High blood pressure, or hypertension, not only increases your risk for stroke and cardiovascular disease, but can also damage other parts of your body, including your kidneys and eyes. In addition to improving your diet and increasing exercise, herbs are often used to lower blood pressure. Garlic, but not ginseng and ginkgo biloba, can help lower your blood pressure. Consult your health-care provider before taking any herbs.
Garlic
Garlic has been used for hundreds of years to treat a wide range of ailments, from wounds to high cholesterol. Its antioxidant properties might also help to lower your blood pressure. Scientists at the University of Adelaide in South Australia performed a meta-analysis, or review, of the scientific studies regarding the effects of garlic on blood pressure. They concluded that garlic is significantly more effective than a placebo in reducing blood pressure, especially in people with hypertension. The findings were reported in the June 2008 issue of "BMC Cardiovascular Disorders."
Ginseng
Ginseng contains compounds called ginsenosides, which habe been shown to lower blood pressure in animals. Scientists at St. Michael's Hospital in Canada investigated whether ginseng would lower blood pressure in humans. Patients with high blood pressure received North American ginseng or a placebo on eight mornings. Researchers reported in the May 2005 issue of "Hypertension" that the ginseng group experienced no changes in blood pressure compared with those consuming a placebo.
Ginkgo Biloba
Ginkgo biloba might not lower your blood pressure either, according to a study conducted by researchers at Wake Forest University School of Medicine. Scientists observed that participants taking 240 mg of Gingko biloba didn't lower their blood pressure, compared with those consuming a placebo. The study also found that Gingko biloba wasn't effective for reducing hypertension risk, according to findings reported in the May 2010 issue of the "American Journal of Hypertension."
Caution
Garlic seems to be effective for lowering your blood pressure, whereas ginseng and Ginkgo biloba show no sign of blood pressure benefits. Since all of these herbs may cause side effects or interact with medications, consult your health-care provider before taking any of them.
References
- "BMC Cardiovascular Disorders"; Effect of Garlic on Blood Pressure: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis; K. Ried et al.; June 2008
- "Hypertension"; North American Ginseng Exerts a Neutral Effect on Blood Pressure in Individuals With Hypertension; P.M. Starvo et al.; May 2005
- "American Journal of Hypertension"; Effect of Gingko Biloba on Blood Pressure and Incidence of Hypertension in Elderly Men and Women; T.E. Brinkley et al.; May 2010
