Top 8 Herbs That May Help Lower High Blood Pressure - Nutriblog.net -
Can high blood pressure
be treated with medicinal herbs?
Some herbs may help
relieve high blood pressure, but it is necessary to be careful when using any
of them, as some herbs may contain ingredients not mentioned on the labels that
explain the ingredients and placed behind the boxes, which may cause a conflict
with the medicines prescribed by the doctor, or with over-the-counter
medicines, it is worth noting the importance of consulting a doctor before
taking any type of medicine that contains herbs or herbal extracts.
It is the best way to
control high blood pressure. The use of appropriate medicines described by a
specialist doctor, in addition to a healthy diet, exercise aerobic exercise and
physical activity, and a commitment to a healthy lifestyle and behaviors
Medicinal Plants Used in the Management Hypertension
We mention in the
following some herbs that help reduce blood pressure, with an emphasis on the
importance of consulting a doctor before using any of them:
Basil: A study published in
Hypertension Research in 2010 on mice with high blood pressure indicated that
the use of basil helped reduce systolic (the upper reading of blood pressure)
and diastolic (the lower reading of blood pressure) by about 15-20 mm Hg. It
should be noted that the results of this study are not yet confirmed in humans.
Parsley: A study published in
the Journal of Ethnopharmacology in 2019, which was conducted on mice with high
blood pressure, indicated that the extract of the parsley plant helped lower
levels of diastolic and systolic blood pressure and arterial blood pressure. This
is because it contains compounds that help expand blood vessels, but other
studies are still needed to know the effect of parsley on stress in humans.
Brahmi herb: (scientific name: Bacopa
monnieri); A study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology in 2011, which
was conducted on mice, indicated that the use of this herb helped lower
diastolic and systolic blood pressure without affecting the heartbeat. By
releasing nitric oxide gas from the membranous lining into the blood vessels.
In addition to their effect on the balance of calcium ions in the smooth muscle
cells of blood vessels, and some compounds in the Brahmi herb may help expand
blood vessels as well, but other studies are still needed to confirm these
results in humans.
Garlic: A comprehensive
analysis of more than 12 clinical trials, published in the Journal of
Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine in 2019, indicated that garlic
supplements may help reduce systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and this has
been associated with a 16-40% reduction in the risk of heart disease.
Thyme: A study published in
the Acta poloniae pharmaceutica in 2014, which was conducted on mice, indicated
that taking thyme extract helped reduce systolic and diastolic blood pressure
and heart rate as well, but other studies are still needed to know the effect
of thyme in humans.
Cinnamon: A meta-analysis indicated the
results of 9 clinical trials. Published in Critical reviews in food science and
nutrition in 2020; That cinnamon supplement helped lower diastolic and systolic
blood pressure.
Ginger: A study published in
Nutrition in 2017 indicated that eating ginger daily was associated with a
lower risk of high blood pressure, and also indicated the possibility that
ginger contains compounds that help prevent other chronic diseases such as
cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer. High blood lipids, and others.
Cardamom: A study published in
the Indian Journal of Biochemistry and Biophysics in 2009, which included
patients with high blood pressure from the first stage indicated that
consuming cardamom helped reduce blood pressure in those who consumed it, and
also helped reduce the risk of blood clots.
General advice for
people with high blood pressure
Adequate diet: It is recommended to
follow a diet low in sodium, low in saturated fat and cholesterol, and rich in
whole grains and fiber, fruits and vegetables, and low-fat dairy products. This
may help lower blood pressure, and it is recommended to follow the hypertension
diet, or what is known as the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension, short
for the DASH Diet).
Reduce sodium intake: no sodium is mainly
in table salt, and recommends most of the instructions related to high blood
pressure by reducing sodium intake; Due to its negative effect on
cardiovascular health, the recommended amount of sodium is approximately 2,300
mg per day, and to reduce the amount of sodium in the diet; It is advised to
avoid eating processed foods, preserves, chicken broth cubes, pickles, and other
foods that contain a large amount of salt.
Avoid caffeine: The effect of
caffeine on blood pressure is still unclear. There is a need for more research
on this topic, but it is advised to avoid caffeine for people with high blood
pressure. Where it was observed that caffeine intake leads to an increase in
blood pressure of approximately 10 mm Hg in people who are not used to
consuming it, while the effect of caffeine was not observed in people who
consumed it frequently.
Quit smoking: as smoking causes
high blood pressure. As one cigarette raises blood pressure for several minutes
after smoking, so stopping smoking contributes to maintaining the level of
blood pressure within a normal limit, while quitting smoking contributes to the
prevention of cardiovascular disease and improving the health of the body in
general.
Weight loss: blood pressure
usually rises with weight gain. Obesity increases the risk of developing high
blood pressure, and losing one kilogram of weight reduces blood pressure by one
millimeter of mercury.
Exercising: Maintaining exercise;
Especially aerobic exercise, and increased physical activity, may contribute to
lowering blood pressure. This is due to its role in expanding blood vessels,
increasing their elasticity, and thus reducing blood pressure.
Eat probiotics, which are beneficial
bacteria found in food, and it has been observed that they may help lower blood
pressure.
Avoid exposure to
stress: Exposing to stress and psychological pressure for long periods of time
may cause high blood pressure, in addition to many other health problems. So,
it is advised to avoid stressors and try to relax, and the practice of yoga may
help maintain blood pressure within a normal level.
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