High blood pressure, also called hypertension, can be a contributing factor for many diseases, including heart disease and stroke. If you are diagnosed with high blood pressure, your doctor may recommend medication or lifestyle changes, depending on your individual situation. There are herbs and teas that have been shown to lower high blood pressure, but they may not be suitable for everyone. Before using herbs and teas to treat hypertension, talk with your health care provider to see if it is safe for you to use these, as some herbs may interact with medications and cause problems.
Hibiscus
These flowers may be pretty to look at, but hibiscus can have beneficial health effects as well. Hibiscus tea can be used to help treat hypertension. A study published in the January 2009 issue of the "Journal of Human Hypertension" found that individuals who drank a sour hibiscus tea had lower blood pressures than those who drank black tea with no hibiscus. This study was done in individuals who had mild hypertension, so more research may be necessary. The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends using 2 tbsp. of dried hibiscus steeped in 1 cup of water and drinking the tea once daily.
Garlic
Not just an herb used in Italian cooking, garlic has been used medicinally for centuries. UMMC states that garlic contains antioxidants that can help prevent cell damage. This herb has also been shown to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease because it helps lower bad cholesterol levels, raise good cholesterol levels and decrease blood pressure, adds UMMC.
Reishi Mushroom
Reishi mushroom is found on plum trees but is very rarely found naturally this way. It was not until the 1970s that scientists figured out a way to mass produce this herb. Taking Reishi mushroom herbal supplements has been shown to lower high blood pressure due to the water-soluble polysaccharides in the herb, explains Reishi.com. Taking 150 to 300 mg of this herb two to three times a day can help lower high blood pressure, notes UMMC. You can also use it as a tincture, using 30 to 60 drops two to three times a day. This herb can increase the risk of bleeding, so before you use it, it is best to consult your health care provider.
Achillea Wilhelmsii
Achillea wilhelmsii is a plant that is commonly found in Iran and is rich in flavonoids, states an article published in 2000 in the journal "Drugs Under Experimental and Clinical Research." These flavonoids have been said to help lower blood lipids and high blood pressure, and a study published in that same journal found that both systolic and diastolic blood pressure was significantly lower in individuals taking Achilla wilhelmsii. UMMC suggests taking 15 to 20 drops of this tincture twice a day to help lower blood pressure, although more studies are needed to establish this as a reliable treatment.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Hypertension
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Garlic
- Reishi.com: FAQs
- "Drugs Under Experimental and Clinical Research"; Antihypertensive and Antihyperlipidemic Effects of Achillea Wilhelmsii; S. Asgary et al.; 2000
- "Journal of Human Hypertension"; The Effects of Sour Tea (Hibiscus Sabdariffa) on Hypertension in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes; H. Mozaffari-Khosravi et al.; January 2009
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