Ayurvedic Herbs to Lower Blood Pressure
Although exercise is one of the most effective things you can do to lower high blood pressure, as working out regularly helps make your heart stronger and more efficient at pumping blood, which lowers the pressure in your arteries.
Ayurvedic treatment of high blood pressure is believed by many experts to be effective, as well. So, assuming a multi-faceted approach to lowering high blood pressure is ideal, because while the condition itself is not typically fatal on its own, it can cause several complications that can increase the chances of cardiac arrest and other serious medical events like stroke.
Causes of High Blood Pressure
Lack of physical activity, overconsumption of meat, caffeine, alcohol, and other factors may lead to high blood pressure. And people with diabetes or clinical obesity are much more likely to have high blood pressure.
Moreover, it is essential to take good care of your heart as you enter your 40s in order to reduce the risk of high blood pressure as the probability of developing the disorder often increases in people with age.
Ayurvedic Herbs to Lower Blood Pressure
The condition of high blood pressure is fairly common among both men and women. High blood pressure increases the risk of cardiac arrest in older adults. As a result, proper treatment and precautions are imperative.
Here are some Ayurvedic herbs that are known to lower blood pressure. They are safe, effective, and made from all-natural ingredients:
Ashwagandha
Among its many benefits, ashwagandha can help calm the brain, reduce swelling, lower blood pressure, as well as alter the immune system.
Traditional uses of ashwagandha include treating stress-related conditions. Plus, a variety of adaptogens found in this anti-inflammatory ingredient are believed to help the body resist stress, both physically and mentally.
Parthadyarishta
Arjunarishta, also known as Parthadyarista, is an Ayurvedic formulation used for cardiovascular disorders. It strengthens the heart muscle and promotes the functioning of cardiac muscles by regulating blood pressure (BP) and cholesterol.
Basil
A substance in basil called eugenol blocks calcium channels, lowering blood pressure. This herb contains essential oils that can lower cholesterol and triglycerides.
Moreover, basil is rich in magnesium, which relaxes muscles and blood vessels, thereby improving blood flow.
Cinnamon
Its anti-inflammatory properties help blood flow through the body and ease stress on the heart. Ceylon cinnamon has been studied since 1975. Several studies have found Ceylon cinnamon to be beneficial for improving blood pressure.
Parsley
Adding parsley to your diet will lower your blood pressure and improve your blood flow as it is high in nitrates that help dilate blood vessels. There is evidence that nitrate-rich foods like parsley can help keep blood pressure healthy.
Brahmi
Brahmi lowers blood pressure by releasing nitric oxide from the endothelium, with additional effects on vascular smooth muscle Ca(2+) homeostasis. Some ingredients in Brahmi may be effective antihypertensives, and vasodilation may explain certain medicinal effects.
Homeopathic Remedies
Garlic
A popular culinary ingredient across the Indian subcontinent, garlic is used in a wide variety of dishes worldwide. Allicin, its active compound, also provides medicinal benefits––helping to support optimal heart health and potentially aiding in managing hypertension by relaxing blood vessels.
Amla
An amla a day keeps high blood pressure at bay. Raw amla can be consumed with or without rock salt. The juice from amla can be made by grinding it with other vegetables or taking one tablespoon of amla concentrate mixed with lukewarm water or honey.
Plus, aside from managing the symptoms of high blood pressure, amla is also beneficial for hair, skin, and digestion.
Ginger
Among its culinary benefits is its ability to promote blood circulation and strengthen the heart. Ginger can also help lower blood pressure and maintain healthy cholesterol levels when taken in moderation.
Plus, there are many everyday culinary uses for this fiery ingredient in cooking, hot beverages, homemade pickle recipes, as a digestive aid, and more.
Watermelon
Watermelon can lower your blood pressure if you spike it following an argument or eating something you shouldn't be eating. It is rich in fiber and antioxidants, as well as L-citrulline, an amino acid that helps to expeditiously lower blood pressure.
Yoga
High blood pressure is often caused by inactivity and impaired circulation. Yoga can help keep your blood pressure under control through low-impact, gentle movements.
Here are some key points to remember
- Hypertension or high blood pressure occurs when blood flows faster than usual or when blood vessels narrow.
- Sedentary lifestyles, poor eating habits and underlying conditions like obesity and diabetes can cause high blood pressure.
- Ashwagandha, cinnamon, parsley, garlic, ginger, watermelon, and other herbs can lower blood pressure.
Summary
Managing blood pressure levels is a serious matter as neglecting this area of health can create cascading effects, increasing the risk and promoting the probability of developing certain potentially life-threatening medical conditions.
Hereditary hypertension and cases triggered by lifestyle and dietary choices should be monitored regularly by a health professional to manage the condition and identify potential degenerative issues as they arise to catch and treat them in the early stages.
However, incorporating ayurvedic herbs into your lifestyle is an excellent way to foster an environment in your body that is conducive to maintaining healthy blood pressure levels and preventing hypertension altogether.
Experiment with the herbs and other homeopathic remedies shared above to see which you enjoy most, and continue to use them as an ongoing defense against high blood pressure, a condition at the root of many forms of degenerative disease.
Resources
- Hankey, A. (2016). Ayurveda herb juices and yoga for blood pressure and pulse rate: A controlled trial. International Journal of Complementary & Alternative Medicine, 4(3). https://doi.org/10.15406/ijcam.2016.04.00121
- Menon, M., & Shukla, A. (2018). Understanding hypertension in the light of Ayurveda. Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine, 9(4), 302–307. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaim.2017.10.004
- Aoki, K. (1989). Three-way classification of hypertension: Gene hypertension, environment hypertension, and disease hypertension. Essential Hypertension 2, 9–33. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-4-431-68090-1_2
- Volpe, M. (2003). Treatment of hypertension. High Blood Pressure & Cardiovascular Prevention, 10(1), 7–9. https://doi.org/10.2165/00151642-200310010-00003
