Ways to Lower Blood Pressure Using Herbal Medicine

Herbal medicines have become increasingly popular as an alternative way to treat certain health conditions. If you have high blood pressure, you may not have to go on expensive prescription drugs. There could be more affordable, natural, treatments that do the job just as well. Here are some ways to use herbal medicine to lower blood pressure, but always consult your doctor about your best possible options.

Forms of Herbal Medicine

• You can use herbs as a dried extract (capsules, powders, teas), glycerite (glycerine extracts) or tinctures (alcohol extracts). And, they can be ingested in drinks, food or as supplements.

Herbal Teas

• Herbal teas are a soothing and tasty way to treat high blood pressure. Examples include kava kava, yarrow and hibiscus tea. Unless it's indicated otherwise, make herbal teas with one teaspoon of herb per cup of hot water. Steep covered from 5 to 10 minutes for leaves or flowers, and 10 to 20 minutes for roots. Drinking 2 to 4 cups a day is safe and healthy.

  A study published in the Journal of Human Hypertension showed that hibiscus tea lowers blood pressure. Use two tablespoons of the dried herb steeped in one cup of water, taken one time per day.

Herbal Medicine in Food or Supplements

• Garlic - It's the easiest herb to incorporate into your life to help lower your blood pressure. Garlic has all kinds of health benefits, so buy yourself a garlic press, and get cooking.

  Olive Leaf - Researchers from Germany and Switzerland conducted a study on an olive leaf extract. They found that 1,000 mg of the EFLA®943 extract had substantial effects on people with borderline hypertension. Their study was published in a 2008 edition of Phytotherapy Research.

  Coleus forskohlii - Coleus, a member of the mint family, lowers blood pressure and improves heart function.

  Hawthorne - The fruit and flowers of the hawthorne are used medicinally. They dilate coronary blood vessels, which helps lower blood pressure.

  Mistletoe - It isn't just for kissing under anymore. Mistletoe is a popular herbal remedy in Europe, particularly for hypertension.

  Rauwolfia - You only need a small dose of rauwolfia to treat high blood pressure and avoid side effects.

  Achillea wilhelmsii - Using 15 to 20 drops twice a day can help lower your blood pressure.

  Reishi mushroom - 150 to 300 mg of the mushroom, two or three times a day, can help lower blood pressure. You can also take 30 to 60 drops of the mushroom extract in a tincture, 2 to 3 times a day. Talk to your doctor before you take reishi, since it interacts negatively with other medications. It may also increase the risk of bleeding.