Knowing that one could use spices and herbs to lower high blood pressure was a lesson I learned expensively. I remember as I sat by the bed and watched her take her last breath, but couldn’t do anything. I was frustrated with the fact that the love was getting stronger in her last moments. Tears ran down, but I hid them as fast as I could. She turned to me with a pale smile and said it’s okay. Faking a smile I returned it saying I know you are strong but deep within me I knew it was the end.
My wife passed away in front of me and the report of the cause of her death was Blood Pressure. At the moment i couldn’t do anything. I became so eager to find out what went wrong and why I couldn’t save the life of the woman I loved.
I decided to take some years of dedications to find out the cause of the sick and look at the possible remedy to it. I was grateful to learn about some high blood pressure lowering herbs and spices. I have also written somewhat meat to include in your high blood pressure diet.
But first, Let’s start by knowing what Blood pressure is all about.
What is blood pressure?
The pressure of bloodstream against the walls of blood arteries is known as blood pressure. The heart sends blood through the circulatory system, which causes the majority of the pressure.
When used without qualification, the term “blood pressure” refers to the pressure in the major arteries. Blood pressure is usually expressed as the ratio of systolic pressure (the maximum pressure during one heartbeat) to diastolic pressure in the cardiac cycle.
Blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury above the ambient atmospheric pressure (mmHg). You can use at-home upper arm cuff BP devices or blood pressure monitor watches.
Managing Hypertension
Many lifestyles changes are necessary to reduce hypertension. While it includes exercises to lose weight and control high blood, there is also a dietary option–what you eat that can get your blood pressure under control.
Some medications, including angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and calcium channel blockers, help in controlling blood pressure, but they are not without side effects. A more healthy way to get lower high blood pressure is naturally, with food, drinks, herbs and special meals and meat diets.
Herbs and spices have been studied and proven to effectively reduce high blood pressure. That is why we suggest if you are a hypertension patient, you include herbs and spices into your high blood pressure diet.
Before you consider including herbs to lower high blood pressure like green leafy plants into your high blood pressure diet, consult a healthcare professional. But what is the role of natural herbs and spices in the treatment of hypertension?
Role of herbs in high blood pressure lowering
The blood pressure-lowering effects of herbs and spices are new to Americans! Until one author of the study carried out, there hasn’t been a clinical trial which showed any benefits high blood pressure lowering herbs and spices.
Herbs are medicinal plants found in nature that have hypotensive and antihypertensive therapeutic properties. Some herbs have been validated and others disproved for treatment of high blood pressure. Those blood pressure curing herb contain calcium channel blockers which thin the blood, relax and dilate the blood vessels.
This helps to enhance blood circulation while also lowering blood pressure. It contains antioxidants including flavonoids and terpenoids, which help to protect the heart and decrease blood pressure.
Many concentrated efforts have been directed toward investigating local plants with hypotensive and antihypertensive medicinal qualities over the last three decades. Some of these medicinal local plants with hypotensive and antihypertensive benefits have been validated and proven, while others have been proven false.
In order to treat high blood pressure and related problems in the face of limited socioeconomic means, low-income people, particularly rural residents in developing nations, have turned to herbal solutions. However, further scientific research is needed to confirm the efficacy and determine the safety profile of herbal medicines.
Read More: best drinks to lower high blood pressure
Some Spices and herbs to remedy High blood pressure
Here are a few of the high blood pressure lowering herbs and spices you can obtain in your local vegetable store, or online like on Amazon.
- Chinese Cat’s Claw,
- Bacopa Monnieri,
- Hawthorn,
- Garlic,
- Thyme,
- Cinnamon,
- Ginger root,
- Cardamom,
- Basil,
- Parsley,
- Celery Seeds
Read More: best food for high blood pressure
Best herbs to lower high blood pressure
While a healthy diet, regular exercises, lifestyle changes, taking prescribed medications are best ways to manage high blood pressure, herbs and spices are great additions to hypertension diets. Researches have proven that spices and herbs act as high blood pressure lowering plants.
