You may not know that you have high blood pressure, as this condition usually does not cause any symptoms. As such, it's also called a "silent killer," stealthily increasing your risk of potentially fatal conditions such as heart disease, kidney disease and stroke. Fortunately, you can prevent or effectively treat high blood pressure, including with natural remedies such as celery pills. But seek more advice from your doctor before taking these supplements.
Causes of High Blood Pressure
Visits to the doctor for high blood pressure, or hypertension, are second only to visits for the common cold, according to James A. Duke, author of "The Green Pharmacy Guide to Healing Foods." You are more likely to develop this condition if you have a family history of the disease, you're overweight, and you smoke or consume too much salt or alcohol. Hypertension is also more likely to occur as you get older.
Benefits of Celery Pills
Celery pills typically contain celery seed, which are found in the flowers of the celery plant. Various cultures around the world have used celery seed for thousands of years to treat conditions such as water retention, which can increase blood pressure. Celery also has chemicals that thin blood and relax blood vessels, allowing blood to flow more freely and lowering blood pressure. You can also get these benefits from eating celery stalk or making tea with celery seed.
Precautions
Because celery contains chemicals that thin the blood, use caution when taking celery pills if you are also on blood-thinning medications such as warfarin or aspirin. Otherwise, you run the risk of excessive bleeding. Speak to your doctor before taking celery pills if you are taking any medication. Celery is also an effective diuretic, so it may cause dehydration if you're not drinking enough water daily.
Other Natural Ways to Lower Blood Pressure
Besides taking celery pills, you can also reduce salt, fatty foods, refined carbohydrates and alcohol in your diet to improve your blood pressure. Add more potassium-rich foods like bananas, as well as high-fiber foods such as vegetables, fruits and whole grains. Also, try to do at least 30 minutes of aerobic exercise daily and practise stress-reduction techniques, such as meditation or deep breathing, daily.
References
- National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute: What Is High Blood Pressure?
- "The Green Pharmacy Guide to Healing Foods"; James A. Duke, Ph.D.; 2008
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Celery Seed
- "Prescription for Natural Cures"; Robin Young Balch, N.D., et al.; 2011
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Possible Interactions with: Celery Seed
