There is some evidence that herbal remedies can successfully lower hypertension. In the United States, more than 56,000 people died due to hypertension in 2006, according to the American Heart Association. The disease is chronic and often asymptomatic. If you do not treat high blood pressure, your likelihood of stroke and heart disease increases. Always consult a physician prior to taking any herbal remedies.
Hawthorn
Hawthorn is a thorny plant that can grow up to 5 feet tall. Its berries are filled with antioxidants called flavonoids. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, those antioxidant flavonoids can help improve blood flow through the arteries, lowering blood pressure in the process. In a study published in the June 2006 issue of "The British Journal of General Practice," patients given 1,200 mg of hawthorn daily for four months experienced lower blood pressure.
Fish Oil
The omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil appear to have a hypotensive effect. Fish oil helps clear clogged arteries, lowering blood pressure in the process. But according to MayoClinic.com, the benefits may only manifest when high doses of omega-3 fatty acids are taken. More than 7.5 g per day of omega-3 fatty acids can act as a blood thinner.
Rauwolfia
The rauwolfia plant contains the alkaloid known as resperine. Alkaloids are naturally occurring compounds that affect vascular function. Reserpine was once isolated and used as a hypertension medication, but due to numerous side effects, the prescription drug fell out of favor. Rauwolfia itself is still available as a dietary supplement. The natural reserpine alkaloids found in rauwolfia affect the electrical signals sent by nerves in the body and help improve blood flow through the arteries and blood vessels.
Flaxseed Oil
Flaxseed is a high-fiber grain rich in alpha-linolenic acid, or ALA. ALA is an essential fatty acid. In the January 2007 issue of the "European Journal of Clinical Nutrition," George Paschos, a researcher in the department of nutrition and dietetics at Harokopio University in Athens, Greece, wrote that the ALA found in flaxseed oil helped lower blood pressure over a period of three months. Patients in the study were given 8-g daily doses of flaxseed oil.
References
- AHA: High Blood Pressure Statistics
- "The British Journal of General Practice"; Hypotensive Effects of Hawthorn for Patients with Diabetes Taking Prescription Drugs: a Randomized Controlled Trial; Ann F Walker, Ph.D.; June 2006
- MayoClinic.com: Fish Oil Evidence
- Tillotson Institute of Natural Health: Rauwolfia
- "European Journal of Clinical Nutrition"; Dietary supplementation with Flaxseed Oil Lowers Blood Pressure in Dyslipidaemic patients; George K. Paschos, B.Sc.; January 2007
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