The American Heart Association reports that one in three people in the United States has high blood pressure, and many are not aware of their condition. In the early stages, hypertension is called the "silent killer" because it has few discernable symptoms. Once symptoms appear, the person usually presents with a wide range of symptoms, many of which can be serious and potentially life-threatening. Get your blood pressure checked regularly using a machine that has been calibrated for accuracy. If you get high readings, see your doctor right away. If you are diagnosed with high blood pressure, always follow your doctor's recommendations. Here are some natural remedies that are sometimes touted for having blood pressure-lowering properties. Check with your doctor if you are interested in exploring alternative medications for high blood pressure.
Garlic
Garlic is a wonder drug for the heart, according to Holistic Online (see Resources). Its beneficial effects for the entire cardiovascular system are well known to holistic practitioners, and anecdotal evidence has shown it is of clinical use in people with moderate to high blood pressure. Because garlic can thin the blood, it should only be used under the supervision of a medical practitioner.
Hawthorn
An old time, traditional herbal remedy, hawthorn is often used to lower high blood pressure and strengthen the cardiovascular and circulatory systems. Hawthorn is a well-respected heart tonic that has shown significant anecdotal evidence resulting in lowering blood pressure, according to Jethro Kloss, author of the book "Back to Eden," (Lifeline Books, 2004).
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
PubMed.gov reports the results of a 2002 study conducted at the University of Western Australia which examined the effect of Coenzyme Q10 on blood pressure in people with type II diabetes (see References below). Participants were given 100mg of CoQ10, which appeared to significantly reduce overall blood pressure.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Fish oil
MedLinePlus.com reports that fish oil, containing omega-3 fatty acids, does have positive effects on cardiovascular function and in lowering blood pressure. Because of the risk of bleeding internally when using fish oil, do so with the knowledge of your health care practitioner, who can recommend the proper dose for you.
Folic Acid
There is some preliminary evidence on the efficacy of folic acid (folate), a B vitamin, as an aid in lowering blood pressure, according to the American Heart Association. It is required for the formation of red blood cells and might help to reduce high blood pressure by lowering elevated homocysteine levels. Homocysteine is an amino acid, and the American Heart Association reports that too much homocysteine in the blood may put people at risk for coronary heart disease, strokes and possibly peripheral vascular disease (see References below).
Calcium, Magnesium and Potassium
These minerals, along with sodium, all play an important role in kidney function and contribute to the ability of the kidney to regulate blood pressure. The right balance among them is essential to good health and the management of blood pressure, says the American Heart Association.
Vitamins C
According to holistic practitioner Dr. Andrew Weil, the antioxidant capabilities of vitamin C have been shown to reduce blood pressure for those with mild to moderate hypertension (see Reference 2 below).
