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5 herbs that can help lower blood pressure naturally
Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, is a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide. According to the World Health Organization, around one in three adults globally has raised blood pressure, which is a leading cause of heart disease and stroke. While there are many medications available to treat hypertension, some people prefer to lower their blood pressure naturally with herbs. In this blog post, we will take a look at five herbs that have been shown to be effective in lowering blood pressure.
- Hawthorn Hawthorn is a popular herb that has been traditionally used for treating cardiovascular problems. The active compounds in hawthorn, such as flavonoids and procyanidins, help to dilate blood vessels and increase blood flow. Hawthorn is also a rich source of antioxidants, which can help protect the heart from damage caused by free radicals. According to a study published in the Journal of Human Hypertension in 2012, hawthorn extract was effective in reducing both systolic and diastolic blood pressure in people with hypertension. The study also found that hawthorn extract was well-tolerated and had few side effects.
- Garlic Garlic has long been used as a natural treatment for high blood pressure. It contains a compound called allicin, which has been shown to help lower blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels and improving circulation. A meta-analysis of 11 studies published in the Journal of Nutrition in 2000 found that garlic supplements were associated with a small but significant reduction in systolic blood pressure. The study also found that the effect of garlic on blood pressure was more pronounced in people with higher blood pressure at the start of the study.
- Hibiscus Hibiscus is a flower that has been traditionally used to treat cardiovascular problems such as hypertension. The active compounds in hibiscus flower petals, such as anthocyanins and flavonoids, help to widen blood vessels and improve circulation. According to a study published in the Journal of Nutrition in 2009, hibiscus tea was effective in lowering systolic and diastolic blood pressure in people with mild hypertension. The study also found that hibiscus tea had a similar effect on blood pressure as the medication lisinopril.
- Cinnamon Cinnamon is a spice that can be used to add flavor to food or cursed into tea. It contains compounds that have been shown to lower LDL (“bad”) cholesterol, total cholesterol, and triglycerides, all of which can contribute to hypertension. A study published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition in 2010 found that cinnamon supplementation was associated with a small reduction in systolic blood pressure. The study also found that cinnamon had a beneficial effect on blood sugar levels and body composition.
- Stress-reducing activities While not technically an herb, stress-reducing activities such as yoga and meditation can help lower blood pressure by reducing the stress hormone cortisol levels. According to a study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine in 2014, yoga was associated with a significant reduction in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. The study also found that yoga had a beneficial effect on heart rate variability and quality of life.
It is important to note that while these herbs have been shown to be effective in lowering blood pressure, more research is needed to confirm their safety and efficacy. As always, it is important to speak with your doctor before starting any new supplement regimen. Additionally, it is also important to maintain a healthy lifestyle, including a healthy diet and regular exercise, as these can also help lower blood pressure.
References:
- World Health Organization. (2019). High blood pressure. Retrieved from
