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Natural Blood Pressure Lowering Medications

High blood pressure is a condition in which blood pushes against your arteries with too much force. Lifestyle changes such as losing weight; avoiding alcohol, smoking, salt, and processed food; reducing stress; and exercising can lower blood pressure. But sometimes changes in your life aren't enough. Medication is available to help lower blood pressure, but it can have side effects such as headaches, bloating, depression, trouble sleeping, dizziness, constipation, dry mouth, drowsiness, and problems getting an erection. Many people try natural medication to lower their blood pressure before beginning prescription medicine.

  1. Supplements

    • Vitamin and mineral supplements are safe and can lower homocysteine levels. These include potassium and magnesium (which also help the body get rid of excess salt), calcium, folic acid (one of the B vitamins), vitamin C, vitamin E, and amino acids taurine arginine and L-carnitine. Eating natural foods that contain these vitamins and minerals can help lower blood pressure.

    Grape Seed

    • Grape seed extract boosts an enzyme in your body called nitric oxide that protects your heart and keeps arteries flexible. A dose of 150 to 300 mg a day lowers systolic and diastolic blood pressure.

    Hibiscus Extract

    • Hibiscus is a small tree with bright flowers full of minerals and nutrients. It has a fruity taste that's good as hot and cold tea. Hibiscus tea dilates blood vessels and increases the amount of urine produced in order to lower the volume of blood. This is the same thing blood pressure medicine does, but drinking hibiscus tea doesn't give you the side effects. About 16 ounces of hibiscus tea has the effect of 25 mg of blood pressure medicine.

    Omega 3

    • Fish oil contains DHA, an omega 3 acid that thins the blood and reduces the risk of clots. Flaxseed oil also contains these blood pressure lowering acids. Both fish oil and flaxseed oil are available in liquid, capsule, or food forms. Follow the instructions on the container for dosage instructions.

    Hawthorn

    • Using Hawthorn berry reduces diastolic blood pressure, especially in patients who have type 2 diabetes. Hawthorn widens blood vessels and lowers resistance to blood flow.

    Parsley and Garlic

    • Parsley improves blood flow through arteries and veins. Garlic can also lower blood pressure by lowering clotting, and it lowers cholesterol as well. Consult a doctor if you use blood thinners to make sure using garlic won't cause adverse effects.

    Warning

    • Consult with your doctor before trying any natural blood pressure lowering medications. If your doctor believes you should take prescription medication, it's because he knows the benefits are greater than the risk of side effects. You should monitor your blood pressure regularly to make sure it stays at a safe level.

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