryland Medical Center notes that evidence to support their use is mixed.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
The University of Maryland Medical Center notes that omega-3 fatty acids may help lower blood pressure. Omega-3 fatty acids are found in oily fish such as tuna, mackerel, herring and salmon. Fish oil supplements are also an abundant source of omega-3 fatty acids. MedlinePlus notes that omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil supplements may help lower blood pressure by expanding blood vessels. Fish oil supplements are safe for most people. However, they can cause unpleasant side effects including bad breath, nausea, excess gas and heartburn.
Coenzyme Q10
Coenzyme Q10 is a substance that occurs naturally in the body and is needed for the proper functioning of cells. MayoClinic.com notes that Coenzyme Q10 may help lower diastolic blood pressure. High blood pressure may be associated with low blood levels of Coenzyme Q10. However, MayoClinic notes that it is unknown whether Coenzyme Q10 deficiency causes high blood pressure. Coenzyme Q10 supplements are generally well-tolerated, notes MayoClinic. Nevertheless, they may cause side effects including headache, nausea and fatigue.
Herbs
A number of herbs may help lower blood pressure, although scientific evidence to support their use is limited. The University of Maryland Medical Center notes that taking 15 to 20 drops of a tincture of the herb Achillea wilhelmsii may help lower high blood pressure. Taking 150 to 300 mg of reishi mushroom two or three times daily may also lower blood pressure. However, the University of Maryland Medical Center notes that evidence to support this is weak. Herbs can cause side effects and may interact with other medicines. Do not take herbal supplements for high blood pressure without consulting your doctor first.