There are many spices and herbs for hypertension patients. You can include them into their high blood pressure diet, since they contain medicinal components known to counteract high blood pressure.
The best herbs that lower blood pressure naturally include, and not limited to: Chinese cat’s claw, Bacopa monnieri, Hawthorn, garlic, thyme, cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, basil, parsley, celery seeds.
Depending on your area of locality, there are several herbs which are well recommended to use for treatment against blood pressure. Some of the herbs include;
Basil (Ocimum basilicum)
The first alternative medicine to high blood pressure is this basil – a flavored herb endowed with rich nutrients like eugenol. Sweet basil is a plant based antioxidant that research has shown to help in high blood pressure lowering.
The eugenol is natural and serves as a calcium channel blocker. Calcium blockers are special substances that prevent calcium from moving into the heart, and arteries, by causing blood vessels to relax. The basil extract has these channel blockers and helps to relax blood vessels and reduce blood pressure.
This basil eugenol compound was discovered to reduce high blood pressure in animals, it can however, (needs more studies) lower blood pressure in humans.
Parsley (Petroselinum crispum)
This particular herb is common with western cuisine, and it has good nutritional profile. For example, parsley contains vitamin C and dietary carotenoids antioxidants, which reduce blood pressure and cholesterol.
In animals, parsley serves as calcium channel blockers to and significantly lowers systolic and diastolic pressure. Parsley contains VIT C, antioxidants like dietary carotenoids and helps to lock calcium from entering heart cells and arteries.
Leafy Greens
Spinach and collard greens are nitrate-rich foods known to produce a nitric acid that is very good for vasodilation. Dilating the blood vessels improves patients’ blood circulation – allows easy blood to flow. Just a one-week intake of high-nitrate spinach is enough to improve your blood flow and blood pressure.
The effects of the Leafy greens is similar to that of the nitrate-rich vegetables like Chinese cabbage. Common in the western world, they are known to lower blood pressure and also decrease the risk of heart disease.
Celery seeds (Apium graveolens)
This is a spice, which contains fibrous substances, iron, calcium, magnesium and more. Although the research was carried out in rats with high blood pressure, it was found that celery seed extract was efficient in high blood pressure lowering in animals.
No need to doubt this special herb because its nutrients include fiber and natural calcium channel blocker. By acting like a a natural calcium channel blocker, there is no doubt that the spice would also help to lower blood pressure in humans.
Moreover, the seed contains dietary fiber, which has been reported(National Institute of Health NIH) to lower blood pressure.
Chinese cat’s claw (Uncaria rhynchophylla)
If you know how powerful traditional Chinese medicine is, you should try this Gou-Teng or Chotoko herb in your high blood pressure diet. Chinese medicine cures all kinds of ailments, including high blood pressure(report) and also aid blood circulation.
Chinese cat’s claw has its own chemical properties, including hirsutine and rhynchophylline. These two compounds reduce high blood pressure when they act as natural calcium channel blockers.
Moreover, the compounds stimulate blood vessels to release nitric oxide – a chemical compound is been known to relax and dilate blood vessels. Chinese cat’s claw contains compounds – natural calcium channel blockers and helps blood vessels relax.
Bacopa monnieri
It has been reported that people who practiced Ayurvedic medicine used this herb (from South Asia) for the treatment of various ailments – anxiety, as well as high blood pressure
Further researched proved that Bacopa monnieri can lower blood pressure levels (both systolic and diastolic )by stimulating the release of nitric oxide in blood vessels.
Moreover, if you also suffer from depression, just get this herb from health food stores either in powder and capsules form.
Rosemary
Rosemary is a powerful plant that can help you overcome your low blood pressure. healthy compounds like Flavonoids are the major component of Rosemary, and they serve to stimulate blood flow in the blood vessels.
