Worried about your recent diagnosis of hypertension? Want to try Ayurveda for blood pressure but not sure how to go about it? Do not worry, we have got your back. If you want to try natural ways to lower your blood pressure, we recommend the following 10 herbs.
1. Arjuna: Arjuna bark is a commonly used herb for blood pressure. Coenzyme Q10 is vital for the functioning of the heart. Lower levels of this enzyme are associated with high blood pressure. Arjuna is rich in Coenzyme Q10. It also lowers LDL and improves HDL levels, preventing atherosclerosis. Furthermore, antioxidant and anti-platelet aggregation property keeps the blood thin, which facilitates its free flow through blood vessels. All these mechanisms aid in lowering blood pressure
2. Cardamom: This fragrant spice has antioxidant properties that lower blood pressure.
Cardamom benefits the heart as it is rich in magnesium and potassium. You can add cardamom to your tea or in various dishes like cake and desserts.
3. Garlic: Allicin, an active component in garlic, triggers the release of nitric oxide that relaxes and dilates blood vessels. It is also a potent antioxidant and lowers cholesterol levels. All these mechanisms aid in lowering blood pressure.
4. Celery: This herb is used as a flavor enhancer in soups and stews. However, it has much more benefits apart from its culinary uses. It is a natural diuretic that flushes out excess fluid out of the body, This, in turn, lowers the blood pressure. It can be consumed as juice, seed extract, or oil.
5. Hawthorn: Decoction of hawthorn is used for treating hypertension since ages. Flavonoids and oligomeric procyanidins in hawthorn are potent antioxidants that prevent platelet aggregation and thrombosis (formation of a blood clot) in the heart, brain, and blood vessels. It thus protects against high blood pressure and stroke. Grataegic acid in hawthorn has hypotensive activity and acts by stimulating the release of nitrous oxide, which causes relaxation of blood vessels.
6. Flaxseeds: These are rich in Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) and omega 3-fatty acids that protect the heart by lowering cholesterol. They lower total and LDL cholesterol without altering HDL level, protecting the blood vessels against atherosclerosis. Consuming 15-50 gram of flaxseeds per day is seen to lower blood pressure. It is best to have grounded flaxseeds as they can pass undigested through the human body.
7. Rauwolfia: Extracts and different parts of this plant are used to treat insomnia, snakebite, insanity, and many other conditions. Rauwolfia is considered to be the most powerful hypotensive plant. Reserpine, a purified alkaloid of rauwolfia, is responsible for the hypotensive properties. It is also used in the treatment of thyrotoxicosis (a high thyroid hormone level) and tachycardia (a rapid heartbeat). Nasal congestion can be one of the common side effects while using rauwolfia.
8. Ginger: Zingiber officinale, or ginger as we commonly call it, is a common ingredient in many Asian recipes. According to research, ginger relaxes the muscles surrounding the blood vessels and improves circulation. Ginger also blocks voltage-dependent calcium channels. Calcium plays a vital role in the contraction of blood vessels. By blocking calcium channels, it prevents contraction of blood vessels, lowering blood pressure.
9. Cat’s claw: Hirsutine, an indole alkaloid in cat’s claw, inhibits calcium channel, lowering blood pressure. It also increases uptake of calcium, lowering its concentration in the cells. Dihydrocadambine and isodihydrocadambine in cat’s claw have a hypotensive effect.
10. Basil: This holy plant has a variety of health benefits. Eugenol, a chemical in basil, is responsible for the hypotensive property. It blocks the calcium channel, preventing contraction of the blood vessels and thus lowering blood pressure.
Hypertension is a silent disease and can cause complications like stroke if not managed well. Try these herbs and keep your blood pressure at bay.