New Health Guide
Heart is the primary circulatory organ that is responsible for transferring the blood from periphery to heart and (after oxygenation) back to all major organs of the body. In order to push the blood successfully into the distant tissues and organs, it is very important to have a healthy blood pressure to generate the much needed force.
High blood pressure can be managed with diet, exercise and medication regimens, but a popular alternative is the use of herbs. These can be taken as whole or in a form of supplement, butalways remember to seeka doctor’s advice as certain chemical constituents can interfere with other drugs and resultin side effects.
Garlic has been used as a part of many healing systems traditionally. Studies conducted on garlic have shown that one active compound called alicin is responsible for reducing blood pressure. Alicin contains sulfur compound, which also acts as an anti-hypertensive agent. Both of them result in an overall decrease in systolic pressure. Garlic can decrease the blood pressure by approximately 10 mm Hg or more if consumed in a dose of up to two grams per day for at least 12 weeks. However, garlic is not safe with many medications, therefore, consulting a doctor is of utmost importance before starting to use it.
Dried Hibiscus leaves are used in making tea. Trial studies on hibiscus tea and regular black tea concluded that hibiscus can successfully control systolic and diastolic blood pressure in hypertensive subjects. Another study compared the blood pressure reducing ability of hibiscus with ACE inhibitors; it found that even though it is not as effective as ACE inhibitors, hibiscus has lesser risk of side effects and may mimic ACE inhibitors in physiological functions. Hibiscus leaves have antioxidant property that helps in reducing inflammation and relaxing the blood vessels.
Olives are highly recognized because the oil obtained from it can reduce blood pressure, and in the Mediterranean area, it is even a part of everyday cuisine. Olive has antioxidants and polyphenols which effectively reduce systolic blood pressure. Studies have shown that consuming 40 grams of olive oil per day can reduce blood pressure by 50%. Olive oil should be introduced in the diet for individuals who have hypertension or heart diseases.
This herb is frequently used as an essential ingredient of several diets and is very effective in reducing the blood pressure if used over a long period of time. Oregano contains carvacrol which is known for its blood pressure reducing property. Studies conducted on oregano concluded that it is effective in reducing both systolic and diastolic blood pressure, in addition to reducing average arterial pressure. It also helps controlling heart rate.
Researchconducted on hawthorn has indicated its effectiveness in reducing blood pressure after chronic use. One of the most conclusive studies was conducted in UK, where a group of 79 patients was tested for this herb against a blood pressure medicine. After consecutive use of more than a year, it was found that hawthorn efficiently reduced diastolic pressure.
Cardamom is known to be a carminative as well as a blood pressure reducing agent. A study conducted in India concluded the blood pressure reducing effects of cardamom can be achieved by taking it in a dose of 4 grams per day. By the end of the experiment, it was concluded that not only was there a feeling of well-being among the subjects, but significant reduction in the blood pressure was also achieved.
Basil is one of the most common herbs used in cooking. It is excellent for individuals who sufferfrom hypertension, as studies have shown that basil can reduce blood pressure but only for a short period. Therefore, the intake has to be maintained every day. It is best to use when fresh.
Celery seeds are used by Chinese to reduce the blood pressure for a long time. Upon analysis, it is found that celery is effective because its diuretic property helps the body in getting rid of excess minerals which may cause high blood pressure.
Cinnamon is effective in reducing the blood pressure in diabetic patients, and because it’s got a pleasant taste, it can be incorporated in everyday meals. It is preferable to use cinnamon on daily basis.
Lavender contains essential oils that are effective at reducing the blood pressure by relaxing the vessels. They are eitherused in aromatherapy or eaten as dry leaves.
It has been traditionally used to treat neurological disorders. It acts on the calcium channels in your cells to reduce blood pressure.
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