Herbs to Help Lower Blood Pressure

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, occurs when the pressure in your arteries maintains a consistently high level and increases blood flow to compensate. If left untreated, hypertension can cause strokes, heart attacks and congestive heart failure. Some people find herbs, in conjunction with a healthy diet and more exercise, helpful to lower blood pressure.

Western Herbs

• Turmeric, hawthorn berry, olive leaf, garlic, saffron, valerian root and mistletoe all have benefits for the heart. Turmeric is an antioxidant that strengthens blood vessels and improves circulation. Hawthorn opens arteries and strengthens the heart muscle while reducing atheroscleroisis. Olive leaf lowers blood pressure and maintains a regular heartbeat. Garlic is beneficial to the entire cardiovascular system. It lowers blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Crocetin is a compound found in saffron that lowers blood pressure. Valerian root contains valerenic acid, which keeps the amino acid GABA (gamma-amino butyric acid) from breaking down as quickly. GABA has a direct effect on blood pressure levels. Valerian root is a sedative and should only be used before bed. Mistletoe regulates blood pressure and is beneficial for both hypotension and hypertension.

Chinese Herbs

• Maitake, gingko biloba, ginger root and kudzu are common Chinese herbs used for hypertension. Maitake is a mushroom that lowers diastolic and systolic readings. In Japan and China, it is also renowned for its anti-cancer properties. Gingko biloba increases blood flow by dilating arteries. This lowers blood pressure by reducing the strain on the heart. Gingko biloba is also beneficial to memory and brain health. Ginger root improves circulation and relaxes heart muscles to lower blood pressure. Kudzu is an antioxidant that is 100 times more powerful than vitamin E. It lowers the blood pressure and improves overall cardiovascular health. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) practitioners can also combine more exotic herbs into tonics, based on your symptoms, but this process requires extensive knowledge and should be done under a TCM doctor's care.

Supplements

• Supplements include vitamins and minerals and are another tool for managing blood pressure. Coenzyme Q10, potassium, magnesium, calcium, folic acid and vitamins B6, B12, C and E are all helpful. CoQ10 is an antioxidant essential for proper heart function. Potassium lowers blood pressure and is often used with magnesium and calcium to maintain good health. When used together, the other vitamins can prevent heart disease, lower blood pressure and inhibit atheroscleroisis (thickening of arterial walls from cholesterol build-up).