Home Medicine: Foods, Herbs, Essential Oils for High Blood Pressure

Hypertension or high blood pressure is often called the “silent killer”. “Silent” because it does not produce any significant recognizable symptoms and “killer” because even slightly high blood pressure can increase the risk of heart disease significantly.

Hypertension is, in most cases, a lifestyle disease caused by unhealthy eating habits, smoking and alcohol abuse. A single cigarette can increase blood pressure for about 30 minutes. A fat rich diet and lack of exercise can lead to high cholesterol, which ultimately causes fatty deposits in blood vessels to narrow them.

When blood vessels narrow the heart has to work much harder in order to maintain blood pressure to supply the requisite amount of blood to different organs in the body. Chronic high blood pressure can therefore lead to a heart attack, stroke and other potentially fatal cardiovascular disorders.

High blood pressure medication, like other conventional medicines, can cause side effects that need to be treated separately. More medication many times means more side effects that will need to be carefully managed.

Natural remedies for high blood pressure are considered to be equally effective in treating hypertension. A large number of people have been able to combat hypertension with modifications to lifestyle alone. This includes important factors such as a regular exercise regime, diet changes, giving up smoking and cutting down on alcohol.

When most people hear the phrase “High Blood Pressure”, they automatically associate it with elderly people. However, that’s not the case. Any person, at any age can have High Blood pressure.

As a matter of fact, the American Heart Association states that nearly one out of three people have blood pressure problems. Nearly one-third of those people don’t even know they have problems with their blood pressure.

Today many people take medications to lower or fix their blood pressure problems. However, what we heard from our grandmothers or parents about herbs for hypertension was something that most doctors would turn their noses up at. That’s not the case anymore, as most doctors now recommend those same herbs for high blood pressure.

Herbs for High Blood Pressure

In addition to lifestyle changes, herbs can play a significant role in the overall treatment of high blood pressure. Herbs can also help in preventing the development and onset of high blood pressure. Some of the herbs that can assist in lowering or maintaining blood pressure levels include:

1. Garlic (allium sativum)
2. Arjuna (terminalia arjuna)
3. Gotu kola (hydrocotyle asiatica)
4. Cayenne pepper
5. Mistletoe
6. Ashwagandha (withania somnifera)
7. Ginseng
8. Hawthorn (crataegus oxycanthus)
9. Rauwolfia (Rauwolfia serpentina)
10. Nutmeg (myristica fragrans)
11. Coleus
12. Valerian (valeriana)
13. Ginger (zingiber officinale)
14. Cardamom (elettaria cardamomum)
15. Kelp (fucus visiculosis)
16. Black cohosh
17. Stinging nettle
18. Hyssop
19. Bayberry

Unlike conventional medicines that contain a single compound, herbs for hypertension contain multiple compounds that have the potential to provide multiple benefits for overall balance and health. Garlic, the single most significant herb for blood pressure, reduces fat levels, breaks up cholesterol, and cleans plaque in blood vessels while boosting the immune system and lowering blood pressure.

Many herbs for high blood pressure stimulate the circulatory system to regulate blood flow to the farthest organs. Others reduce blood pressure by removing mucus from bronchial arteries and calm the nervous system to remove stress and anxiety, one of the major causes behind primary hypertension.

Herbs are rich in calcium and minerals. Calcium-rich herbs help in maintaining blood vessels and heart functions. Magnesium, on the other hand helps in relaxing muscles in the walls of blood vessels thus maintaining their elasticity. Magnesium also helps in regulating the levels of two other essential mineral particles in the blood: sodium and potassium.

Herbs for hypertension are an alternative therapy. They can efficiently manage blood pressure fluctuations. However, hypertension can prove to be a serious condition if it is left unattended. If blood pressure ranges above the danger marks, self medication of herbs should be discontinued and a physician consulted immediately.

Don’t Forget the Vitamin C

Growing up we heard that we need to drink our orange juice to get our vitamin c so we won’t get sick. This particular home remedy for high blood pressure turned out to be true, (see, our parents did know what they were talking about). Researchers found out that if a person can take in its recommended dosage of the vitamin c, then it can greatly reduce the risk of their getting hypertension.

