Alternative Medicine for Isolated Systolic Hypertension

There are two blood pressure numbers: systolic and diastolic. The top number (systolic) is when the heart contracts and exerts maximum pressure, whereas the bottom number (diastolic) is the heart at rest with minimum pressure in the arteries. A reading of 140 (systolic) over 90 (diastolic) is indicative of high blood pressure. Isolated systolic hypertension is a form of high blood pressure linked to arteriosclerosis: a condition that involves the hardening of the arteries. Isolated systolic hypertension can lead to cardiovascular problems, kidney failure and strokes. There are alternative medicines that can be used to successfully treat isolated systolic hypertension.

Hibiscus

• Take hibiscus, an herb that contains hypertensive compounds that help to naturally reduce your blood pressure levels. This herb also works as a natural diuretic: it contains glycolic and ascorbic acids that increase your urine production. The herb is excellent for hypertensive conditions, for fever reduction, and it contains antibacterial agents that help to treat respiratory conditions. In "The American Pharmaceutical Association Practical Guide to Natural Medicines," author Andrea Peirce asserts that a study was conducted on dogs in the 1960s where the dogs were injected with liquid extracts of hibiscus and a short drop in blood pressure was noted. Peirce further argues that the study led to the conclusion that hibiscus tea, when consumed by humans, can reduce blood pressure, but the author treats this is an assumption rather than a solid fact. Further, in "The PDR Family Guide to Natural Medicines and Healing Therapies," hibiscus is cited as an herb that relaxes the uterine muscles and reduces blood pressure levels, but the results are not markedly pronounced. Steep 2 tablespoons of dried hibiscus in a cup of hot water to make a tea. Consume the tea one time a day to alleviate isolated systolic hypertension conditions.

Reishi Mushrooms

• Take 150 to 300 mg of Reishi mushrooms two to three times daily to alleviate isolated systolic hypertensive conditions. In "The Blood Pressure Miracle" by Frank Mangano, the author reveals that Reishi mushrooms have been proven successful in reducing blood pressure levels in people, even when other blood pressure reduction methods have failed. The author further argues that the blood pressure reduction can be witnessed in a period of four weeks when the individual consumes Reishi mushrooms three times a day. The mushrooms contain triterpenes that are responsible for lowering high blood pressure levels and for improving circulatory processes. Reishi mushrooms also contain antihistamines, which treat allergic conditions and reduce inflammation in your body. What's more, these mushrooms are rich in free radical destroying antioxidants: this helps to promote healthy cell growth and reparation in your organs and blood vessels.

Garlic

• Garlic contains allicin, which helps to destroy plaque accumulations in your arteries, helps to reduce cholesterol levels, and helps prevent blood clots. Garlic also helps to diminish blood pressure levels. In "The Harvard Medical School Guide to Men's Health: Lessons from the Harvard Men's Health Studies," author Harvey Simon reveals that the use of garlic can cause a 7 millimeter drop in systolic blood pressure levels and a 5 millimeter drop in diastolic blood pressure. Take 400 mg of garlic as a standardized extract two to three times a day to lower your blood pressure levels naturally.

Hawthorn

• Take hawthorn, an herb that is commonly used to treat cardiovascular conditions. Hawthorn helps to diminish the formation of plaque in your arteries, it helps to lower your cholesterol levels, and it helps in reducing your blood pressure levels as well. In a study appearing in volume 25 of "The International Journal of Crude Drug Research" in 1987, A.S. Abdul-Ghani, R. Amin, and M.S. Suleiman from the Biochemistry Department of Birzeit University reveal the healing power of hawthorn in an article entitled "Hypotensive Effect of Crataegus oxyacanthea." The study involved the examination of the hypotensive effects on rats when given a dosage of 31 mg/kg of hawthorn leaves, and revealed that the herb reduced systolic and diastolic blood pressure while having no influence on heart rate.

  Consult with a physician before consuming hawthorn, since the herb can interact with certain medications, particularly if you are already taking a blood pressure medication or heart medications. Take 160 to 1,800 mg a day of hawthorn in capsule form two to three times a day in divided doses.