If you have high blood pressure, it is important to get it under control. Many times, changes in diet and supplementation can help in that regard. If your doctor approves, the following herbs may help you reach that goal.
Garlic: Of all the herbs on the planet, this is my favorite. Not because of its flavor so much, but for the many things it can do. It may help prevent some types of cancer, it can act like a mild antibiotic and it’s great for helping lower blood pressure. Raw garlic is best, but most of us can’t handle the bite. You can use it cooking, but you may also want to take it in supplement form.
Ginger: Unless you like ginger ale or some types of Asian cuisine, the only time you’re likely to think about ginger is during the holiday season. It is used in many recipes at that time of year, but it is useful as a remedy all of the time.
I primarily use this rhizome for coughs, but it could be beneficial to your cardiovascular system. It can relax muscles around your blood vessels and improve blood flow. These go a long way towards lowering BP.
Gingko: While this is primarily used for improving cognitive function, one side effect is that it can act as a vasodilator. That means that it opens up veins, easing blood flow.
Green Tea: Despite the fact that this beverage/supplement contains caffeine, studies still indicate that it actually lowers blood pressure. It is thought that the antioxidants found in the beverage are responsible for this affect.
Hawthorn: This is not an herb to take lightly. If you have heart disease, you will want to work closely with your doctor and a qualified herbal practitioner. However, under normal circumstances it is considered good for the heart and BP.
Before you take any supplement, especially for a specific condition such as hypertension, see your doctor. Get a checkup and make sure there are no other medical conditions involved. Be sure to mention any medications or supplements you currently take and ask about the ones you are considering adding. If your doctor doesn’t know how safe they are for you, talk to your pharmacist.
Several of these herbs do have drug/herb interactions. Most of them are considered safe despite these interactions, but it is always advisable to make certain. As an example, garlic can act as a blood thinner. If you are taking medications that do the same job, and many medications for this disorder can, you should use caution with the herb in other than food amounts.
By: Mary Bodel
