Known clinically as Hypertension, High Blood Pressure affects many people at different times of their lives. Blood Pressure is monitored by taking two recordings. The systolic pressure reading is taken to see how much the heart contracts, whilst diastolic pressure ascertains this for the arteries. It is these two figures you will hear being given at your appointment with your physician. Under normal conditions, blood pressure is around 120(systolic)/80(diastolic) in men, whilst for women this will be slightly lower. If readings are as high as 140/90, suspicions are aroused, and further studies will be commenced. Anything above this figure would be classed as hypertension, whilst treatment should commence when readings are regularly exceeding 120/80.
The single most important cause that could trigger the development of High Blood Pressure seems to relate back to lifestyle, and when diagnosed, can subsequently play a key role in the effective treatment of it. In many cases, this has had an immediate and dramatic effect, often leading to a significant reduction and even total elimination for conventional drug treatment. Exercise is also key when tackling preventing the development. But what of herbal remedies for high blood pressure, do any of them work?
Whilst changes to lifestyle can, seem an awful chore, many of the steps are more about taking a sensible approach and applying levels of common-sense to daily life. If weight is an issue, consider the number of calories you consume in a day. Steer clear of refined carbohydrates and try moving to wholewheat products. Complement your diet with oily fish, nuts, seeds, pulses and fruit. Providing essential fatty acids these will help relax artery walls and thin the blood. Alcohol consumption could also be a cause, so ensure levels of these are closely monitored. Smoking, of course, is not good for any health issue, and is a major player in the cause of Highly Blood Pressure. If cutting it out completely is proving difficult, seek professional guidance and support to help.
Herbal Remedies for High Blood Pressure have been tested under clinical settings with differing results. Many have been proven to be a strong source of good for fighting the symptoms, with many often being prescribed by your physician, or recommended for use alongside or in place of more conventional drugs.
Good for the heart and cardiovascular system in general, garlic has long been known to lower blood pressure and reduce cholesterol. It is also used for the effective treatment of infections and further tests have shown it to be significant in the fight against cancer and as a preventative measure. Incorporating garlic into your daily routine is easy, with it being a staple ingredient in a large number of meals. However, a guaranteed way to ensure high blood pressure reduction is to consume up to three raw garlic cloves a day. If constant “garlic breath” doesn’t appeal however, supplements in tablet form are readily available.
Another less well used culinary ingredient, but almost as widely available is the humble dandelion. Long known for its diuretic benefits, it gently increases urine flow thus helping to lower blood pressure. Simply making a tea with the leaves three or four times a day, or adding to a nice green salad, will be enough to help. If this is not practical, supplements are also available.
Other herbal remedies for high blood pressure are available that have proven successes, including hawthorn berries and the Japanese mushroom reishi. Before beginning on a herbal program however, it is advisable to consult your physician and approach staff in your health store to best advise you on the appropriate action.
