"Ayurveda" is Sanskrit for "science of life." This ancient healing art has been practiced for more than 5,000 years and restores balance and harmony through the use of certain herbs and foods, creating good health. According to Ayurveda, good health exists when the body is free of toxins, the mind is at peace and the emotions are calm and happy. The opposite of this causes deterioration of bodily functions that results in chronic illnesses, like high blood pressure. Consult with your health care provider to determine if an Ayurvedic approach will conflict with your prescribed medications for high blood pressure.
Cause of High Blood Pressure
Ayurveda medical principles attribute high blood pressure to stress, smoking, caffeinated beverages, a high-fat, low-fiber diet, and excessive table salt. All these cause the body to take in toxins. Some toxins may accumulate on the artery walls, causing atherosclerosis. This condition complicates the removal of toxins and waste, which leads to high blood pressure and other chronic illnesses.
High Blood Pressure, a Vata Condition
Three energy forces help regulate bodily functions. These energy forces are found in all living and nonliving things. Ayurveda calls these forces doshas, collectively. Individually, they are called Vata, Pitta and Kapha. Circulation problems occur when Vata is unbalanced. Vata, or the kinetic energy, is responsible for movements inside the body. Activities, such as the expanding and contracting of the lungs, the ability to speak and the flow of blood happen because of Vata. High blood pressure is unbalanced Vata energy. The herbal treatment chosen must bring Vata back into balance within the body of the person consuming it.
Principal Ayurveda Herb for High Blood Pressure
Vikram Chauhan, an Ayurveda doctor, treats blood pressure problems with the same herbs that are used for heart disease and high cholesterol. Arjuna is an Indian tree bark that contains antioxidants and the minerals calcium, magnesium, zinc and copper. Antioxidants protect cells against free radicals, the molecules that contribute to heart disease and other imbalances in the body. Arjuna also contains coenzyme Q10, which increases circulation. Ayurveda doctors conducted a series of studies on the effects of arjuna on the circulatory system and found the same positive benefits for the heart, blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Drink the tea twice a day. Arjun saar is liquefied arjuna bark mixed with amla juice. Amla juice is Indian gooseberry juice. It is rich in vitamin C, a vitamin well-known for its antioxidant properties and ability to lower blood pressure. Take 30 ml of arjun saar, once or twice a day.
Other Treatments for High Blood Pressure
Powdered rauwolfia root is also effective for hypertension. Take 1/2 tsp. three times a day. Jatamansi and ashwagandha or Indian ginseng benefit the nervous system with their calming effects. These herbs control blood pressure, anxiety and reactions to stress.
References
- Planet Ayurveda: High Blood Pressure -- Hypertension; 2008
- Planet Ayurveda: Terminalia Arjuna for Heart -- The Best of All Herbal Heart Care Remedies; 2008
- Planet Ayurveda: Ayurveda: A Time-Tested Medical Science; 2008
- MedlinePlus: Antioxidants
- "Prescription for Natural Healing"; Phyllis and James Balch; 2000
