Herbs to lower blood pressure
Historically, herbs have been known to have a number of holistic benefits, especially when it comes to curing various illnesses. Recent studies have shown that herbs could lower the blood pressure of people suffering from hypertension. Below we will discuss the pros of including herbs in your diet.
Herbs that lower blood pressure
One-third of adults in the UK suffer from high blood pressure, also known as hypertension. If left untreated, high blood pressure can lead to heart disease, stroke and other health complications. Medical professionals can prescribe a variety of medications to help lower blood pressure, as well as natural methods including dietary adjustments and exercise.
Studies have also found that some herbs can have a positive impact on lowering blood pressure. We have listed these herbs below. However, always consult your doctor first, as they will be best placed to advise on the appropriate treatment for your specific case.
1. Basil
Basil is a flavoursome herb enjoyed for its rich spicy flavour and known for its essential vitamins K, A and various other nutrients that reduce blood pressure. As it’s part of the mint family, there are various species available and they all have the compound called eugenol, which has been found to reduce blood pressure.
Eugenol acts as a calcium channel blocker. The channel blockers stop calcium from travelling to the muscular artery cells, which allows the blood vessels to relax.
A study found that basil thins the blood and relaxes the blood vessels, making the blood flow more freely around the body.
2. Onions
Onions improve blood circulation, because it widens the arteries and veins when blood flow increases. They also have a good source of antioxidants that are beneficial for heart health.
A 30 day study conducted on 23 men who took 4.3g of onion extract, daily, saw that there was a significant amount of blood flow and artery dilation after meals.
3. Parsley
Parsley is known for its mild peppery taste. It contains positive compounds like vitamin C and carotenoids. Carotenoids help reduce blood pressure. Also, parsley contains nitrates that thin the blood vessels and improve the flow of blood throughout the body.
Studies have shown that parsley reduces systolic and diastolic blood pressure, because it acts as a calcium channel blocker, which relaxes and dilates the blood vessels.
4. Thyme
Thyme is known for its sharp, earthy minty flavour. It’s also known for its holistic perks to lower blood pressure. They contain rosmarinic acid which reduces inflammation, blood sugar levels and blood pressure by restraining the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE). Studies have shown that ACE reduces blood pressure.
5. Turmeric
Turmeric has been used as an Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine to open blood vessels and improve blood circulation. Further research has suggested that curcumin, found in turmeric, decreases inflammation and stress because of the increase in tantric oxide production in the body.
A study conducted on 39 people taking 2,000mg of turmeric daily for 3 months had up to 37% increase in blood flow, which helps lower blood pressure.
6. Cayenne Pepper
Cayenne pepper gets its flavoursome spicy taste from a flavonoid called capsaicin. Research suggests that Capsaicin lowers blood pressure to increase blood flow to tissues. The flavanoid also expands your blood vessels by releasing nitric oxide.
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Herbal tea to lower blood pressure
Herbal teas are a great natural way to treat high blood pressure. You can either purchase them or simply make them yourself.
A study indicates that herbal teas contain antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic and antioxidant properties like flavonoids and catechins. These properties are proven to dilate the arteries, which helps relax the blood vessels to allow blood to flow more freely around the body.
Here are our top choices to choose from:
- Green tea
- Hibiscus tea
- Oolong tea
- Turmeric tea
- Greek Mountain tea
- Rooibos
Hypertension should not go unchecked and there are many foods and drinks that help with maintaining a healthy blood pressure reading. However, please always consult your physician to ensure a treatment plan is created for your specific needs.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general information purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your physician or qualified healthcare provider for any questions related to a medical condition. The author and publisher are not liable for any harm or damage resulting from the use or misuse of the information in this article.
Sources:
What is high blood pressure, October 23, 2019 – https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20448636
Intake of onion extract improve postprandial endothelial dysfunction, 2013 – https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23885989
Potential allies of cardiovascular health, February 16, 2015 – https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25660385
Diastole vs. Systole, March 8, 2019 – https://www.healthline.com/health-diastole-vs-systole
Effect of rosmarinic acid on the arterial blood pressure, March 8, 2019 – https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29425648
Herbal Medicine – Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects, March 8, 2019 – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books-NBK92752
Curcumin supplementation improves vascular endothelial function, January 9, 2017 – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles-PMC5310664
Capsaicinoids Modulating Cardiometabolic Syndrome Risk Factors, May 23, 2016 – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles-PMC4893589
Catechin, 2016 – https://www.sciencedirect.com/medicine-and-dentistry-catechin
