Herbs for High Blood Pressure
Healing Hypertension with Herbs that Lower Blood Pressure
There are a number of different herbs that lower blood pressure and improve heart health, thereby increasing overall well-being. Some of these blood pressure herbs have a direct effect on the blood vessels and the heart. Others have an indirect impact, yet still are helpful in healing hypertension by either reducing stress, reducing water retention, reducing plaque build-up on artery walls, or simply providing necessary minerals for a healthy circulatory system. In conjunction with a healthy diet to reduce blood pressure, exercise, and a healthy lifestyle, herbs for high blood pressure can dramatically impact heart health in a natural, normalizing way.
Primary Herbs that Lower Blood Pressure
When using herbs that lower blood pressure, it is crucial to include one or several of these foundational blood pressure herbs. They work to normalize and strengthen heart function, each with a slightly different effect. Over time, using these plants for healing hypertension will create a normal blood pressure, and their use can be discontinued.
Hawthorne berries are one of the most effective heart tonics. This herb balances the circulatory system, either stimulating or relaxing blood flow, depending on which effect is necessary. Lime blossom has a calming effect on both the nervous system and the circulatory system, thereby managing stress and tension, while at the same time calming the heart rate. Mistletoe is a blood pressure herb with similar properties to lime blossom. This herb also relaxes the nerves, specifically the vagus nerve, which then lowers the heart rate and blood pressure. At the same time, mistletoe improves the strength of peripheral capillary walls. Yarrow is another foundational blood pressure herb, which causes a dilation of the peripheral vessels, allowing a greater ease in blood flow.
All of these herbs blend well together. Drink one to three cups of tea, with a single blood pressure herb, or with equal parts of any combination. Infuse two teaspoons of dried herbs in one cup of boiling water for ten minutes.
Secondary Herbs that Lower Blood Pressure
Aside from the primary herbs for high blood pressure, there are other useful plants which can offer a more well-rounded treatment by addressing the factors which cause high blood pressure. High levels of stress are directly related to hypertension. Healing is as simple as being able to manage emotional and mental tension naturally. Although herbs will not create mental stability, they will help, through calming and soothing the nervous system. Valerian, skullcap, hops, and chamomile are all excellent nervine tonics.
Water retention caused by too much sodium in the diet can put pressure on artery walls, exacerbating high blood pressure. The diuretic herbs work by encouraging the kidneys to eliminate waste through the urine. Parsley and dandelion are excellent diuretic herbs for high blood pressure.
Another issue with healing hypertension is dealing with arteriosclerosis, which is a condition in which the artery walls are constricted and hardened by a build-up of cholesterol and fatty deposits. Cleansing herbs such as garlic will help this condition, more so when taken over a period of time. The primary blood pressure herbs, especially lime blossom, are also effective for preventing and minimizing plaque build-up.
Nettles is another ideal supporting herb to lower blood pressure naturally. It acts as a blood cleanser, helping to remove toxins, as a mild diuretic, reducing water retention, and provides a boost of mineral nutrition. Deficiencies of magnesium, potassium, and calcium are linked to hypertension – nettles provides all three.
Using Herbs for High Blood Pressure to Lower Blood Pressure Naturally
Herbs for high blood pressure are a safe and effective way to heal and return the body to a state of balance, unlike medications, which tend to only manage the condition, causing a lifelong dependency on the prescription drugs. Healing hypertension with herbs will eventually lead to normalized blood pressure, with no need for drugs or herbs, although a healthy diet and lifestyle will always be necessary to maintain a strong heart and fluid circulatory system. If high blood pressure is a possibility, also be sure to consult a physician to have levels checked and to discuss the best options for well-being.
Sources:
Balch, Phyllis A, CNC. “ Prescription for Nutritional Healing.” Fourth Edition (Penguin Group, 2006).
Hoffmann, David. “The Complete Illustrated Holistic Herbal” (Element Books, 1996).
Herbs for High Blood Pressure
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