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The role of herbal remedies for the cure of hypertension is more stressed in today’s world of drug allergies and side effects caused due to chemical based medications. Natural way of managing hypertension is the key word in the treatment methodology. Though several herbal remedies are known to be in use, few of them are found to be very much effective and popular in usage since many centuries. The herbal remedies for hypertension find mention in ancient medical texts of Greece, Rome, Egypt, China as well as India.
9 Herbal Remedies for Hypertension
Garlic
Garlic or Allium Sativum is the most popular and effective herbal remedy for hypertension that finds mention since ancient period of human civilization. The pods of the plant are used for the medication. The pods contain the compounds Alliin and Allinase which combine to form a polysulfide biological compound named Allicin.
Allicin is the main component that helps garlic to curb hypertension and improve the cardio vascular functioning of the body. How does Allicin act in our body? Allicin triggers the red blood cells to release H2S, a pungent smelling compound which in small amounts targets the cell membranes and helps to relax the smooth muscles of the arteries, thus increasing the blood flow. Studies show that intake of garlic can reduce systolic blood pressure by 20-30 mm Hg and diastolic blood pressure by 10-20 mm Hg.
Coleus
Yet another bounty from nature, Coleus or Coleus forskohlii is also found to be an effective herbal remedy for hypertension. The extract from the root of this plant is found to have telling effect on the high blood pressure.This plant was earlier popular as an ornamental plant which shot to fame for medicinal use with the extract of the compound forskolin from it in 1974. This compound helps to regulate the pulse rate, strengthens heart muscles, while relaxing the smooth muscles and dilating the blood vessels.
Hawthorne
A major name in traditional medicine, Hawthorne or Crataegus monogyna is used for treatment of hypertension since long. The berries and leaves are used to make herbal extracts which are administered to patients. The herb is found to protect the walls of blood cells form possible inflammation and damage due to lipid peroxidation subsequent to oxidation of fats in the body.Hawthorn is also found to block the ACE enzyme and regulates calcium metabolism, thus achieving systemic dilation of arteries thereby lowering the blood pressure. The mild diuretic characteristic of the plant is also an added advantage.
Rauwolfia
Commonly called Indian snake root or sarpagandha, Rauwolfia (Rauwolfia serpentina) is used to treat high blood pressure. The root of the herb is put to use for extract of the medicine. An alkaloid called reserpine found in Rauwolfia works by controlling nerve impulses along specific nerve pathways.
The compound also relaxes the cardiac muscles and muscles of the blood vessels lowering blood pressure. The effect of Rauwolfia on the nervous system makes it more effective as a tranquilizer in slightly heavy doses. However for the same reason the dosage of Rauwolfia has to be fixed on consultation with an expert physician. Due to its potential effect on nervous system pregnant ladies and breast feeding mothers are advised to stay away from this herb.
Valerian
A herb with a beautiful flower, Valeria or Valeriana officinalis is known to have a relaxing effect on the body. Due to its ability to bring down the rapid rate of pulse, it is used to contain palpitation as well as lower hypertension. Studies however show that though this brings down the heart beat, the herb is also found to have a strengthening effect of the heart, thus ensuring a regular blood flow.The root of Valerian is used in traditional medicine. Due to its medical value, Valerian is sold as a diet supplement in the US. Cold infusion of the root is preferred as heating the root may tamper with medicinal attributes of the herb.
Mistletoe
One might be familiar with Mistletoe as a decorative plant for Xmas celebrations. But did you ever know that the very same leafy shoots also carry medicinal compounds? Yes, Mistletoe or Viscum album the semi-parasitic plant contains active alkaloids, steroids, terpenoids and lectins, proven to have relaxing effect on patients with hypertension.The herb has been a part of the herbal therapy for hypertension in China and Greece since olden days. The plant is known to relax the smooth muscles of the arteries as well as cardiac muscles thus bringing down high blood pressure.
Arjuna
Widely known as the Arjuna tree, Terminalia arjuna finds extensive use in traditional medicine as a cardiac tonic and muscle relaxant.. The active ingredients in the mineral rich bark are used to treat high blood pressure.The abundance of minerals like zinc, calcium, magnesium along with flavones and enzymes makes it a perfect medicine for dilating blood vessels and strengthening cardiac muscles. By effecting dilation of blood vessels the plant helps in reducing the high blood pressure.
Ginger
An inevitable spice in Asiatic cuisine, Zingiber officinale has more to offer in the treatment of high blood pressure. The root extract contains active compounds that work on the nervous system receptors as well as the calcium channels that influence the development of high blood pressure.By controlling these activities the herb effects a reduction in the high blood pressure levels of the body.
Celery
Ever knew that regular snacking on celery leaves would work wonders on high blood pressure? Studies prove that celery or Apium graveolens is a versatile vegetable having health benefits.
The active compounds in them called the phthalides help in relaxing the muscles of the arteries and dilating the arteries, thereby providing more space for easy blood flow through them. The high content of magnesium, potassium and calcium works to reduce the stress hormones in the body, thus calming the nervous system. People suffering from hypertension have reported reduction in their blood pressure over regular intake of celery leaves.
While administering herbs, it is advisable to take the advice of your physician or clinical nutritionist, who will prescribe the adequate dosage of herbal extracts to be supplemented with your regular diet and medication so as to have a control of hypertension under a long term management of the condition.
Caution: Please use Remedies after Proper Research and Guidance. You accept that you are following any advice at your own risk and will properly research or consult healthcare professional.
