Herbal Remedies For High Bp

High blood pressure or hypertension is often referred to as the silent killer, often resulting in patients suffering heart attacks, renal damage, or even strokes. Medical supervision is mandatory at monitoring and treating hypertension. Lifestyle modification and prescription drugs usually lower the blood pressure to a manageable level. Natural approaches can be taken with dietary changes, however must also be supervised by a health care provider.

Garlic

Used primarily as a flavor enhancer in food, garlic can also treat infections, lower cholesterol, and help reduce high blood pressure. According to "Encyclopedia of Natural Healing," after oral consumption of garlic, elevated blood pressures have been reduced within 24 to 48 hours, along with increased vascular flow and the inhibiting clot formation. A typical dosage of garlic consists of 1 to 3 cloves per day. Garlic may also be consumed in tablet form and is recommended at 4,000 mcg per day. No health risks are reported with overuse, but some people experience mild cases of heartburn.

Coleus

A member of the mint family, coleus is another herb that effectively helps lower blood pressure. Native to Tibet and Thailand, this herb has been used for centuries for the treatment of angina, asthma, psoriasis, and congestive heart failure. According to the "Encyclopedia of Natural Healing," coleus improves the hearts contractibility and decreases hypertension through increasing the natural levels of cyclic AMP. With the active ingredient being extracted from the roots of the plant, a typical dosage consists of 50 mg three to four times daily, as described by Natural Cures Guide. Caution should be taken and professional supervision is recommended especially if the patient is currently taking high blood pressure medications.

Reishi

Highly used in the orient for its revitalizing capabilities, the reishi mushroom has been a staple for centuries. Not only has the reishi been effective in reducing cholesterol and triglyceride levels, but has also shown to be effective in treating high blood pressure. This acts by inhibiting the angiotensin enzyme which is responsible for fine muscle contraction of the vascular system. Unlike some mushrooms, the reishi has shown no signs of toxicity, according to the website highbloodpressureinfo.org. Since these mushrooms are quite bitter and tough to eat, general preparation consists of simmering them in water for several hours to extract the active ingredients. This tea can be consumed on a daily basis.