What are the Herbs that help in treating Blood Pressure?

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High blood pressure is one of the most common chronic health condition among people all over the world. It is advisable to control it by following a healthy ligfestyle and proper medication else it can lead to complicated heart disease and kidney ailments. A healthy lifestyle with proper diet and exercise helps to control high blood pressure. You can also try alternative systems of medicine like herbal remedies to control blood pressure. Since, herbs are considered safe option for treating chronic conditions such as hypertension and diabetes.  Let us understand the effect of different herbs on blood pressure and how can we include them in our daily diet.

How does Garlic lower High Blood Pressure?

Garlic (Allium sativum) is one of the  herbs known for its healing and anti-cancer properties. It is also very effective in controlling high blood pressure. Researches suggest that the garlic sulphide present in this herb helps to lower the cholesterol level when used regularly. But the best way to obtain maximum advantage from garlic is to eat it raw; one clove everyday in the morning. It works as an excellent anti-coagulant by widening the blood vessels and reducing the chances of blood clotting. You can eat it crushed, by chewing, chopping or by smashing it slightly so that the natural juices flow directly into your mouth. It is very popular amongst Germans and Chinese. Clinically, garlic powder is recommended to treat mild blood pressure due to its ability to reduce systolic and diastolic blood pressure.

Caution: Garlic is known to interact with Coumadin (warfarin) or Trental (pentoxifylline), ginko and aspirin. Hence garlic intake is not recommended few days before any type of surgery.

How Hawthorn helps to combat High Blood Pressure?

Hawthorn (Crataegus oxyacantha) herb relaxes blood vessels, increases heart muscle metabolism and improves blood supply to the heart. The potent bioflavonoid complexes present in Hawthorn help to control the blood pressure. It is known to restore and regulate blood supply to heart and stabilize working of cardiovascular system. The whole floral part of the Hawthorn herb including leaves, flowers and berries (fruits) is used as cure for high blood pressure. The extract or tablet supplements of this herb is generally prescribed in combination with other medicines. The herb has no history of interaction with other medications.

What is the effect of Coleus on High Blood Pressure?

Coleus (Coleus Forskohlii) helps to lower high blood pressure, and improves the force of contraction. The herb contains active compounds such as 7 beta-acetoxy-8, 13-epoxy-1 alpha, 6 beta,9 alpha-trihydroxy-labd-14-ene-11-one (forskolin) along with labdane diterpene glycosides, forskoditerpenosides A, B (1, 2). It belongs to mint family and is best used in extract form that is converted into herbal concoction or tablets.  This herb is profusely found in Burma, India and Nepal. It is known to interact negatively with albuterol, ephedrine, epinephrine, and pseudoephedrine. Since this herb is also prescribed for anti-clotting and platelet aggregation, it is necessary to consult caretaker if you have been prescribed warfarin, clopidogre, enoxaparin, dalteparin and aspirin for the same ailment.

What other herbs are recommneded for  High Blood Pressure?

Some of the herbs that can be helpful with lowering blood pressure are:

• Butchers Broom (Ruscus aculeatus): It helps prevent blood clotting. It contains 0.8-1. 5% of quinolizidine alkaloids or sparteine that releases sodium ion in the cell membrane thereby stimulating anti-arrhythmic activities that prolongs the diastole. Generally, the herb is taken in the form of herbal tea or extract. The regular recommended dosage are between 1 and 1.5 grams/day. Butcher's Broom is known to interact with antidepressant drug MAO (monoamine oxidase) inhibitor. The herb should be avoided during pregnancy as it is known to cause contraction in uterus.
• Arjuna Herb (Terminalia Arjuna): It protects the heart by reinforcing the cardiac muscle and supports circulation. Arjuna contains coenzyme Q10 and triterpine glycosides which aids in proper functioning of the arteries. The bark of this herb contain several complex elements including gallic acid, ellagic acid, saponnins, natural anti-oxidants (arjunone, arjunolone and leteilin), oligomeric proanthocyanidins, magnesium, zinc, calcium, phytosterols and copper that collectively provide anti-ischemic and cardioprotective properties . The herb is available in capsule form. In ancient times, Indians used to chew Arjuna bark for improving cardiac functionalities. No side-effects of this herb have been traced till date.
• Bilberry (Vaccinium Myrtillus): It contains anthocyanosides that strengthens blood vessel walls, helps circulation and increases blood flow. The dried ripe fruits and leaves are used for making a powder which is used as medicine. The tannins and flavanoids in Bilberry help to reduce cholesterol levels and improve cardiovascular functions. It should not be taken with diabetes medicines as Bilberry is known to reduce blood sugar level below the normal level. Bilberry contains chromium; prolonged usage can increase the chromium level in the blood beyond the normal limits. Bilberry should not be taken with blood clotting medications.
• Dong Quai (Angelica sinensis): It is a Chinese herb used to treat blood pressure and contains vitamin A and B12. It is prescribed in the form of tablet or powder supplement. This herb should be strictly taken under medical supervision as it is known to have several side-effects such as nausea, vomiting, stomach upset, fever, burping, skin allergies and rashes. It should be avoided along with blood thinning drugs such as warfarin and heparin and anti-platelet drugs namely clopidogrel and ticlopidine. It also reacts negatively when used along with some other herbs like ginseng, garlic, danshen, and gingko.   

For additional information on Herbs that Lower Blood Pressure, click on the links below:

Benefits of Herb Bacopa  

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