Rosmarinic acid is another significant component of Rosemary. It is proven to help in inhibiting the function of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) which significantly reduces systolic blood pressure. Besides increasing blood flow, the Thyme flavored herb also reduced inflammation and blood sugar levels.
Rosemary also aids in the calming and soothing of the body’s nerves, reduced total LDL (bad) cholesterol, as well as the reduction of inflammation in the body’s tissues.
Rosemary also warms the body and increases overall blood circulation, alleviating low blood pressure issues. Rosemary can be ingested as an oil, extract, tonic, tablet, or herbal tea, or it can be cooked into cuisine.
Guarana
Guarana is another herbal medicine that individuals use to raise their blood pressure. Guarana contains a substance called guaranine, which is related to caffeine and aids in blood pressure elevation.
Guarana also causes an increase in heart rate and, in certain cases, irregular heartbeat. As a result, it is critical to get medical advice before using guarana to lower blood pressure. Guarana is available in the form of pills, capsules, tonics, and other forms.
Licorice
Licorice is yet another excellent herbal medicine for increasing blood pressure and treating low blood pressure. Licorice is quite good at stimulating the adrenal glands to operate properly and create more cortisol, which helps to raise a person’s blood pressure.
The root of licorice is particularly good at inhibiting the enzyme that breaks down cortisol, preventing a person from developing low blood pressure.
Licorice root is available in a variety of forms, including dry powder, pills, and herbal tea. The daily suggested amount is 400 to 500 mg; however, before taking Licorice, one should consult a doctor because it can induce high blood pressure if taken in excess.
Hawthorn
Hawthorn is a well-known herbal treatment that is used to treat low blood pressure. The major component of Hawthorn is proanthocyanidin, which relaxes the blood arteries of the heart and improves blood circulation throughout the body.
It also aids in the prevention of artery hardening and the stimulation of blood flow via them. Hawthorn’s many characteristics make it a popular herbal medicine for treating low blood pressure. Hawthorn berries are particularly helpful and can be ingested to help people with low blood pressure.
Spikenard
Indian Spikenard has been used as a herbal medicine to treat low blood pressure for ages. Indian spikenard is high in a variety of important minerals that assist to keep blood pressure in check.
This plant aids in the treatment of irregular heartbeat and depression, two of the most common reasons of low blood pressure. Indian Spikenard is simply eaten as a herbal tea and is particularly beneficial when combined with cinnamon.
Agathosma betulina (Common name: Buchu)
It’s a South African medicinal plant that’s been used for generations by the region’s indigenous peoples to treat a variety of maladies. It works as a diuretic and an anti-inflammatory.
Allium sativum (Common Name: Garlic )
Garlic has traditionally been used to treat a range of heart problems, particularly hyperlipidemia. It’s also been said to have hypotensive properties. It is considered causing smooth muscle relaxation and vasodilation by increasing nitric oxide generation. Allicin is one of the key active chemicals in garlic that gives it its distinctive odor and many of its health benefits.
Annona Muricata (Common Name: Prickly Custard apple )
Annona muricata is a member of the Annonacin family of custard apple trees and a species of the genus Annona, best known for its tasty Annona fruits. The tree can be found in the Caribbean and Central America as a natural species. The plant’s leaf extract has been shown to reduce blood pressure through lowering peripheral vascular resistance.
Apium Graveolens (Common Name: Celery)
Celery is good for high blood pressure, according to Chinese thought, since it operates on the liver; one type of high blood pressure is linked to the liver. Celery was found to be effective in lowering blood pressure in 14 of 16 patients in mainland China. For up to one week, 8 ounces of juice were mixed with an equal amount of honey and consumed orally three times a day.
Artocarpus Altilis (Common Name: Breadfruit )
The Malay Peninsula and the western Pacific islands are home to the plant. The leaf extract of the plant was found to reduce the tension of phenylephrine-stimulated isolated guinea pig aorta rings by 15 to 35% in research.
