The 6 Best Plants To Lower Blood Pressure
To reduce blood pressure, it is important to make changes in your lifestyle and eating habits. Indeed, in some cases, the doctor prescribes certain medications in order to avoid complications. Are there any herbs that help improve the situation?
It must be said that popular belief recognizes several herbal remedies that act as adjuvants in case of high blood pressure. Still, they are not a substitute for medical treatment and should be taken with caution. In this space we tell you more about it.
How to lower blood pressure
Problems associated with blood pressure or hypertension represent today one of the cardiovascular disorders that endanger the lives of millions of people worldwide.
The cause may lie in age or other pathologies; based on this, one speaks respectively of primary or secondary hypertension. As a result, the heart muscle weakens and, moreover, compromises the health of organs such as the kidneys, pancreas and brain.
Moreover, if not adequately controlled, this problem also affects the likelihood of suffering from heart attacks, brain haemorrhages and other serious disorders that significantly compromise the quality of life. For this reason it is essential to improve one’s lifestyle and to resort to remedies whose properties help to keep the situation under control.
In this regard, based on a Mayo Clinic publication, it is recommended to:
- Lose weight and reduce waist inches.
- Exercise regularly.
- Maintain a healthy diet with the DASH diet.
- Limit your dietary sodium intake.
- Limit alcohol consumption.
- Stop smoking.
- Reduce your caffeine intake.
- Learn to manage stress.
- Contact your doctor.
This last piece of advice is important, because the doctor can accurately determine the pressure levels and decide, if necessary, to administer the drugs. Although in many cases it is possible to intervene with non-pharmacological solutions, there are those who need drugs.
Based on this, it is essential to take into account that remedies of natural origin can help to keep this problem under control, but they do not replace the measures suggested by a doctor. In fact, before taking them as supplements, the ideal is to ask for a medical consultation.
Plants to lower blood pressure
As well explained in a publication in the medical journal Pharmacognosy Reviews , there are several natural herbs with beneficial properties for controlling blood pressure. Many of these have even proved useful for blood pressure.
However, this type of option is not free from possible side effects, especially if we abuse it without medical supervision. For this reason it is essential to be informed about cases in which its consumption is not recommended and, above all, to use it moderately.
Consult your doctor, as interactions with prescribed medications have very often emerged. In the absence of complications, consumption can help lower blood pressure and stabilize it.
However, be sure to combine the use of these remedies with other healthy lifestyle habits, especially regarding nutrition and exercise. All of this, on the whole, helps reduce the risk of having high blood pressure.
1. Oregano
Oregano has an active ingredient known as carvacrol which, after being assimilated by the body, could help lower high blood pressure. A study published in the journal Planta Medica agrees with these benefits. However, there is still no reliable evidence of these effects on humans.
In any case, it is a spice that contains potassium, which is also useful for regulating high blood pressure. Although most healthy adults report no problems following consumption, it should be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Mode of consumption
- Thanks to its exquisite flavor, it is ideal for seasoning meats, stews, soups and other recipes.
- You can make it in the form of an infusion or add it to smoothies.
2. Valerian
As well explained in a study published in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine , valerian is an herb with sedative, anti-inflammatory properties that can help regulate high blood pressure due to stress by stabilizing the heartbeat.
In addition, it is a natural sedative that can help reduce muscle pain, relieve depression and insomnia. Furthermore, according to this same research, it could have positive effects in regulating blood lipids and blood pressure.
Mode of consumption
- Consume up to 10 drops of valerian extract per day.
- Prepare the infusion of the plant and drink it an hour before going to sleep.
3. Lavender
Although there is no evidence to support this hypothesis, some believe that a massage with lavender essential oil can help lower high blood pressure.
Furthermore, as detailed in a publication in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, these types of alternative remedies can be useful in improving the quality of life of hypertensive patients.
Mode of consumption
- After purchasing lavender oil, mix 8 to 10 drops of this oil with another carrier oil (olive or coconut) and massage your entire body. Repeat the procedure 2 or 3 times a week.
4. Horse tail
In many cases, hypertension is related to water retention. This disorder, known as edema, obstructs the passage of blood through the arteries and overloads the heart.
According to a study published in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine , horsetail is a diuretic herb that stimulates the elimination of liquids and waste substances, reducing this disorder.
Mode of consumption
- Prepare a dry horsetail tea and drink it 2 or 3 times a day.
- Repeat the remedy, at least, 3 times a week.
5. Dandelion
The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine highlighted the diuretic properties of dandelion. Precisely because of this characteristic, it is hypothesized that it can help regulate blood pressure. However, it is recommended to take it moderately and from time to time.
Mode of consumption
- Drink 2 cups of dandelion tea a day.
- Add the infusion to juices and smoothies.
6. Passionflower
Passionflower is a natural ingredient that has been used for decades as a remedy for the treatment of depression, anxiety and stress, as well explained in a study published in Phytomedicine .
Its sedative properties relax the body and mind and, at the same time, significantly reduce the production of cortisol. Several studies also attribute it to anti-inflammatory and vasodilating properties which, in patients with high blood pressure, can be beneficial.
Mode of consumption
- Prepare a cup of passion flower tea and take it in times of stress and anxiety.
- Keep in mind that it should be taken in the evening, as it can have soporific effects.
Does high blood pressure worry you?
First, consult your doctor for a correct diagnosis. Then, tell him your intention to try these herbal supplements. In the absence of contraindications, these plants could help regulate blood pressure.