These are just a few herbs and supplements to lower blood pressure. Know this, using herbs alone should not be the only way a person should attack this situation. Always check with your physician to see if medication is required and that the herbs you use will not conflict with your blood pressure medication.

And for gosh sakes don’t forget to exercise at least 20 to 30 minutes every day. A brisk walk can work wonders for your mind, body and spirit.

If you will incorporate the things mentioned in this article to your everyday life, you will have a much better chance at defeating high blood pressure, giving you the freedom to concentrate on your loved ones and friends.

Essential Oils for High Blood Pressure

Aromatherapy can have a profound effect on blood pressure, although it is essential that dietary and lifestyle changes are also made to help lower high blood pressure. Essential oils which encourage deep relaxation and stress reduction are particularly invaluable.

Aromatherapy Baths

Daily baths with essential oils added are highly therapeutic for high blood pressure. Particularly useful essential oils include Chamomile, Clary Sage, Frankincense, Geranium, Lavender, Lemon, Marjoram, Neroli, Rose and Ylang Ylang.

Use one of the combinations below:

• 2 drops Lavender
• 2 drops Marjoram
• 2 drops Ylang Ylang

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• 2 drops Clary Sage
• 2 drops Frankincense
• 2 drops Marjoram

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• 2 drops Roman Chamomile
• 2 drops Geranium
• 2 drops Rose

Aroma massage

Aroma massage once a week is invaluable for reducing high blood pressure. If massage is performed at regular intervals the effects are quite remarkable and blood pressure may be lowered for several days after a treatment. The massage should be gentle and soothing, always in the direction of the heart.

Use one of the suggested formulas:

• 1 drop Clary Sage
• 1 drop Frankincense
• 1 drop Lavender
• Diluted in 10 ml of Massage Oil

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• 1 drop Marjoram
• 1 drop Neroli
• 1 drop Ylang Ylang
• Diluted in 10 ml of Massage Oil

Get your dried, organic herbs, organic essential oils, bulk spices, loose leaf organic teas and aromatherapy supplies at the place where we shop – StarWest Botanicals!

Cautions: Marjoram should be avoided in pregnancy, although an adverse reaction is highly unlikely. Avoid strong sunlight after the application of Lemon.

Foods & Diet for High Blood Pressure

The diet should be low in salt, sugar and saturated fats as the effects of these substances on blood pressure are well documented. As the public has become aware of the dangers of salt, purchases of table salt have decreased but it is also important to look for hidden salt in processed and prepared foods.

Sugar is also hidden in many foods. Increasing dietary linoleic acid as found in vegetable oils in Mediterranean countries, where the incidence of high blood pressure is lower, has an enormous hypotensive action. Fatty red meat can also cause blood pressure to rise.

A wholefood diet emphasizing fruit and vegetables and garlic is recommended for those with high blood pressure, with plenty of dietary fiber, particularly oat fiber.

The link between obesity and hypertension is well researched, and weight reduction will cause a substantial reduction in blood pressure. Weight reduction is probably more effective than taking anti-hypertensive drugs in combating high blood pressure..

Caffeine, alcohol and smoking should also be eliminated fro the diet as far as possible. Evidence reveals that 200 mg of caffeine (approximately three cups of black coffee) produces temporary rise in blood pressure. Too much alcohol produces a significant rise in blood pressure in some individuals. It is well documented that smoking contributes to high blood pressure.

Garlic has excellent hypotensive qualities. You should consume several cloves (preferably raw) daily. Cayenne pepper is also anti-hypertensive. Use one teaspoon a day in your cooking if you do not suffer from stomach ulcers. High levels of lead in water have also been linked with hypertension-buy a good water filter.

Supplements which have been found to be useful include:

• Calcium – 1 g per day
• Magnesium – 500 mg per day
• Vitamin C – 1 g per day
• Vitamin E – 200 iu daily
• Garlic capsules – although raw garlic is preferable

Stress reduction is vital and deep breathing exercises and regular aromatherapy treatments will help to alleviate anxiety enormously. Regular exercise also helps to reduce states of hypertension. Only undertake an exercise program with the permission of your doctor.

The herbs Hawthorn Berry and mistletoe have a regulating effect on blood pressure but they should be used only under the guidance of a qualified medical herbalist.

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EO recipe source: “Teach Yourself Aromatherapy” by Denise Whichello Brown.