High Blood Pressure and Herbs That Help

High blood pressure is one of the most serious problems today with reports estimating that more than 50 million Americans suffer from the condition. High blood pressure usually doesn't cause any symptoms in the early stages and often runs in families.

High blood pressure illness is the force in the arteries when the heart beats (systolic pressure) and when the heart is at rest (diastolic pressure). High blood pressure or (hypertension) is defined in an adult as a blood pressure greater than or equal to 140 mm Hg systolic pressure or greater than or equal to 90 mm Hg diastolic pressure. High blood pressure is 140/90 or higher.

The illness can also be caused by an underlying conditions: such as kidney disease, hormonal disorders, thyroid disease, adrenal gland disease, and the use of certain drugs, such as oral contraceptives, or herbs such as licorice. 

High blood pressure is a very dangerous, sometimes life-threatening condition, affecting people all around the world.  It occurs when there is an increase of force against the arterial wall, with potentially damaging consequences. 

The illness occurs more often in men than in women, and in African Americans almost twice as often as in Caucasians. The disease is dangerous because it makes the heart work harder to pump blood to the body and it contributes to hardening of the arteries.

It can occur in children or adults, but it's more common among people over age 35. It is believed by some in the medical profession that High blood pressure can be <i><b>cured</i></b> by taking high amounts of magnesium and calcium in food.

High blood pressure usually has no symptoms, but it can cause serious problems such as stroke, heart failure, heart attack and kidney failure.  It is also estimated to affect about two million American teens and children and the Journal of the American Medical Association reports that many are under-diagnosed.

Herbal medicines rarely have significant side effects when used appropriately and at suggested doses. Herbal remedies can effectively be used to treat high blood pressure instead of the pharmaceutical drugs by those who want to avoid such adverse reactions as dizziness, drowsiness, insomnia, dry mouth, headaches, bloating, constipation, depression, and others caused by anti-hypertensive medications.

Herbs are effective but it is important that you consult your doctor and understand the severity of your condition first so that the correct approach is taken. Herbs have shown overwhelming evidence that they work. Herbs that lower blood pressure such as Stevia and Passionflower have been scientifically validated in a study in the early 1980's.

They act in almost magical and astonishing ways: spasms may relax, pains vanish, constipation overcome, nervousness recede, headaches disappear, colds banished, allergies counteracted, fevers controlled, and blood flow arrested. 

High blood pressure tea, a mixture of valerian root, ginger root, motherwort leaves, and hawthorn berries and flowers can also be used to reduce hypertension. Herbal tea is more available nowadays and has become more popular among mainstream consumers who are discovering the benefits of herbal tea.  

Garlic helps to break up toxins which leads to abnormal blood pressure and heart problems.  Garlic is one of the most ancient of herbs going back to 3,000 BC. This bulb that is so common and abundantly available has shown to be beneficial. 

Garlic (Allium Sativum) has been used to treat high blood pressure and lower cholesterol effectively. In a meta-analysis of seven randomized controlled trials of garlic supplements, it was indicated that in three trials it showed a significant reduction in systolic blood pressure and four in diastolic blood pressure. 

Garlic supplements should only be used under the supervision of a qualified health practitioner. High blood pressure garlic can be taken but should not be taken alone for it can increase dullness of the mind. 

Herbal hawthorn and vitamin C helps in widening of blood vessels and regulate heart rate.  Herbal products like fish oils and flax-seed oil help in proper blood circulation as well.