High blood pressure is a serious health risk that increases the likelihood of suffering a stroke or heart disease. Because it does not present symptoms, high blood pressure is sometimes referred to as the "silent killer" and may be caused by a number of factors including obesity, insulin resistance and heavy alcohol consumption. If you have high blood pressure, your doctor will likely prescribe anti-hypertensive drugs to reduce it. Some herbs may also help lower blood pressure, but they should not be used in place of medicines prescribed by your doctor. Get medical advice before using them.
Reishi Mushroom
The University of Maryland Medical Center notes that taking 150mg to 300mg of reishi mushroom two or three times daily may lower blood pressure, but adds that clinical evidence to prove this is lacking. Reishi mushroom, sometimes referred to as the mushroom of immortality, may cause side effects including a dry throat and nose, nausea, gastrointestinal discomfort, and vomiting. It may interact with medicines including chemotherapeutic agents and anticoagulants. It may also heighten the effects of anti-hypertensives, so get advice from your doctor before using this herb alongside any prescription blood pressure medicines you may be taking.
Achillea wilhelmsii
The results of a study published in 2000 in "Drugs Under Experimental and Clinical Research" show that Achillea wilhelmsii significantly reduced diastolic and systolic blood pressure after 2 and 6 months, respectively. However, more up-to-date studies examining its effect on blood pressure are lacking. Native to Iran, Achillea wilhelmsii, is rich in flavonoids and compounds known as sesquiterpene lactones, and is also used to lower blood lipid levels. Safety information on this herb is limited, but an article published in "Current Pharmaceutical Design" in 2010 notes that it has not been associated with any significant adverse effects.
Garlic
Garlic might help lower blood pressure, although its effects are likely only to be slight. However, an analysis of clinical trial findings published in the June 2008 issue of "BMC Cardiovascular Disorders" notes that garlic preparations are superior to placebo for reducing blood pressure in people with hypertension. As it is a popular food flavoring, garlic is likely safe, but it may cause side effects including bad breath, heartburn, nausea and vomiting. Do not take garlic if you have a bleeding disorder as it may increase the risk of bruising and bleeding. It may also interact with other drugs including anti-HIV drugs and the birth control pill.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Hypertension
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center: Reishi Mushroom
- Drugs Under Experimental and Clinical Research: Antihypertensive and Antihyperlipidemic Effects of Achillea Wilhelmsii.
- Current Pharmaceutical Design: The Efficacy and Safety of Herbal Medicines Used in the Treatment of Hyperlipidemia; A Systematic Review
- BMC Cardiovascular Disorders: Effect of Garlic on Blood Pressure: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
- MedlinePlus: Garlic
