There is an increase in people that utilize herbs for curing certain health conditions, including high blood pressure. Nearly a third of adults have high blood pressure, according to the American Heart Association, and one third of those people are not even aware that they have it. Although utilizing herbs may control your blood pressure, it is important that a person see a professional because high blood pressure poses a risk for stroke and heart disease. Another reason a person should see a professional, is although herbs are natural, they might not mix well with other medications that a patient has been prescribed. There is also the possibility that an underlying condition may exist such as kidney or thyroid disease, hormonal disorders, and disease in the adrenal gland.
The first number in a reading for blood pressure is systolic pressure and the second number refers to the diastolic pressure. A normal blood pressure reading is 120/80. Prehypertension is when the systolic pressure reads between 120 and 139 and the diastolic pressure reads between 80 and 89. When systolic pressure is 140 to 159 and the diastolic pressure is 90 to 99, that is considered Stage 1 hypertension. Stage 2 hypertension is a systolic pressure of 160 and a diastolic pressure of 100 or above.
There are people that utilize herbs as blood pressure cures. Some believe that they are more effective than prescription drugs.
Garlic is one of the most widely used herbs used in combating high blood pressure. There have been many studies done that confirm that garlic does help lower blood pressure. Raw garlic is the best option and it is available in capsules if you want to protect yourself from a garlic smell on your breath. One word of caution, garlic is a blood thinner. If a person is on a blood thinning medication or an aspirin regime, they should check with a professional. It is also wise not to take garlic a few weeks before a surgical procedure.
Another herb that can help to control blood pressure is Hawthorne. It is used quite often by traditional herb practitioners. Studies have shown that it does lower blood pressure and participants in the studies that also took medication, did not have any reactions.
Cayenne is another herb that had great success in lowering blood pressure and is second to garlic in doing so. To be effective, cayenne does not have to be hot. It can be found in health food stores.
Red Clover is an herb that is used lower and control blood pressure. It works because it is a blood thinner. Fatty and thick blood results in poor circulation and in high blood pressure. The quality of the Red Clover is important. The blossoms of the plant should be used when they are purple in color. Many companies sell or utilize the blossoms when they have turned brown. They are not as effective.
Other herbs, such as passiflora incarnate and guelder rose bark, help people manage their blood pressure by making the whole cardiovascular system relax which results in lowered blood pressure.
Herbs can help people cure or manage their high blood pressure but they have to be accompanied by exercise and good diet if there is going to be success.