13 Most-Commonly Prescribed Herbs For High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure is also termed as hypertension. When blood pressure is high, it can lead to catastrophic cardiovascular events, such as heart strokes, which can be life threatening. Therefore, it is very important to practice proper remedies and medications to keep your blood pressure level normal.

Following a proper diet plan and maintaining a healthy weight are two most important components of the treatment plan for hypertension. Following are some of the best herbs that are well known for their natural abilities to control blood pressure level.

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Herbs For High Blood Pressure

Garlic

Garlic contains allin, a natural substance that thins the blood and helps in managing blood pressure level. Due to high blood pressure, the risks of blood platelets sticking to the arteries become very high. Such things can lead to serious consequences, such as heart stroke. But, garlic prevents that from happening. In general, hypertension patients are advised to eat one clove of garlic everyday. Alternatively, you can take it in supplement form (600 to 1200 mg per day).

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Psylllium

Psylllium contains powerful artery-cleansing properties, which can be very helpful in removing plaque formation from arterial walls. All these activities aid in improving blood circulation that keeps blood pressure levels under control. The herb is also well-known for its ability to reduce harmful cholesterol content. The general dosage recommendation is 5-10 grams per day. You can use psyllium seeds to prepare herbal tea. Alternatively, it can also be taken in supplement form.

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Corn Silk

Corn silk is one of the most commonly prescribed herbs for hypertension patients. It has potent diuretic properties that help in removing plaque accumulated in arterial walls through urination. It also thins the blood and improves circulation of blood. All these activities eventually reduce blood pressure and bring it closer to normal level. In general, corn silk can be taken in the form of herbal tea, 1-2 cups daily.

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Bilberry

Bilberry is known for its natural ability to prevent damage to blood vessels by keeping the arteries flexible. This activity eases the circulation of blood, which helps in lowering blood pressure. Since it keeps the arteries flexible, your blood pressure remains at constant level even when you are stressed or worried. It is generally taken in the form of capsules or tablets. The recommended dose is 240-360 mg daily.

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Ginger

Ginger has potent natural ability to thin blood. In addition to that, it also helps in removing plaque accumulation from arterial walls. You can use liberal quantities of ginger in your foods. Alternatively, you can prepare herbal tea by steeping ginger in boiling water for 15-20 minutes. It is also available in supplement form, such as capsules and tablets.

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Asian Ginseng

Asian ginseng contains ginsenosides that does not just help in regulating blood pressure levels but also strengthens the immune system. This herb is generally taken in the form of tea, extracts, capsules or tablets. The dosage varies depending upon the various health factors of the individual patients.

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Forskolin

Forskolin contains antispasmodic and anti-hypertensive properties that can be very beneficial in keeping blood pressure levels to normal. It also relieves fatigue, breathlessness and other common symptoms caused by high blood pressure. Dosage varies. Talk to your doctor for proper dosage guidelines.

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Wild Yam

The main active ingredient in wild yam is diosgenin, which can help in reducing the levels of high blood pressure and cholesterol. When wild yam is taken in proper dosage regularly, it promotes greater blood flow by stimulating the opening of blood vessels. For dosage guidelines, you must consult your doctor.

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Dandelion

Dandelion is also termed as taraxacum offinale. The roots, leaves and flowers of this herb are used for medicinal purposes. The main active component in dandelion is aesculin that has been found to be very effective in relaxing and expanding the smaller arteries in the body, which eventually enhances vascular resistance. Dandelion (its leaves, in particular) is rich in potassium, which is an important nutrient that your body requires to keep blood pressure level in control.

The herb also contains powerful diuretic properties that aids in elimination of plaque accumulation from arteries through urine, which further helps in lowering blood pressure. You can eat the fresh leaves of dandelion in your salad. Alternatively, it can also be taken in the form of capsules, liquid extracts and tea. The dosage guidelines depend upon various health factors. So, do not use it without consulting your doctor.

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Linden

Linden belongs to the tilia family. Its leaves and flowers are used for medicinal purposes. Active components in linden include mucilage, volatile oil and flavonoids. Where mucilage contains anti-inflammatory properties, flavonoids act as antioxidants. The combined effect of all these properties has been found to be very effective in lowering blood pressure level. It is particularly more helpful in treating high blood pressure caused by excessive stress and worries. The herb soothes the nerves and relaxes the arteries, helping in smooth flow of blood. Hypertension patients can take linden in the form of liquid extracts, tincture or tea. Dosage varies depending upon the specific health condition of the patient.

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Gotu Kola

Gotu kola is also termed as centella asiatica. The herb is a rich source for saponins, such as indocentelloside, brahmoside and asiaticoside. The whole plant is generally used for the treatment of high blood pressure. It acts as an adaptogen. However, excessive dosage can cause some side effects, such as stomachache, headache, nausea and dizziness. Long-term use of gotu kola should also be avoided. Consult your doctor for proper dosage guidelines.

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Rauwolfia

The main active components in rauwolfia are rescinnamine and reserpine – both are natural alkaloids, which contain powerful hypotensive properties. The herb sedates the central nervous system and dilates blood vessels, which helps in lowering blood pressure level. However, those who are taking anti-depressants should avoid this herb. There are no general dosage guidelines. Dosage varies significantly from one patient to another.

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Hawthorn

Medically termed as Crataegus Laevigeta, hawthorn is a spiny, flowering shrub that belongs to the rose family. Its flowers and leaves are used for medicinal purposes. Hawthorn has cardio-protective, antioxidant and diuretic properties. It promotes the functional capacity of the heart, reduces plasma lipid levels and dilates coronary vessels, which eventually lowers blood pressure level. It also reduces peripheral vascular resistance and stabilizes cardiac functions. Consult an experienced herbal practitioner for proper dosage.

Excessive dosage of most of these herbs should be avoided. Also, considering the very fact that high blood pressure can sometimes lead to life-threatening condition, you must use herbs in proper dosage as prescribed by an experienced herbal practitioner only.