Numerous herbs, along with conventional biomedical therapies, may be helpful in treating your anxiety and hypertension. According to MayoClinic.com, episodes of anxiety can cause dramatic spikes in your blood pressure. Over time, if your anxiety continues, you may develop chronic high blood pressure, or hypertension, and heart and kidney damage. Before taking herbs to help treat your anxiety-related hypertension, talk with your doctor about possible side effects, proper dosage and potential drug interactions. MayoClinic.com states that several herbal remedies have been studied as a treatment for anxiety, but more studies are required to determine the safety of these herbs.
Motherwort
Motherwort is an herb that may be helpful for your anxiety and hypertension. According to Botanical.com, motherwort, also known as Leonurus cardiaca, is native to many parts of Europe. Motherwort grows on banks and under hedges in gravelly soil. The aerial parts of the plant are used medicinally. Motherwort has a bitter taste. Dr. Sharol Tilgner, a naturopathic physician and author of the book "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth," states that motherwort is a female tonic, diuretic, antispasmodic and nervine, or a substance that calms your nerves. Motherwort is used to treat numerous health conditions, including nervous palpitations, elevated blood pressure due to stress and nerve pain caused by herpes zoster. A 2001 study by Chang-Xun Chen and Chiu-Yin Kwan published in the journal "Life Sciences" states that leonurine, a plant alkaloid found in motherwort, is an effective inhibitor of vascular smooth muscle tone, or a substance that helps your arteries relax, or dilate, thereby decreasing the pressure inside them. Motherwort should be taken over a period of months for best results. Before taking motherwort for your anxiety and hypertension, talk with your doctor about possible side effects, proper dosage and potential drug interactions.
Linden Flower
Linden flower is an herb that may be beneficial for your anxiety and hypertension. The University of Maryland Medical Center, or UMMC, states that linden flower, a member of the Tilia family, has been used in European folk medicine for hundreds of years to treat numerous health problems, including nerve problems and conditions associated with anxiety. The flowers and leaves are used medicinally. Linden flower has a slightly sweet taste and a pleasant smell. According to Tilgner, linden flower is a diaphoretic, diuretic, antispasmodic, antidepressant and calmative. Tilgner notes that linden flower is a relaxing remedy for nervous tension and a prophylactic against the development of arteriosclerosis, or hardening of your arteries, and hypertension. According to the UMMC, Tiliia has been studied in only several test tube and animal trials. Contemporary research is yet to confirm the clinical findings practitioners of botanical medicine have observed for centuries. Before taking linden flower to help treat your anxiety and hypertension, talk with your doctor about possible side effects, proper dosage and potential drug interactions.
Lavender
Lavender is an herb that may be effective for treating your anxiety and hypertension. According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, lavender, also known as Lavandula angustifolia, is a member of the mint family that is native to the Mediterranean region. Lavender has been used since the time of ancient Egypt. Lavender may be helpful for treating numerous health problems, including anxiety, restlessness, insomnia, depression, headache, upset stomach and hair loss. Tilgner states that lavender is a spasmolytic, anti-inflammatory, carminative, diuretic and mild sedative that can help reduce your nervous exhaustion. Lavender has a bitter taste, notes Tilgner. A 2005 study by J. Lehrner and colleagues published in the journal "Physiology and Behavior" states that ambient odors of orange and lavender decreased anxiety and improved mood in patients waiting to receive dental treatment. If you are pregnant, you should avoid taking lavender. Before taking lavender to help treat your anxiety and hypertension, talk with your doctor about possible side effects and proper dosage.
References
- MayoClinic: High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
- Botanical.com: Motherwort
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Linden
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Lavender
- "Life Sciences"; Vasorelaxation by Leonurine; Chang-Xun Chen et al.; January 2001
- "Physiology and Behavior"; Lavender Reduces Anxiety and Improve Mood; J. Lehrner et al.; September 2005
Member Comments