Herbal Remedies: High Blood Pressure
Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, is called the silent killer. If you have high blood pressure, you are at higher risk of death from stroke or heart attack. This is why it is extremely important to get your blood pressure under control. Your doctor will monitor your blood pressure at office visits and teach you to monitor your blood pressure at home. He or she may recommend lifestyle changes like diet and exercise to help lower your readings. However, sometimes prescription drugs are necessary to treat hypertension. Some people are turning to herbal remedies high blood pressure supplements as well.
If you would like to try herbal remedies for your hypertension, ask your doctor first. This is especially important if you are on any kind of prescription or over the counter medications. Even herbs which are considered safe and well-tolerated may cause dangerous interactions. If your doctor is unable to provide you with the information you need regarding herbal remedies, you may need to consult a naturopath who has been trained in the use of medicinal herbs. Naturopaths cannot diagnose conditions or prescribe medication. They can, however, make recommendations about foods and herbs for various conditions.
Garlic is a common herb getting lots of attention lately for its ability to lower cholesterol and high blood pressure. Some people choose to add cloves of garlic to their meals, while others take garlic capsules. Some of the garlic capsules on the market today are odor free, which means you won’t walk around smelling like an Italian restaurant. Another smelly yet potentially effective natural remedy for high blood pressure is fish, especially wild salmon. If you can’t tolerate eating fish or are worried about mercury, fish oil capsules might be the perfect solution.
Hawthorn is another beneficial herb for hypertension. It is thought to regulate the heart, lower the blood pressure and encourage normal circulatory function. Herbal remedies high blood pressure supplements often contain herbs like hawthorn and garlic blended into one convenient capsule. If you are interested in such supplements, check with your local health food shop or even the vitamin aisle of your supermarket. Your doctor or naturopath might also be able to recommend a particular supplement for the purposes of managing your hypertension.
