As we grow older and wiser, many of us unfortunately develope high blood pressure. According to the CDC’s recent data, around 75 milion adults suffer from hypertension in America alone – that is about 1 in 3 adults. What is more alarming is that less than half of those suffering from hypertension have it under control. What our eating habits have caused – they can heal as well. Let us dwelve into the best 7 hypotensive herbs that can help you treat and control high blood pressure.
7 Hypotensive Herbs – Crataegus pinnatifida
Commonly known as Chinese Hawthorn is our first of 7 herbs for treating high blood pressure. It has been used for centuries in various decoctions for treating hypertension. Numerous clinical and pharmacological trials have shown that it can consistently lower blood pressure.
The two main substances that contribute to hawthorn’s beneficial effects are brought on by 2 powerful antioxidant agents : oligomeric procyanidins and flavonoids.
Studies have also found the alkaloid Rhynchophylline in Hawthorn’s composition. This component has the ability to inhibit thrombosis and platelet aggregation, thus proving to be effective in reducing the risk of heart attacks and stroke.
Other effects of this herb include stimulation of nitrous oxide and antioxidant activity, both of which lead to a relaxation of blood vessel and ultimately improved blood circulation and lowered blood pressure.
More information can be found here.
7 Hypotensive Herbs – Hibiscus sabdariffa
Commonly known as Roselle, our second pick of 7 herbs for treating high blood pressure, is one of the most researched herbs for its antihypertensive properties. The calyx, leaves and corolla of this plant have been used traditionally in many West African countries for treating a variety of medical conditions, including high blood pressure.
Ingestion of crude extracts of Roselle has shown to lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure in both animal and human trials.
The antihypertensive effect of this herb extract has been attributed to its vasorelaxant effects.
It is also important to note that continuous administration of aqueous extract of this herb is effective in reversing hypertrophy of cardiac muscle. This is due to significant increase in length density and surface area of the small blood vessels within the cardiac muscle.
A standardized dose of Roselle consisting of 9.6 mg per day has been shown to be as effective in lowering blood pressure as administering 50 mg per day of Captopril.
More information can be found here.
7 Hypotensive Herbs – Allium sativum
Commonly know as Garlic, comes in third on our 7 herbs for treating high blood pressure list. Garlic has been used for a long time for treating various cardiovascular conditions, including hypertension and hyperlipidemia.
The primary compound that gives garlic its properties and also its odor is Allicin.
Allicin has powerful antioxidative effects while also actively stimulating production of nitric oxide, inducing dilatation of blood vessels and ultimately decreasing systolic blood pressure.
Interesting enough, studies have showed that garlic decreased systolic blood pressure in participants with increased blood pressure, while those with normal blood pressure levels where not affected.
Regular ingestion of garlic has proven to be have cardioprotective action for those suffering of hypertension.
More information can be found here.
7 Hypotensive Herbs – Uncaria rhynchophylla
Commonly known as Cat’s Claw, fourth on our list of 7 herbs for treating high blood pressure. It is a herb that has been intensively used in traditional oriental medicine to treat various neurological symptoms and lower blood pressure.
Hirsutine is an indole alkaloid that has been found to be responsible for this herb’s antihypertensive effects.
Hirsutine act on both voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels and Ca2+ stores, restricting the amount of Ca2+ that enters the cell, thus contributing to a lower heart rate and vascular constriction.
Recommended doses are : one gram of root bark to be taken 2 to 3 times per day or 20 to 30 mg of a root bark extract.
More information can be found here .
7 Hypotensive Herbs – Sesamum indicum
Commonly known as Sesame. Impressive enoush extracts of sesame seeds have been found to produce a dose dependent drop in both diastolic and systolic blood pressure.
The 2 major phenolic components of sesame oil are Sesaminol and Sesamin.
These compounds have been shown to increase the activity of catalase, superoxidase dismutase and glutathione peroxidase, while also significantly reducing oxidative stress within the body.
Studies suggest that regular ingestion of sesame oil is useful for the prophylactic treatment of cardiovascular hypertrophy and hypertension.
More information can be found here.
7 Hypotensive Herbs – Rauwolfia serpentina
Commonly known as Rauwolfia, is considered to be the most powerful antihypertensive herb. It is a woody plant native to Africa, South America, and Asia where it has been used to treat everything from insomnia and insanity to snakebites and various wounds.
Reserpine is the purified alkaloid of Rauwolfia and was the first drug commonly used for the long term treatment of hypertension, thyrotoxicosis and tachycardia.
A combination of dihydroergocristine, Reserpine and a diuretic is available on the market.
Rauwolfia has numerous drug interactions and should not be taken without consulting your doctor.
More information can be found here.
7 Hypotensive Herbs – Musanga cecropiodes
Commonly known as the Umbrella tree or Cork Wood, the last of our 7 herbs for treating high blood pressure selection. It is a plant found in the tropical rain forests of West Africa. The bark of this plant is well known for its antidiarrheal activity.
However through the effort of many researchers, it has been demonstrated that the leaf and latex extract of this plant has vasorelaxant effect.
The vasorelaxant effect has been attributed to the inhibition of cholinergic and sympathetic control of the arterial pressure and most notably the blockade of Angiotensin Conversion Enzyme.
Stem bark extracts produce a reduction in systolic blood pressure that is dose dependent.
More information can be found here.
Author’s Note
If you would like more details on the subject or if you have any questions, objections, hateful comments or highly deserved praises to offer please do not hesitate to leave a comment.
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One Response
I like your site! Can’t imagine why you’d get any hateful comments——oh I forgot we are in PC Climate of Fake News these days
Thanks for the info on Low blood pressure and herbs. I’m anti drugs.