Heart disease and high blood pressure are often thought of as a middle-aged man's disease. However, their occurrence is increasing rapidly among younger women as well.

Fatty diets, high salt intake, smoking and a sedentary lifestyle all increase the likelihood of developing high blood pressure. Treat this condition by adopting a healthier lifestyle including regular exercise, a low-fat diet and consider using some traditional herbal remedies.

Plant extracts reduce blood pressure in three ways. Firstly, they can thin the blood, making it easier for it to flow through constricted arteries. As part of a balanced diet they can also help to lower cholesterol and act as an antioxidant, inhibiting the formation of plaque in the arteries.

Garlic and ginkgo are good herbal remedies for boosting circulation and can help to reduce fatty deposits on arterial walls. Turmeric is a good antioxidant and herbs that reduced anxiety, for example mistletoe and motherwort, also relieve hypertension and lower blood pressure.

What is high blood pressure?

For blood to reach every organ in the body it needs to be pumped by the heart. As blood moves through the arteries a certain amount of pressure builds. If you are healthy your arteries will be flexible and will allow the blood to pass through easily. If you're unhealthy the pressure builds in the arteries and in severe cases this can result in heart attacks or even strokes. High amounts of cholesterol in the arteries can cause blockages, which can contribute to arterial problems and serious heart complaints.

There is a range of herbs that can help you to lower blood pressure and most are readily available in your local supermarket.

Turmeric, a brightly colored Asian spice is a close relative to ginger. Its knobbly rhizome can be used fresh or dried to make tinctures or herbal infusions. Turmeric's active antioxidant ingredients act to lower blood lipids and cholesterol and prevent blood clot formation. It is also known to strengthen blood vessels.

Garlic, the ultimate heart food, lowers blood pressure by reducing the stickiness of the blood and cholesterol levels. It helps to prevent plaque from adhering to the artery walls and to dissolve blood clots. The pungent odor of garlic cloves is due to active volatile oils. Its flavor is sweetened by cooking, especially by baking.

Hawthorn, a humble, thorny shrub is a remarkable herbal cardiac tonic. Hawthorn regulated blood pressure, strengthening and balancing the heart and circulation. It helps to prevent heart disease by dilating blood vessels, especially the coronary arteries. Take hawthorn as a tincture, using the flowering tops of the shrub, or as a decoction of fresh berries.

Rosemary, the aromatic leaves of this Mediterranean herb are packed with volatile oils and flavonoids. These inhibit free radical damage to the arteries, lowering blood pressure. Flavonoids also strengthen the heart and improve circulation. Rosemary tea makes a pleasant and refreshing heart tonic. Rosemary also lifts the spirits and calms anxiety, reducing stress, a risk factor for high blood pressure.

Shitake are increasingly familiar on your supermarket shelves. This oriental mushroom has many different therapeutic properties. It can lower cholesterol by up to 15 per cent. Its active ingredients are protective antioxidants that inhibit the formation of plaque in the arteries. Incorporate shitake mushrooms into your diet in savory dishes or as an extract.

Onions also have been shown to reduce lipoprotein and cholesterol, helping to lower blood pressure. Why not make a tasty vegetable soup which incorporates both onions and garlic.

Learn more about this author, Janette Peel.
Click here to send author comments or questions.

---

Add your voice

Know something about Lowering blood pressure without medication?
We want to hear your view. Write now!