Hypertension (HTN), or high blood pressure, is a condition that increases your risk of stroke and other serious illnesses. It is defined as persistently elevated blood pressure in the arteries. A healthy person’s blood pressure should be 120/80 mm Hg. However, depending on the underlying causes, it can be high or low.
At least one of the following factors should be considered when diagnosing high blood pressure.
Over 120 mm Hg systolic blood pressure
Above 80 mm Hg diastolic blood pressure
Above these levels in both systolic and diastolic pressure
In modern science (Allopathy), various medicines can immediately lower your blood pressure. According to research, various herbal therapies effectively reduce blood pressure when combined with a healthy diet. Herbal medicines, on the other hand, are popular among many people due to their efficacy. As a result, there has been a rise in demand for herbal therapies for various diseases worldwide. Because they have better acceptability with the human body and fewer side effects, herbal medicines are used by about 75 percent to 80 percent of the world’s population, primarily in developing countries, for primary health care.
High blood pressure can be controlled with various medications, such as beta-blockers, and dietary and lifestyle changes. According to the research, many herbs are also beneficial to maintaining high blood pressure. Incorporating a few spices into your diet can naturally lower your blood pressure.
Garlic
Garlic is a well-known herb with a variety of medicinal uses. For example, garlic contains various compounds that are good for the heart. Allicin, one of the primary active compounds in garlic that gives it its distinctive odor and many health benefits, may help lower blood pressure and relax blood vessels.
How Does It Work?
When eaten raw, garlic (Allium sativum) contains heart-healthy antioxidants that help lower blood pressure. Garlic supplements can be found at the grocery store or on the internet. To lower your blood pressure, add flavor, nutrition, and aroma to your dishes.
Possibly Effective for Reducing High Blood Pressure
According to some studies, taking garlic decreased systolic and diastolic blood pressure by an average of 8.3 mm Hg and 5.5 mm Hg, respectively, in over 550 people with high blood pressure. This effect was comparable to that of blood pressure medications.
In a 24-week study of 30 people, 600–1,500 mg of garlic extract was just as effective as usual for lowering blood pressure.
Safety Precautions
It is strictly forbidden to use this herb under the following circumstances:
- Pregnancy
- Surgery
- Diarrhea
- In Combination of:
- Medications used for HIV/AIDS (Non-Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors (NNRTIs)) interact with GARLIC.
- Isoniazid (Nydrazid, INH) interacts with GARLIC.
- Saquinavir (Fort Vase, Invirase) interacts with GARLIC
Ginger
Ginger is a versatile spice that can help with many aspects of heart health, including circulation, cholesterol levels, and blood pressure, when used over time. In addition, ginger is a natural calcium channel blocker that aids in blood vessel relaxation. Therefore, you can incorporate ginger into your meals and beverages regularly.
How Does It Work?
Ginger has several health benefits and can help lower blood pressure, so some medications cannot. Ginger lowers blood pressure by dilating blood vessels and acting as a natural calcium channel blocker. By relaxing blood vessels, the spice aids circulation and lowers blood pressure. Ginger is a delicious spice that is simple to incorporate into your diet. Alternatively, you can purchase ginger supplements from the grocery market or online.
Possibly Effective for Reducing High Blood Pressure
Ginger has been shown to decrease blood pressure (when used in combination with medication) by acting as a vasodilator (it expands your blood vessels), which is beneficial for increasing circulation in the body, and lowering overall blood pressure. In addition, ginger also contains potassium, a mineral that has been shown in studies to help lower blood pressure. Ginger contains 415 mg of potassium for every 100 g, according to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). That is more than a banana (a potassium-rich food) containing only 358 mg per 100 g.
Safety Precautions
It is strictly forbidden to use this herb under the following circumstances:
- During Medications that slow blood clotting (Anticoagulant / Antiplatelet drugs).
- Phenprocoumon
- Pregnancy.
- Hyperthyroid.
Cardamom
Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum) is a peppery, citrusy spice with many health advantages. In addition, cardamom is a tasty spice with a strong, slightly sweet flavor.
It is high in antioxidants, which may help to lower blood pressure. According to a study published in the Indian Journal of Biochemistry and Biophysics, cardamom can help lower blood pressure.
How Does It Work?
Cardamom is a widely used spice, particularly for its flavor. This sweet spice contains antioxidants that act as a natural calcium channel blocker to help lower blood pressure. It also acts as a diuretic (helps to reduce heat load) by increasing urine flow. Cardamom is a simple spice to use in cooking and baking. You could also take a cardamom supplement or extract as an alternative. Alternatively, you can purchase cardamom supplements from the grocery market or online.
Possibly Effective for Reducing High Blood Pressure
Cardamom is a tasty spice with a somewhat sweet, intense flavor. It is naturally loaded with several antioxidants, which can help to reduce blood pressure.
According to some studies, a 12-day study in 20 adults who were recently diagnosed with elevated blood pressure discovered that taking 3 ounces of cardamom powder daily can lower blood pressure, decreasing it close to the usual range.
Test-tube and animal experiments suggest cardamom can help lower blood pressure by functioning like a natural calcium channel blocker and water pills.
