Herbs that control Blood Pressure
High blood pressure or hypertension is a noncommunicable disease. The majority of middle and old aged Americans is suffering from hypertension along with or without its complications. Improper lifestyle, inappropriate diet intake and fast stressful work life are the main predisposing factor for developing this disease like an epidemic. Alcohol intake, smoking, obesity are other risk factors in developing high blood pressure.
Hypertension can be defined as having systolic blood pressure more than or equal to 140mm of Hg (mercury) and/or diastolic pressure more than or equal to 90mm Hg.
Hypertension is the leading risk factor for acute heart attack, heart failure and acute stroke. It also causes glaucoma, renal failure, chronic kidney disease etc.
There are different ways to control hypertension, such as-
- Lifestyle modification (including diet habits and daily activities)
- Proper medication
- And some natural herbal remedies (herbs and spices) that can control blood pressure
Herbs are types of plants used for their scent, flavour or therapeutic properties. A whole plant or part of a plant is used to make varieties of health supplements. Now a day, these are very trendy products.
There are several herbs that are used to control and prevent high blood pressure. Some are very effective, and some are used as an additive to other treatments. But some herbs have drug interactions. So before using herbal products, a consultation with a doctor and an expert may be beneficial.
Here are some common herbs and spices, which can be used in controlling high blood pressure:-
(Allium sativum) It has a history of thousand years of human use.
Mechanism of controlling high blood pressure: By producing a chemical substance called ‘acllicin’. It can reduce blood pressure by 7-8%.
Other medical effects: It improves- atherosclerosis as well as Colon cancer, rectal cancer, and stomach cancer. It has good effects on Tick bites and fungal infections of the skin.
Side effects: It is likely safe in oral intake. There are minimal or no side effects of garlic. It can increase bleeding time. Gastrointestinal tract (GIT) upset is common. It is also likely safe for a pregnant and lactating mother. Though, strong evidence is not found.
(Allium cepa) It is a common spice used all over the world.
Mechanism of controlling high blood pressure: Quercetin and an antioxidant flavonol found in onion are responsible for reducing blood pressure. Onion can reduce 7mm systolic and 5mm diastolic blood pressure.
Other medical effects: It prevents different heart and cerebral diseases like acute heart attack and stroke.
Side effects: Onion is relatively safe for oral intake. Gastrointestinal tract discomfort is common. It is also safe for a pregnant and lactating mother.
Its seeds are used to make herbal medicine.
Mechanism of controlling high blood pressure: Its oil contains more than ten chemical substances that can reduce blood pressure.
Other medical effects: It improves-
-Intestinal spasms, heartburn, IBS, reduced appetite and constipation.
-Cough, Bronchitis, Sore mouth and throat or common cold.
-Liver problems, Gallbladder problems
-Urinary problems etc.
Side effects: It is a safe herbal medicine. It can be used in pregnancy and lactation.
It is a well-used spice collected from the inner bark of different trees of the Cinnamomum genus.
Mechanism of controlling high blood pressure: It is a potent antioxidant that helps to reduce blood pressure.
Other medical effects: It helps to control blood sugar, acute heart attack, stroke by its antioxidant.
Side effects: It has several harmful side effects-
- Toxicity Accumulation
- Premature Labor
- Increase risk using Coumarin
- Blood Thinner
- Allergies
- Skin irritation
- Increased Heart Rate etc.
(Hibiscus sabdariffa). It is used as tea.
Mechanism of controlling high blood pressure: Its extract shows similar or little fewer effects than ramipril and captopril regarding lowering blood pressure in a study. (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23333908 )
Other medical effects: Maybe a cardioprotective herb.
Side effect: It is relatively safe to drink. Pregnancy and lactating mothers also can take. Though, strong evidence is not found regarding its safety.
Celery seed is a herb used to flavour different foods.
Mechanism of controlling high blood pressure: Celery seeds act as a diuretic and reduces blood pressure.
Other medical effects: It is also used to treat arthritis, rheumatism, nervousness and various other diseases.
Side effects: Dermatitis has been reported for few cases. It is safe to use in pregnancy.
The Chinese traditional practitioner is using it to control blood pressure for a long time. It is found as a pill or a liquid extract.
Mechanism of controlling high blood pressure: Its several chemical ingredients are very effective for cardiac health as well as reducing high blood pressure.
Other medical effects: It has some beneficiary effects in-
- Heart failure and has some advantages over digoxin.
- Hawthorn extracts cause stimulatory effects on the CNS, including anxiolytic and analgesic action;
- Hyperlipidemia
Side effects: Dizziness, headache, rash, palpitations, and nausea and other GI symptom may occur.
Basil is a herb as well as a vegetable used worldwide.
Mechanism of controlling high blood pressure: Extract of basil Helps to control and reduce high blood pressure.
Other medical effects: It acts as-
- An antioxidant
- Has an antibacterial property.
- Rich source of vitamin K, vitamin A and some other vitamins.
- Contains Minerals, such as manganese, and magnesium etc.
Side effects: It has no recognized side effects. It is safe for pregnant and lactating mothers.
Cat’s Claw
It is a commonly used herbal medicine. It is usually used for arthritic pain. But it has a good effect on controlling blood pressure.
Mechanism of controlling high blood pressure: Cat's claw contains chemicals that might stimulate the immune system, reduce blood pressure, kill cancer cells, and fight viruses.
Other medical effects: It has good effects on-
- Different arthritis, such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis
- Bowel inflammation, such as Diverticulitis, inflammation of the lower bowel, gastritis and leaky bowel syndrome.
- Viral infections- HIV, Herpes
- Chronic fatiguesyndrome (CFS), Alzheimer’s disease, asthma, hay fever,
- Wound healing, parasites etc.
Side effects: It may predisposes- Multiple sclerosis (MS), SLE, Leukemia etc. It may be unsafe for pregnant and lactating mothers.
The leaves of olive are used for different medical practices by traditional practitioners.
Mechanism of controlling high blood pressure: Oleuropein, one of the main constituents of the olive leaf, acts as a potent antioxidant and helps dilate the blood vessels and causes blood pressure.
Other medical effects: live oil is used to prevent
- Heart attack and stroke
- Breast cancer, colorectal cancer,
It also used to treat-
- - Rheumatoid arthritis and
- Topical use for different skin and ear diseases.
- Olive oil is also used as cooking oil etc.
There are more herbal medicines present to treat high blood pressure. But, most of these preparations are manufactured as nutrition supplements. So, the FDA doesn’t regulate them.
You can use herbal medicines for controlling high blood pressure. But consultation with a doctor is necessary for any drug interaction or harmful side effects. They are not so well studied yet. Try to use good products.
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Dr. Hasan Ebna Amin
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