Alternative Blood Pressure Medicines

Alternative medicine features the use of nontraditional techniques for treatment. These alternative techniques have been proven to be extremely beneficial in the treatment of high blood pressure and are much needed as well, as nearly one in three adults in the United States has high blood pressure, according to the American Heart Association.

Foods

• One alternative for lowering high blood pressure is to eat a well-balanced diet that includes fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy products, beans and nuts. Monitor the portion size and minimize the sodium intake. Bananas, watermelon, grapes, soy, molasses and chocolate are a few of the recommended food choices.

Herbs

• Hawthorn and ginseng are two of the most effective herbs used in alternative medicine for treating high blood pressure as well as the most popular. Other herbs used in the treatment of high blood pressure are rosemary essential oil, turmeric, gingko biloba, olive leaf, maitake and licorice. These herbs are effective by causing vasodilatation and increasing the force of contraction of the heart and its output.

Vitamins

• Studies by researchers at the Medical College of Georgia have shown that the higher the dosage of vitamin C, the lower the blood pressure reading of participants. Vitamins B6, B12, C, D and E have been shown to aid in the prevention and reduction of high blood pressure. Take these vitamins in the form of a capsule or in their natural form from foods such as guava, kiwi, strawberry, broccoli, grapefruit, cantaloupe, lettuce, spinach, cabbage and green or red pepper.

Supplements

• A meta-analysis of 12 clinical trials of 352 patients concluded that coenzyme Q10 and garlic can significantly reduce blood pressure. Other supplements including melatonin, potassium, magnesium, fish oil and folic acid can also reduce blood pressure. Studies by the American Heart Association have shown populations with low calcium and magnesium intakes have a higher incidence of high blood pressure. The recommended daily intake of calcium is 1,000 mg per day for adults 19 to 50 years old and 1,200 mg for those over 50.

Exercise

• Weight has an effect on blood pressure, and you should avoid a sedentary lifestyle. Cardiovascular exercise works naturally to reduce blood pressure and aid in weight loss, but strength training and yoga also appear to positively affect blood pressure.

Warning

• Uncontrolled high blood pressure can lead to strokes, heart attacks, heart failure or kidney disease. If you are currently taking any medications, consult a pharmacist or physician prior to taking any alternative medications as they may interact or have harmful side effects.