Herbal Supplements to Lower High Blood Pressure

Eat raw garlic, or take it in capsule or pill form. Doctors refer to high blood pressure, or hypertension, as the silent killer due to the devastating effect it has on the heart and other vital organs. The heart of a patient with high blood pressure works harder to pump blood, which contributes to hardening of the arteries and, ultimately, heart failure. Though you can lower blood pressure with lifestyle changes such as exercise and diet modifications, use herbal supplement in conjunction with these healthy choices to reduce your blood pressure.

Garlic

• Garlic detoxifies the body by stimulating the lymphatic system to eliminate waste materials while strengthening the blood vessels. The detoxification provides protection against pollutants and toxicity, maintaining normal blood pressure and blood lipid levels. This process decreases blood clots and increases blood circulation, therefore reducing blood pressure.

Hawthorne

• Take hawthorne, ashrub native to European and Mediterranean countries, to decrease cholesterol and normalize blood pressure while increasing the liver's conversion of LDLs into HDLs and preventing clogged arteries. You will not feel the effects of this slow-moving herb in the first eight weeks of taking it. Observe proper usage to avoid side effects such as sedation and drastic drops in blood pressure.

Celery

• Eat up to four pieces of celery daily. Cheap and readily available, celery contains 3-n-butylpthalide, an effective ingredient in diminishing blood pressure. It dilates the arteries, which relaxes tense muscles, and it reduces stress level hormones, resulting in lower blood pressure.

Saw Palmetto

• Take saw palmetto in capsule or tea form. Originally from North America, saw palmetto is an age-old blood pressure remedy. The active ingredient, beta-sitosterol, dilates the blood vessels, which in turn reduces stress levels. (Note that research has yet to verify the effectiveness of this product.)

Warning

• Though generally safe, herbal remedies still require study. Consult with your doctor before beginning any herbal treatment.