High blood pressure or hypertension is a condition in which the walls of the arteries constrict, causing the heart to increase your circulatory pressure by pumping harder. If left untreated, high blood pressure can lead to heart attack or stroke, as well as other illnesses. Prescription medications used to treat high blood pressure often cause unwanted side effects such as fatigue and potassium loss. Lifestyle changes and certain Chinese herbs may help to reduce your blood pressure with less side effects. Speak with your doctor before adding any herbal supplement to your diet.
Step 1
Take the herb hawthorn, which is commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine, in capsule form daily, according to manufacturer's directions. The University of Maryland Medical Center explains that hawthorn contains several substances that may provide heart healthy benefits, including antioxidants. In addition, hawthorn may help improve the functioning of the heart, increasing endurance. For individuals with high blood pressure, the substances in hawthorn may strengthen the circulatory system, protecting the vessels from damage due to pressure. These substances also may reduce the narrowing of the blood vessels which can lower blood pressure.
Step 2
Take a ginkgo biloba supplement daily, according to manufacturer's directions. MedlinePlus explains that ginkgo is used in Asian medicine for the treatment of cognitive problems, headaches and circulatory problems. High blood pressure can cause insufficient circulation, particularly in the extremities. This can lead to a condition known as claudication and can also lead to Raynaud's syndrome, in which the circulation is significantly restricted in response to cold temperatures. Ginkgo also appears to have some effectiveness in reducing pain while walking in the legs of individuals who have poor circulation.
Step 3
Take 250 to 500 mg of astragalus extract three times daily, available at your local health food store. As a substitute, you can also drink astragalus tea. According to the UMMC, astragalus acts as an anti-inflammatory and antibacterial treatment, as well as a tonic and an immune stimulant in Chinese medicine. In addition, astragalus appears to help boost the immune system, increasing your resistance to viruses that cause colds. Astragalus also has antioxidant properties and can help the body get rid of excess retained fluid that is common in individuals who have cardiovascular disease. This may help to lower the pressure in the arteries that can lead to a heart attack or stroke.
Step 4
Add 2 to 4 gm of fresh garlic to your daily diet or take a garlic supplement, available at your local health food store. The UMMC explains that garlic has been used in several cultures, including those in central Asia, in the treatment of cardiovascular disease and hypertension. According to Medherb, it appears that garlic expands the walls of the blood vessels, decreasing both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Garlic also appears to decrease the aggregation of blood cells, helping to prevent them from clogging arteries and causing a stroke.
Tips and Warnings
- Speak with your doctor before adding any herbal supplement to your diet.
