Natural Remedies for high blood pressure

Once thought of as a middle-aged man's disease, and I reluctantly include myself in this as I too am a sufferer, high blood pressure is increasingly becoming more evident amongst the younger population especially women.

Fatty diets, high intake of salt from processed foods, binge drinking, stress,  smoking and lack of exercise are all factors that can lead to the development of high blood pressure. 

So what is high blood pressure?  Blood is pumped around the body by the heart as we all know.  As blood moves along the arteries, pressure is exerted along the artery wall.  In healthy individuals, these walls are flexible and allow blood to pass through easily.  If your blood pressure is high, this causes the artery walls to be less flexible and cause pressure to build along them.  Severe cases can lead to heart attack or strokes.  High levels of bad cholesterols in the arteries can cause blockages which can also lead to arterial problems and heart complaints.  If you suspect you have high blood pressure, consult your gp before embarking on any exercise regimen or trying any herbal remedies.

A balanced diet, regular exercise can help alleviate the pressures on the artery walls,  but so too can some traditional herbal remedies.  Plant extracts help reduce blood pressure in the following ways; firstly, they can thin the blood allowing it to flow easier through contracted arteries.  Secondly, in conjunction with a healthier diet, they can help reduce cholesterol in the blood, and finally they act as an antioxidant, inhibiting the formation of plaque in the arteries.

Here are the best herbs that are believed to help reduce high blood pressure;

Turmeric;  A bright orange herb commonly used in Indian cuisine, and is a relative of ginger.  Can be found dried or as a tincture.  The herb's active antioxidant lowers blood fats & cholesterol and help prevent blood clot formation.  Also strengthens the arterial walls.

Garlic;  Not only good to fend off vampires, but exellent for your heart too.  Garlic lowers blood pressure, reduces blood stickiness and lowers cholesterol, as well as dissolving blood clots.  Many experts believe the tiny odour free garlic pearls to be less effective in their abilities.

Hawthorn;  available as a tincture, this herb regulates blood pressure, both strengthening and balancing the circulation and heart itself.  It dilates blood vessels to help prevent heart disease, especially coronary arteries.

Rosemary;  The oils and flavonoids found in this aromatic herb help inhibit free radical damage to the arterial walls thereby reducing blood pressure.  Circulation is strengthened and improved.  Rosemary tea is a pleasant heart tonic.  The herb is also good for reducing stress & anxiety, a risk factor to high blood pressure.

Shitake;  This oriental mushroom has many therapeutic benefits.  It can lower cholesterol by up to 15%.  It's active antioxidants inhibit the formation of plaque along the arterial walls.

Here is yummy warming soup including ingredients to protect your heart;

Sweet Potato & onion soup

Onions have also been shown to help lower blood pressure

You will need;

• 1kg sweet potatoes
• 2 sliced large onions
• 2 cloves of garlic, crushed
• 2 diced carrots
• 1 teaspoon of oil(olive or coconut)
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 litre vegetable stock
• 225ml natural yoghurt

Gently fry the onions in the oil until they are soft and transluscent, do not burn. Add the chopped sweet potatoes, garlic, turmeric and carrots, and saute for several minutes.

Add the vegetable stock an bring to the boil.

Simmer for 25-30 mins, until the vegetables are nicely tender.

Blend the mixture in a liquidiser or use a hand blender

Bring back to a boil before adding the yoghurt.

Stir well & serve.