High blood pressure is sometimes called the silent killer, as many people who have this condition do not exhibit symptoms until a catastrophic cardiovascular event occurs. Your blood pressure fluctuates during the day, but if it remains high over time, it can cause serious health problems. Talk with your doctor about the merits and drawbacks of herbal medicine before taking herbs to help lower your high blood pressure.
Prolonged High Blood Pressure
Anybody can develop high blood pressure. However, certain individuals have a greater likelihood of developing this condition due to unchangeable risk factors. If you are older, a male under the age of 55 or a female who has gone through menopause, have a family history of high blood pressure and are of African-American descent, you are more likely to develop prolonged high blood pressure. Maintaining a healthy weight and diet, avoiding cigarette smoking and exercising regularly can help treat or prevent high blood pressure.
Helpful Herbs
Certain herbs are known for their hypotensive, or blood pressure-lowering, effects. Master herbalist Ed Smith, author of "Therapeutic Herb Manual," notes that garlic, hawthorn, linden flower and olive leaf extract are commonly used herbs to battle high blood pressure, or hypertension. Other herbs might also be helpful, including mistletoe, hops, onion, valerian, suma, rosemary, parsley, fennel, chamomile and capsicum. Motherwort, rauwolfia, ginger and false hellebore also possess hypotensive action.
Effective Remedy
Rauwolfia is an effective and often used herb in the treatment of high blood pressure. Dr. William A. Mitchell, Jr., a naturopathic doctor and author of "Plant Medicine in Practice," says rauwolfia contains many constituents that possess hypotensive action, including certain alkaloids and reserpine. In some cases, nutrition and lifestyle changes will, over time, negate the need for this remedy. Rauwolfia can cause depression in sensitive individuals and should be taken in small doses. Always check with your doctor before using this herb.
Additional Information
Consider having your blood pressure checked every four to six months, especially if you have any known risk factors for this condition. Hypertension usually does not cause any symptoms, so regular blood pressure exams by a trained professional can help you monitor your vascular health. Maintaining a healthy blood pressure means avoiding alcohol, caffeine and tobacco or consuming these substances in moderation. Eating a high-fiber diet is also an important health measure that will normalize your blood pressure.
References
- CDC: About High Blood Pressure
- National Institute on Aging: High Blood Pressure
- "Therapeutic Herb Manual"; Ed Smith; 2007
- "Plant Medicine in Practice"; William Mitchell; 2003
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