High blood pressure--also called hypertension--is one of the most common cardiovascular problems in North America. It is affected by your diet and lifestyle and occurs when your arteries experience increased pressure on the artery walls. High blood pressure has also been linked to an increased risk of heart disease and heart attack. One of the best-known natural treatments for hypertension is garlic. When integrated into your daily diet, garlic can help lower blood pressure and improve your health.
Step 1
Consume a whole garlic clove on its own or incorporated it into a meal. The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends eating two to four fresh garlic cloves each day. HolisticOnline.com reports that consuming as little as one garlic clove daily can improve your hypertension.
Step 2
Take freeze-dried garlic tablets daily. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, you should take two 200 mg tablets three times each day. Garlic contains hydrogen sulfide, a chemical compound that helps relax the the blood capillaries and vessels in your system by relaxing the smooth muscles in the cell membranes of your blood vessels, according to All4NatualHealth.com.
Step 3
Take 600 to 1,200 mg of aged garlic extract daily, divided into multiple doses taken throughout the day.
Tips and Warnings
- Garlic has a low toxicity, meaning you can consume very high amounts of it without endangering your health.
- Talk to your doctor before taking garlic if you plan to have surgery or are taking medication that can be affected by blood thinners. Garlic has blood-thinning qualities that can pose risks in certain situations. Garlic can alter the functioning of various medications. When in doubt, it's best to talk with your doctor to make sure garlic is safe to consume while taking your various medication.
Things You'll Need
- Garlic cloves
- Garlic capsules
- Garlic extract
