Herbs for Lowering Blood Pressure

According to the Glossary from "Take Charge of Your Diabetes," by the National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, high blood pressure is a "condition where the blood circulates through the arteries with too much force. High blood pressure tires the heart, harms the arteries, and increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, and kidney problems." While, in some cases, the tendency toward this condition is inherited, it can often be controlled. One way of controlling it is through the use of herbs that lower blood pressure.

Turmeric

• Turmeric is an Indian herb that is an ingredient in curry dishes. Because turmeric contains curcumin, it is effective in lowering cholesterol as well as preventing clots from forming in your blood stream. As an antioxidant, it strengthens blood vessels and improves the flow of blood.

Ginger Root

• Ginger root is an herb that is used in cooking as well. While it possesses the ability to help calm nausea, it is also able to relax the muscles which surround blood vessels and improves your blood circulation.

Hawthorn Berry

• Hawthorn berries not only open your coronary arteries but it also improve the flow of blood. They can make your heart muscle stronger as well as reducing the hardening of the arteries. This enables blood to be circulated more effectively through the body.

Olive Leaf

• Olive leaf is not only used to make mouth-watering dolmas but can be effective in the fight against high blood pressure. Extracts from the leaf are effective in lowering blood pressure as well as in fighting an irregular heartbeat.

Ginkgo Biloba

• A native of China's mountains, this herb not only widens the arteries but improves the circulation of blood. It can also help to lower blood pressure while helping to improve your memory.