A diuretic is a chemical compound that helps eliminate water accumulation via urination.
Even though these discoveries are hopeful, research in this field is still relatively new. Hence, scientists need to carry out further studies to investigate more the cardamom’s effects on humans.
Safety Precautions
It is strictly forbidden to use this herb under the following circumstances:
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Gallstones
Cinnamon
Cinnamon is a fragrant spice derived from the bark of the cinnamon tree. Since ancient times, Cinnamon has also been used to treat various heart-related symptoms and lower blood pressure.
The blood vessels appear to relax and dilate because of it.
How Does It Work?
Cinnamon has been shown to significantly lower blood pressure when consumed in sufficient amounts daily, particularly in people with diabetes. Sprinkle cinnamon powder on top of cereals or coffee to enhance the flavor while also lowering your blood pressure. You can find Cinnamon supplements in the grocery store or on the internet.
Possibly Effective for Reducing High Blood Pressure
Several studies have found that Cinnamon reduced systolic and diastolic blood pressure by an average of 6.2 mm Hg and 3.9 mm Hg, respectively, according to a review of 9 studies with 641 participants. However, the effect was more potent when people took Cinnamon for 12 weeks. Furthermore, the impact of taking Cinnamon was examined in a review of three studies involving 139 people with type 2 diabetes. Those who took 500–2,400 mg of Cinnamon daily for 12 weeks saw a 5.39 mm Hg decrease in systolic blood pressure and a 2.6 mm Hg decrease in diastolic blood pressure.
Safety Precautions
It is strictly forbidden to use this herb under the following circumstances:
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Gallstones
Basil
Basil (Ocimum basilicum) is a fragrant green-leaved herb in the mint family. It comes in various flavors, including holy basil, cinnamon basil, blue Basil, Thai basil, and more. Because of its compounds, basil is a popular alternative. Basil contains eugenol, a plant-based antioxidant that lowers blood pressure by acting as a natural calcium channel blocker.
How Does It Work?
Basil is an herb used to add flavor to a variety of dishes. When added to food, basil extracts have been shown to significantly lower blood pressure. Keeping a basil plant in the kitchen will allow you to use the leaves more frequently in salads, soups, and pasta. You can find Basil supplements in the grocery store or on the internet.
Possibly Effective for Reducing High Blood Pressure
According to research, Eugenol may help lower blood pressure by acting as a natural calcium channel blocker.
Calcium channel blockers block calcium from reaching the heart and arterial cells, relaxing blood vessels. Sweet basil contains eugenol, a plant-based antioxidant linked to a variety of health benefits, including lower blood pressure. Precious basil extracts have been shown in animal studies to help relax blood vessels, thin the blood, and lower blood pressure.
Safety Precautions
It is strictly forbidden to use this herb under the following circumstances:
- Pregnancy
- Breast-feeding
- Bleeding Disorder
- Surgery
Celery Seeds
Celery seeds (Apium graveolens) are a versatile spice high in iron, magnesium, manganese, calcium, and fiber, among other nutrients. In addition, because celery is a diuretic, it can help to lower blood pressure. Celery seeds are used in China to treat hypertension and are added to soups and stews for flavor. These, on the other hand, may be used to combat high blood pressure.
How Does It Work?
The researchers discovered that celery seed extract reduced blood pressure in rats with pre-existing elevated blood pressure but not in rats with average blood pressure.
Research suggests that compounds found in celery seed extract may help lower blood pressure by acting as a natural calcium channel blocker.
Furthermore, celery seeds are high in dietary fiber, which has been linked to lower blood pressure. You can find Celery seed supplements in the grocery store or on the internet.
Possibly Effective for Reducing High Blood Pressure
According to the study, celery seed extract was found to lower blood pressure in rats with pre-existing high blood pressure but not normal blood pressure. Researchers believe celery seed extract may help lower blood pressure by acting as a natural calcium channel blocker.
Furthermore, celery seed is high in dietary fiber, which has been linked to lower blood pressure.
Safety Precautions
It is strictly forbidden to use this herb under the following circumstances:
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Bleeding Disorder
- Surgery
- Allergies
Parsley
In American, European, and Middle Eastern cuisines, parsley is a well-known herb. It contains several compounds, including vitamin C and carotenoids, that can help lower your blood pressure. Parsley contains several compounds that may help lower blood pressure, including vitamin C and dietary carotenoids.
How Does It Work?
Parsley is a low-calorie vegetable that is high in nutrients like vitamins A, K, and C.
Vitamin A is a necessary nutrient for maintaining immunity and eye health. Likewise, it is beneficial to the skin and may help improve conditions such as acne.
Parsley is also high in vitamin K, a nutrient that helps to maintain bone and heart health. Two tablespoons (8 grams) of parsley provide more vitamin K than you require daily.
Furthermore, parsley is high in vitamin C, a nutrient that promotes heart health and is essential for the immune system. You can also buy parsley supplements at your local grocery store or online.
Possibly Effective for Reducing High Blood Pressure
Parsley (Petroselinum crispum) is a common herb in American, European, and Middle Eastern cuisines. It is a Mediterranean native with a robust nutritional profile.
