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Saturday 5 December 2020

Herbs That May Help Lower High Blood Pressure

Ryan Raman MS RD writes:
"High blood pressure, also called hypertension, affects nearly half of all American adults" (and many more world-wide). "It’s the most common preventable risk factor for heart disease. This article looks at the scientific research behind ten herbs and spices that may help lower blood pressure.

Managing high blood pressure
High blood pressure is defined as having at least one of the following:
systolic blood pressure (the top number) over 130 mm Hg
diastolic blood pressure (the bottom number) over 80 mm Hg
both systolic and diastolic values above these levels

You can manage blood pressure with medications, such as angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and calcium channel blockers.

Many dietary and lifestyle changes can also reduce your blood pressure and lower your risk of heart disease. In fact, studies have shown that some herbs and spices may reduce blood pressure levels, so you may want to consider adding these to your diet, too. Make sure to speak with your healthcare provider before using any of the following herbs.

Below are ten herbs that may help lower blood pressure.


Basil
Basil contains compounds, such as eugenol, that may help reduce blood pressure, according to animal studies. However, more human research is needed.
Parsley
Parsley contains a variety of compounds, such as vitamin C and dietary carotenoids, that may help lower blood pressure. However, more human research is needed to confirm these effects.


Celery Seeds
Animal research suggests celery seeds may reduce blood pressure. This herb may be effective thanks to its fibre and action as a natural calcium channel blocker. More studies are needed.
Chinese Cat's Claw
Chinese cat’s claw contains compounds that may act as natural calcium channel blockers and help blood vessels relax, according to animal studies. More human studies are needed.
Bacopa monnieri
Animal research suggests the herb Bacopa monnieri may help blood vessels dilate and relax, lowering blood pressure. However, human research is conflicting and limited.
Garlic
Garlic contains compounds, such as allicin, that have been shown to help relax blood vessels and aid blood flow. Collectively, these factors may help reduce blood pressure.


Thyme
Thyme contains powerful compounds, such as rosmarinic acid, that appear to help relax blood vessels in animal studies. However, researchers need to do more studies in humans.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon appears to help dilate and relax the blood vessels, which may help lower blood pressure.
Ginger
Ginger appears to lower blood pressure by acting as a natural calcium channel blocker and dilating the blood vessels.
Cardamom
Animal and human research suggest cardamom may help lower blood pressure by acting as a natural calcium channel blocker and diuretic. Still, more human studies are needed.

The bottom line
High blood pressure is the most common, preventable risk factor for heart disease. It affects nearly half of all American adults" (and many more world-wide).

"The best way to manage high blood pressure is through a combination of the right medications, a healthy diet, regular exercise, and engaging in healthy lifestyle behaviours.

That said, there are several promising herbs and spices you can incorporate into your diet that may help lower your blood pressure.

They include basil, parsley, celery seeds, Chinese cat’s claw, Bacopa monnieri, garlic, thyme, cinnamon, ginger, and cardamom, to name a few.

Keep in mind that many herbs and spices may interact with common blood thinner medications, and many extracts and supplements discussed above lack sufficient safety research.

For this reason, always consult a healthcare provider about what herbs and spices you’re considering incorporating into your diet, and never discontinue a medication without consulting them first."
The above is just a snippet of Ryan's article which can be read in full with all research links here

Some Other Posts That May Interest You
Natural Ways To Lower Blood Pressure - read it here
Why not take a walk - read it here
Walking Can Be So Good For You - read it here
Are You Aging Gracefully - read it here

Exercise is one of the best things you can do to lower high blood pressure.

You will find a variety of articles and recipe ideas within this blog, and not all may be suitable for you. If you may have any food allergies, or underlying health issues these must always be taken into account. If you are a diabetic and not sure how certain foods may affect your blood sugars, test is best, i.e. use your meter.

All the best Jan 

29 comments:

Mary Kirkland said...

I use a bunch of those already. Maybe that's why my blood pressure isn't high.

Christine said...

Thanks for these great tips! I take medication for my high blood pressure

CJ Kennedy said...

Good to know. Himself is having a reaction to the medication he was taking.

Jo said...

I've never had problems with my blood pressure but it's good to no there are herbs out there which can help those who do.

Elephant's Child said...

Some of these I know (and use). Others are very new to me.
Thank you.

Bill said...

I use lots of those items and my blood pressure is good.

eileeninmd said...

Hello,

It is always better to use the natural herbs than medicines. Great info and post.
Walking is my go to exercise. Take care, enjoy your day!

Tom said...

...I don't use many of them, I guess that I should get on the stick!

HappyK said...

Most we use but these. Great information.

Debbie-Dabble Blog and A Debbie-Dabble Christmas said...

Great post! I do use some of these!! Thanks so much for stopping by!! Stay safe, healthy and happy!!
Hugs,
Debbie

Jeanie said...

I could eat thyme by the bush full. It's my favorite of the herbs, though basil is a close one! I often overthyme when I cook -- but I love it no matter what!

My name is Erika. said...

I don't know Chinese cat's paw herb. I am off to look that up.

Rose said...

I, too, need to look up Chinese cat's paw. I always think there are probably natural remedies for most things.

peppylady (Dora) said...

Two of them I never heard of Chinese Cat Claw and Bacop a Monnieri.
Stay Safe and Coffee is o

Margaret D said...

Good to read about.

Linda said...

I have low blood pressure. I wonder if that means I should limit these.

Valerie-Jael said...

Thanks for the good advice! Have a great weekend, Valerie

roughterrain crane said...

I like garlics. I often make spaghetti aglio with less olive oil.

Phil Slade said...

Top class info Jan. I just emailed this to someone I know.

Bob Bushell said...

Anything that bring high blood pressure down, that's no.1 my favourite.

chica said...

Muito explicatibo e bom. Sempre precisamos desses cuidados! beijos, tudo de bom,chica

Teresa said...

Siempre interesantes tus reportajes. Besos.

Jenn Jilks said...

Excellent points. I try to work out 5 days a week.

carol l mckenna said...

All healthy suggestions for everyone ~ great post ^_^

Live with love each moment,

A ShutterBug Explores,
aka (A Creative Harbor)

DVArtist said...

Great post. I am glad to know Cardamom is good for HB. I use it a lot!

Debbie said...

awesome information!! either way - i adore fresh herbs!!

Conniecrafter said...

I have often wondered how much herbs you would have to eat to be beneficial. I use some of them here and there but don't know if it is enough to make any difference

Snowbird said...

So informative!xxx

baili said...

thankfully we love to add parsley ,ginger and garlic in everyday dishes :)
loved this image ,lovely!