Blood pressure is a measure of how hard your heart has to work to pump your blood. High blood pressure translates to a heart under pressure and whilst this diagnosis is not necessarily a death sentence, you should hear loud alarm bells. Persistent high blood pressure can result in many deadly conditions such as arteriosclerosis, eye and kidney damage, atherosclerosis, congestive heart failure and coronary heart disease. Whilst there are several ways in which to address hypertension without medication, it is vitally important that you do not stop taking any prescribed medication without medical supervision.

Perhaps the easiest place to begin is by implementing some simple lifestyle changes. A lack of adequate exercise and carrying excess weight is a major factor in the development of hypertension, so a program of gentle exercise is very important. It is best to start slowly, particularly if you are overweight or not accustomed to regular exercise. A slow walk or swim at least three times per week is a great start.

If stress and anxiety seem to get the better of you easily, then it is likely that these emotional factors will contribute to the development of hypertension. It is a good time to consider the areas of your life where you may be able to reduce stress. You could try the self help section of your local library as a starting point or you may need to call in a professional such as a counselor or someone who teaches relaxation meditation.

Two other major lifestyle factors in the development of hypertension are smoking and the consumption of alcohol. You will be doing yourself a giant favor by eliminating these things from your life.

Diet is another simple way to address hypertension. You should limit as much as possible your intake of animal fats and increase essential fatty acids. The best sources of essential fats are found in flaxseed (linseed) oil and fish oils. Reduce foods that have the effect of stimulating the nervous system such as refined sugar and caffeine. Processed and fatty foods cause huge strain to your many body systems, so you should aim for as "clean" a diet as possible. This means that you need to make foods in their natural state the basis of your diet.

Antioxidants are central to overall health, as they work to protect and repair cells. Potent forms of antioxidants are available in tablet form but they are also simple to implement into your diet. Go for a variety of different colored vegetables, particularly dark green and orange foods.

There are a great number of herbs that exert an action on the cardiovascular system. Herbs are an excellent treatment option but they must never be self prescribed. Several of these herbs may interact with pharmaceutical drugs. You will need to consult a professional and make your doctor aware of your intentions to try herbal medicine. In treating hypertension, a practitioner may consider the following herbs:

Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) and Lime Blossom (Tilia spp) to help dilate blood vessels.

Mistletoe (Viscum album) and Motherwort (Leonuris cardiaca) to decrease blood pressure.

Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) and Mistletoe (Viscum album) to strengthen and support the cardiovascular system.

Oat Seed (Avena sativa) and Skullcap (Scutellaria laterifolia) to support the nervous system and reduce anxiety.

It is possible to live a full life with high blood pressure. Managing this condition is a matter of common sense and arming yourself with knowledge to make the best of your life.

Learn more about this author, Maya Cassandra.
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