Natural Remedies for Lowering Blood Pressure

Natural remedies may lower high blood pressure without as many side effects as prescription drugs, and may improve other health conditions such as diabetes. Many of these remedies include personal behavior changes that must be maintained to be effective at keeping blood pressure at a healthy level. People considering using natural remedies for high blood pressure should talk to their doctors first, as some remedies may be contraindicated with medical treatments.

Function

• The function of natural remedies for lowering high blood pressure is to avoid prescription drugs that may have significant side effects, to decrease the cost of prescription blood pressure medication, and to improve overall health.

Healthful Diet

• Nutrition is a simple and effective natural remedy for lowering high blood pressure and can include a low-salt and low-fat diet, eliminating alcohol and caffeine, and drinking plenty of water.

Stress Relief

• Practicing daily breathing techniques and stress management, including acupuncture, can lower blood pressure.

Exercise

• Physical activities like yoga, tai chi, qigong, resistance exercise and moderate aerobic exercise can lower high blood pressure as effectively as some prescription blood pressure medications, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

Herbs

• Herbs and supplements taken for lowering high blood pressure may include coenzyme Q10, omega-3 fatty acids, L-arginine and L-taurine. Herbs and supplements may be available in health stores and do not require a doctor's prescription.

Warning

• Natural remedies for lowering high blood pressure should not be used against a doctor's advice or in place of prescription medication for blood pressure. Some herbs such as snakeroot, licorice, ephedra and yohimbine can counteract prescription medications or even raise blood pressure.