Camellia Sinensis (Common Name : Tea)
Drinking tea has a slew of possible health benefits. The influence of tea on cardiovascular disease has piqued the interest of academics. Tea and high blood pressure research is contradictory.
Capparis Cartilanginea (Common Name: Lasaf)
It’s a scrambling or prostrate shrub that grows in rocky areas and sometimes hangs from cliffs. In anesthetized rats, crude extract of C. Cartilaginea causes a dose-dependent decrease in blood pressure and slight bradycardia.
Cassia Occidentalis (Common Name: Coffee Weed)
It is a tiny tree that grows to a height of 5 to 8 meters. This plant’s leaf is used as an antihypertensive in traditional Chinese medicine. The leaf extract has been proven to have a relaxing effect on the aortic rings in vitro experiments.
There is much more to talk about. We will just name a few – talk about herbs which also act as remedy to low high blood pressure.
Precaution: before taking herbs and spices for hypertension
Seek help from a health expert. They can tell you limitations, since some herbs and spices can interact dangerously with blood thinner medications.
Best spices for a high blood pressure diet
Herbs and spices can help you control your blood pressure by increasing the medicinal value of your food. Some popular spices have been shown in studies to help protect against heart disease and ageing-related degeneration.
Researchers have established a link between the amount of phenol in specific herbs and spices and their ability to inhibit glycation and the production of AGE chemicals, which cause accelerated ageing and heart illness.
Some herbs and spices that can help lower blood pressure are included below, along with advice for how to use them in a healthy diet, including recipes. Take pleasure in your delectable natural medicines! Some includes;
Cinnamon
Cinnamon is an aromatic spice which people have used it for many centuries in traditional medicine for treatment of heart and blood diseases. This health relieving spice comes from the inner bark of trees called Cinnamomum genus.
Some studies including over 600 participants taking cinnamon proved that it helped reduced systolic by an average of 6.2 mm Hg and diastolic blood pressure by averagely 3.9 mm Hg. The dilating and relaxing the blood vessels is much more stronger if you can consume cinnamon continuously for 3 months(source)
To be specific, if you take 500–2,500 mg of cinnamon every day, for 3 months, you can cut systolic blood pressure by 5-5.5mmHg on and diastolic pressure by 2.4-2.8mmHg. Experience shows that cinnamon is easy to consume when you include it into your high blood pressure diet or meals.
Garlic
Garlic contains allicin (sulfur compounds), an antibacterial, antioxidant, lipid-lowering, and antihypertensive chemical. Garlic can help lower blood pressure by relaxing and dilate blood vessels, allowing blood to circulate more freely throughout the body. Fresh garlic has been shown in studies to have more strong heart-protective effects than processed garlic.
A study involving over 500 people with high blood pressure consuming garlic showed that it reduced systolic by average of 8.3 mm Hg and diastolic blood pressure by average of 5.5 mm Hg. These results are highly similar to those of blood pressure medications.
Another study involving over 30 patients pointed surprisningly that taking a 600–1,500 mg of garlic extract was just as effective at lowering blood pressure with the Atenolol drug.
To noticeably lower blood pressure measurements, four garlic cloves per day are recommended. Several of your favorite recipes can benefit from the addition of fresh garlic. If you can’t eat it or don’t like the taste, take 500 mg of garlic everyday as a supplement.
Ginger
Ginger is an incredible alternative medicine widely used for cough and other ailments. The spice is versatile and a staple for treatment of heart problems, cholesterol levels and blood pressure(NIH)
Ginger acts as natural calcium channel blocker and natural ACE inhibitor(blood pressure medication) which is why it has been noticed to improve blood circulation and relax the muscles surrounding blood vessels. It is a surefire herb to aid with blood pressure management.
Many thousand of people who consumed the ginger like 2–4 grams per day were discovered to have the lowest risk of developing high blood pressure.
