Medicinal Herbs for Hypertension

Hypertension or chronic high blood pressure is usually managed by lifestyle changes and medication. Certain medicinal herbs can also help in keeping hypertension at bay. The University of Maryland Medical Center suggests that the following five herbs may have a positive effect on hypertension.

Dandelion

• Dandelion is a diuretic, which means it encourages the kidney to excrete salts and water and thereby increases urine production. This makes dandelion useful for counteracting high blood pressure as well as treating digestion and liver disorders.

Celery Seed

• Some studies with animals have suggested that celery seed may help lower blood pressure as well as cholesterol. You can get the benefits of celery seed from celery seed extract, celery seed oil capsules or by brewing a tea of crushed seeds.

grape seed

• Studies with animals have found grape seed substantially reduces high blood pressure. The antioxidants in grape seed also protect blood vessels from damage, which in turn helps the heart function efficiently.

Linden

• Linden, derived from certain species of the Tilia tree, may help treat hypertension. The flower of the Tilia tree may be made into a tea: add one to two tsps. of the dried flowers to 8 ounces of water and allow to steep for 20 minutes. Drink three cups of the medicinal herb tea per day.

Yarrow

• Taking yarrow may be beneficial for two reasons: it lowers blood pressure slightly and it also intensifies the effect of other hypertension medication.