9 Herbs That Are Effective In Lowering High Blood Pressure

Whenever your doctor says that your blood pressure (BP) is high, you will be anxious by thinking about it and its medications. There are various types of medicines in modern science (Allopathy) that can control your BP immediately. However, many people opt for herbal medicines because of their effectiveness.

There has been an increase in demand for herbal therapies worldwide for various diseases. About 75% to 80% of the world population use herbal medicines, mainly in developing countries, for primary health care because of their better acceptability with the human body and lesser side effects. Research has found a variety of herbal therapies to be successful in reducing high blood pressure with diet, exercise, stress management and supplements.

# Garlic

Garlic is a well-known herb for having different medicinal properties. Garlic is rich in many compounds that are beneficial for the heart. One of the primary active compounds that give garlic its characteristic odour and many of its healing benefits is called allicin, which may help to reduce high blood pressure and relax blood vessels.

# Celery

According to a Chinese theory, celery has antihypertensive properties because it acts upon the liver: one type of hypertension is associated with liver dysfunction. Researchers have suggested that celery seed extract may help lower blood pressure as it acts as a natural calcium channel blocker. Celery seeds are also rich in fibre which helps to lower blood pressure. Consume fresh celery juice with vinegar to relieve dizziness, headache and shoulder pain associated with high BP. Celery is beneficial to reduce high BP associated with pregnancy and climacterics.

# Basil

Basil is a popular alternative because of its compounds. Basil is rich in a plant-antioxidant- eugenol that helps to lower the blood pressure by acting as a natural calcium channel blocker.

# Ajwain

Ajwain also called as thyme-is an Indian spice, found everywhere in India. It contains a flavoured compound called Rosmarinic acid that is known to have many benefits, such as reduced inflammation and blood sugar levels, increased blood flow and also helps to lower blood pressure. A study suggests that an intravenous administration of a crude extract of ajwain decreases BP, accompanied by a decrease in heart rate.

# Cinnamon

Cinnamon is a flavoured spice obtained from the bark of a cinnamon tree. Since ancient times, cinnamon has been used to treat various heart-related symptoms, and it also reduces high blood pressure. It appears to relax and dilate the blood vessels.

# Green oat

Green oat contains a high amount of dietary fibres that significantly reduce the need for antihypertensive medication and improve blood pressure control. They also improve the deranged levels of lipid and glucose and reduce cardiovascular risk.

# Flaxseeds

Flaxseeds and their oil are rich in a-linolenic acid and omega-3 fatty acid that appears to be beneficial for heart diseases, inflammatory bowel disease, arthritis, and other health problems. Several studies suggest that diets rich in omega-3 fatty acids lower blood pressure significantly in people with high blood pressure. Flaxseed may protect against atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease by reducing cholesterol levels. Daily consumption of 15 to 50 g/day of ground flaxseed can modestly reduce total cholesterol.

# Ginger

Ginger is a versatile spice that is used over a period to improve many aspects of heart health, including circulation, cholesterol levels, and blood pressure. Ginger acts as a natural calcium channel blocker that helps to relax blood vessels. You can incorporate ginger in your daily meal and beverages.

# Cardamom

Cardamom is a popular spice, especially for its flavour. This sweet spice contains antioxidants that help to reduce high blood pressure by acting as a natural calcium channel blocker. It also acts as a diuretic (increase the urine flow) that helps to reduce heat load.