Herbal Treatments for Hypertension

As your blood pumps through your veins, a certain amount of pressure is exerted. If your diet is high in salt, you are overweight or you don't get enough exercise, that pressure can be too high. If you are at a healthy weight and exercise regularly, your blood pressure can be high, too. While lifestyle choices do play a part in healthy blood pressure levels, there are cases where diet and exercise are not enough. If you're having trouble normalizing your blood pressure levels, consider adding some herbal treatments to your regimen.

Garlic

• A study from the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) showed that the hydrogen sulfide produced by eating garlic causes red blood cells to release small amounts of the same compound (H2S). This activity causes an increase in "smooth muscle relaxation up to 72 percent in laboratory animals," which, in turn, lowers blood pressure.

Hawthorn

• Hawthorn (Crataegus oxycantha) is a small, shrubby plant that when taken in a tea or supplement helps to lower blood pressure. Hawthorn is a vasodilator, that is it makes blood vessels larger so that blood flow increases and pressure decreases. Hawthorn supplements are usually taken three times a day.

Mistletoe

• Mistletoe (Viscum album) is also a vasodilator. It has been used medicinally for centuries---one of its common names is all-heal. Mistletoe should only be taken in prepared supplement form; parts of the plant---specifically the berries---are toxic.

Rauwolfia

• Rauwolfia (Rauwolfia serpentina), or Indian snakeroot, is used in the United States and Canada as a component of brand-name, prescription antihypertensives. It is also available as a component of over-the-counter supplements or tincture. It should not be used by pregnant or lactating women. It is a tropical plant related to milkweed and can be grown from seed.

Siberian Ginseng

• Siberian ginseng is an adaptogen---a substance that helps the body adapt to stress. Often used to lower cholesterol levels, Siberian ginseng can be taken as a tincture or tea by individuals suffering from hypertension. Do not mistake Siberian ginseng (eleuthero) with Asian or American ginseng (panax). They are chemically different plants.

Grapeseed Extract

• A University of California - Davis study demonstrated the possible benefits of grape seed extract for people with high blood pressure. The one-month study showed that "Participants receiving grape seed extract experienced an equal degree of reduced blood pressure," said the study's lead researcher, C. Tissa Kappagoda.

Cautions

• High blood pressure is known as the "silent killer" and it should not be ignored. If your blood pressure is dangerously high, discuss your condition and treatment options with a qualified medical professional. Do not attempt to diagnose or treat any serious medical condition without the advice of a trained professional. As with all medications, herbal remedies include the potential of causing side effects. When using herbal treatments, follow directions carefully, discontinue use and consult with a trained professional if side effects appear.