Several studies have shown that carotenoid antioxidants lower blood pressure and LDL (bad) cholesterol, which are risk factors for heart disease. In addition, animal studies have shown that parsley reduces both systolic and diastolic blood pressure by acting as a calcium channel blocker, a medication that relaxes and dilates blood vessels.
Safety Precautions
It is strictly forbidden to use this herb under the following circumstances:
- Diabetes
- Pregnancy
- Breastfeeding
- Edema
- kidney disease
- Surgery
Cats Claw
The cat’s claw is a type of plant. Uncaria tomentosa and Uncaria guianensis are the two species of cat claw most used in medicine. The Amazon forest and other Central and South American tropical areas are home to the cat’s claw, a woody vine that grows wild. Blood pressure appears to be reduced by the cat’s claw. Therefore, taking a cat’s claw with blood pressure medications may cause your blood pressure to go too low.
How Does It Work?
Cat’s claw is an herb used to treat hypertension and other neurological problems. It reduces blood pressure by acting on calcium channels in the body. Cat’s claw supplements are also available online at some health food stores.
Possibly Effective for Reducing High Blood Pressure
Traditional Chinese medicine has long used Chinese cat claws to treat various ailments, including high blood pressure.
Possibly Effective for Reducing High Blood Pressure
Several compounds, including hirsutine and rhynchophylline, are found in Chinese cat’s claws. According to animal studies, these may lower blood pressure by acting as natural calcium channel blockers. Furthermore, these compounds may cause blood vessels to produce nitric oxide, aiding blood vessel relaxation and dilation.
Safety Precautions
It is strictly forbidden to use this herb under the following circumstances:
- Allergy
- Diabetes
- Pregnancy
- Breastfeeding
- Kidney Problem
Flaxseeds
Flax seeds have already been prized for their health-protective benefits. For example, flaxseed is an excellent herb for high blood pressure due to its high levels of alpha-linolenic acid. The essential fatty acid is beneficial in the prevention, treatment, and hypertension management. Alternatively, you can purchase flaxseed supplements from the grocery market or online.
How Does It Work?
The seeds have long been prized for their health benefits. Because of its high levels of alpha-linolenic acid, flaxseed is an excellent herb for lowering blood pressure. In addition, the essential fatty acid is helpful in the prevention, treatment, and management of hypertension. You can find Flaxseed supplements in the grocery store or on the internet.
Possibly Effective for Reducing High Blood Pressure
Flaxseeds and their oil are high in linolenic acid and omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to help with heart disease, inflammatory bowel disease, arthritis, and other ailments. Several studies have found that omega-3 fatty acid-rich diets significantly lower blood pressure in people with high blood pressure. By lowering cholesterol levels, flaxseed may protect against atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Ground flaxseed consumption of 15 to 50 grams per day can help lower total cholesterol.
Safety Precautions
It is strictly forbidden to use this herb under the following circumstances:
- Pregnancy
- Breastfeeding
- Surgery
- Bleeding Disorder
Onions
Onions contain a variety of chemicals that help to keep illnesses at bay. For example, it has a high concentration of quercetin, an antioxidant flavanol known for preventing stroke and heart disease.
How Does It Work?
Onions’ potent anti-inflammatory properties may also help reduce elevated blood pressure and prevent blood clots. For example, quercetin, a flavonoid antioxidant abundant in onions, is a potent anti-inflammatory that may reduce heart disease risk factors such as high blood pressure. You can buy onions at a grocery store or online.
Possibly Effective for Reducing High Blood Pressure
Onions’ anti-inflammatory properties may also aid in the reduction of high blood pressure and the prevention of blood clots. Onions contain a high concentration of quercetin, a flavonoid antioxidant. Therefore, it may help reduce heart disease risk factors like increased blood pressure because it is anti-inflammatory. According to some studies, a dose of 162 mg per day of quercetin-rich onion extract decreases systolic blood pressure by 2–6 mmHg than a placebo in 70 overweight people with high blood pressure.
Safety Precautions
It is strictly forbidden to use this herb under the following circumstances:
- Cross-allergens
- Diabetes
- Pregnancy
- Breastfeeding
Where to Buy:
You can also buy these Herbs and Spices online at any grocery store or Mountain Rose Herb, or read more in The Loss Book of Remedies.
Conclusion
Hypertension which is {HBP} is a common medical condition that affects at least one person in every household. Lifestyle changes, exercise, stress management, and the proper medication can all help to lower blood pressure. Garlic, ginger, and basil are just a few examples of herbs and spices that can help with high blood pressure. As a result, always eat healthily and stay healthy.
Note: Seek advice from your health practitioner before adding these herbs and spices to your diet. Because some herbs and spices might interact with prescription medications.
Disclaimer: The information given here is exclusively for educational purposes only. It should not be construed as a diagnosis, treatment, preventive, or cure for any disease, disorder, or abnormal physical state, nor should it be used in place of medical care from your doctor. Consult an appropriate healthcare professional on any issue concerning your health or well-being before engaging in any health-related activity.
