Herbal Remedies for High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure is a common problem for many adults. It is also a dangerous problem and may lead to serious conditions. Also called hypertension, high blood pressure needs to be controlled to prevent life threatening conditions such as heart attacks. Some people need prescription drugs to manage their high blood pressure, while others can lower their blood pressure with lifestyle changes like improved diet and exercise. There are several herbal remedies for high blood pressure which may also be helpful.
Garlic is one of the most popular herbs used for cooking, but may also have incredible therapeutic effects. Garlic contains antibacterial and antibiotic properties. It also helps to lower cholesterol levels and regulate blood pressure. You may need to take a larger amount of garlic than you would normally cook with, which is why so many people choose garlic tablets. Ginger is another common herb used for cooking that may have a positive effect on the blood pressure. There are ginger tablets available at health food stores or you can try using fresh ginger root. In addition to being good for the blood pressure, ginger is also beneficial for nausea.
Green tea is another surprising remedy for high blood pressure which may prove helpful for lowering high blood pressure. In addition, green tea is packed with antioxidants which help the body fight free radicals. If you drink coffee every morning, consider switching to a few cups of green tea per day instead. Green tea contains a small amount of caffeine, although there are decaffeinated varieties for people sensitive to caffeine.
When using herbs to lower blood pressure, it may help to use them in conjuction with a healthy diet and regular exercise. Avoiding unhealthy fats and eating plenty of fruits and vegetables is a great start when it comes to eating better. Rather than butter or margarine, choose olive oil. Wild salmon contains healthy omega oils which are great for a variety of different purposes. Exercise can help you shed extra pounds, increase your sense of well-being and contribute to your efforts to lower your blood pressure.
As you can see, there are several herbal remedies for high blood pressure that may be beneficial. Before trying any of them, however, ask your doctor. Some herbs can cause potentially dangerous interactions with other prescription or over the counter medications. People with allergies or certain medical conditions should avoid using particular herbs. If your doctor cannot advise you on the use of herbs, talk to an herbalist or naturopath.