Ginger is a versatile ingredient delicious and easy to incorporate into your diet with meals. It is highly used in many Asian dishes. You can buy ginger supplements or you just chop, mince, or grate a fresh ginger into stir-fries, soups, noodle or vegetable dishes, or add it to desserts or tea for a refreshing flavor.
Cardamom
If you want a delicious spice to include in your high blood pressure diet, cardamom is a highly flavored herb. Sweetly in taste, the herb contains antioxidants that are exceptionally good for high blood pressure lowering.
If an adult keeps consuming about 3 grams of cardamom powder each day, over 3 months, the spicy herb will significantly reduce your blood pressure.
Like dedicated BP medications, cardamom herbs act like natural calcium channel blocker to keep BP low and as a diuretic compound that helps to remove water buildup in the kidney through urination.
The best way to incorporate this herb into your high blood pressure diet is by cooking and baking. Besides adding the herbs to your blood pressure meals and dishes, I really love the cardamom supplement or extract.
Curcumin
You may not be familiar with curcumin, but you are probably familiar with turmeric, an Indian curry spice and yellow mustard. Turmeric has been used as a natural blood pressure and cardiovascular spice for a long time.
Curcumin is an anti-inflammatory antioxidant that can help lower blood pressure by preventing platelet aggregation in sticky, clotting blood. Start with 500 mg of curcumin per day as a nutritional supplement, but avoid it if you have gallbladder problems, gallstones, or kidney stones.
Cayenne Pepper
Capsaicin, a substance found in cayenne pepper, is the active ingredient in a number of over-the-counter “hot creams” for joint and muscular discomfort.
Capsaicin generates heat through having a thermogenic effect on the body, which raises body temperature and increases circulation in the affected area.
It’s also a vitamin for cardiovascular health and a natural blood pressure reducer. Use cayenne pepper in your cuisine once or twice a week to help lower your blood pressure.
FAQ on high blood pressure lowering herbs
is ginger good for high blood pressure
Ginger is one of the most important spices with components that act as natural calcium channel blocker and natural ACE inhibitor which lower high blood pressure. But how much ginger to lower blood pressure should a patient take each day? Research shows that people who consumed 2–4 grams of ginger per day had lowest risk of developing high blood pressure. Ginger is a staple spice you can add into your high blood pressure diet meals.
How can I lower my blood pressure fast and naturally?
Naturally ways to lower your high blood pressure include
- lifestyle changes,
- eating high blood pressure diet rich in plant-based foods,
- Avoid eating meat that can raise your high blood pressure
- doing fitness exercises to stay physically active on a regular basis,
- quitting smoking,
- avoid alcohol,
- manage stress ,
- eat healthy foods that lower blood pressure,
- taking high blood pressure medications.
What is the best herbal supplement for high blood pressure?
No herbal supplement has enough robust scientific evidence to show that it effectively treats high blood pressure. If you wish to try supplements, talk to your doctor, who can help you determine which herbs are safe to take based on your blood pressure levels and current medications.
What herbal plant is used for hypertension?
People try different herbal plants to treat hypertension, such as buchu, garlic, prickly custard apple, celery, basil, flaxseed, sesame, parsley, thyme, and ginger. However, not all of these are scientifically proven to help lower high blood pressure, so talk to a healthcare provider before trying an herbal remedy.
What herbs Fight High Blood Pressure ?
based on my personal research it will be difficult to see one particular herb that fights high blood pressure. There are several plants which fights high blood pressure and some are mentioned above. These herbs also varies based on your area or location in which you are.
How can I reduce my blood pressure fast and naturally ?
The best way to reduce your high blood fast and naturally is by controlling your diet and ensuring you increase your level of exercise from my personal findings and opinion.
What is the best natural medicine for high blood pressure?
The best natural medicine as per my research are herbs for they contain natural healing components which helps build your body with little or no effects thereafter
What are the Yoruba herbs for lowering high blood pressure ?
The Yoruba herbs with the highest potency to lowering high blood pressure is Alligator pepper or guinea pepper which is known by it scientific name Afromomum melegueta.
