Medicinal Plants That Treat Hypertension

Hypertension is often a silent killer. People don't realize their blood pressure is high until a routine physical or health exam uncovers the truth.

Blood pressure is referred to by two numbers: the upper number is the systolic and the lower number is the diastolic. The systolic number is when the heart is working, pumping blood though the body. The diastolic is when the blood is flowing between heartbeats.

Normal blood pressure should be less than 120 over 80. Blood pressure that is more than 140 over 90 is considered high while any number between is pre-hypertension.

Other than medication and a low cholesterol/fat/sodium diet and exercise, hypertension can be reduced naturally with simple herbs easily found in health food and grocery stores or even in the garden.

Effects of Garlic on Hypertension

• Allium sativum, or garden variety garlic, has the benefit of reducing cholesterol in the blood and, therefore, reducing high blood pressure. A member of the onion family, garlic helps thin the blood by discouraging platelets from sticking together, naturally lowering blood pressure. One reason for this is the presence of sulfur-containing chemicals in garlic. These chemicals have the ability to lower lipids, or "blood fat," but the exact mechanics of how this is done in the blood is still unknown.

Hawthorn's Relationship with Hypertension

• Although there is no direct correlation between Hawthorn and high blood pressure, the herb is known to have a positive effect on the heart and vascular system, and lower blood pressure is a positive side effect of using the herb. Hawthorn works by increasing the blood flow through coronary arteries allowing oxygen and nutrients to be successfully delivered to the heart. With the vascular system, Hawthorn stabilizes the collagen in blood vessels, keeping them thin, healthy and makes them more efficient in getting blood to its destination. Hawthorn can also boost the absorption of Vitamin C through the blood vessles because it contains plant chemicals called flavonoids.

Misletoe

• Viscum album, or mistletoe, is another natural remedy for high blood pressure. The word “mistletoe” is believed to have been derived from a Celtic word meaning “all-heal”. A teaspoon of its leaves and branches ground and brewed into a tea can have the desired benefits. However, it is not recommended to exceed this amount daily.

Celery

• Eating raw celery can actually help lower blood pressure. Phtalide is the chemical in celery that helps accomplish this. It helps to dilate the walls of blood vessels allowing the blood to flow easier. A drawback of celery is its high salt content, which can counteract this process.

Ginseng

• Along with decreasing stress and fatigue, ginseng (American or Siberian) can help decrease blood pressure if taken in low doses over a long period of time. The side effects of ginseng include irritability, anxiety, headache and palpitations.

Juniper

• The use of juniper reduces blood pressure by removing excess liquid from the blood. A half teaspoon boiled as a tea can help considerably.

Hibiscus

• The leaves of the hibiscus plant help reduce blood pressure. Boiled as a tea, the drink can be served hot or cold with a small amount of sugar or artificial sweetener. The taste of this plant closely resembles cranberry juice.