Looking for natural ways to manage your blood pressure levels? Herbs can help!

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, refers to the condition where the force of blood against the arterial walls is persistently high. It is defined as blood pressure over 140/90 and is considered severe if the pressure exceeds 180/120mmHg.

Although certain medications can effectively help to lower high blood pressure, they often come with other side effects. However, the good news is, there are natural ways to manage hypertension. Studies reveal that certain herbs can help to bring down elevated blood pressure without the risk of any side effect.

Here are some of the most common herbs for hypertension –

• Basil

A flavoursome herb that goes well with a variety of foods, Basil might help to reduce high blood pressure. Eugenol, a chemical found in the herb may block the substances that stiffen the blood vessels, leading to a drop in the blood pressure.

You can easily add fresh basil to your diet. Add the fresh leaves to your salads and soups to reap the benefits and enhance the flavour.

• Cinnamon

Several studies have shown that incorporating cinnamon extracts to your daily diet can reduce prolonged high blood pressure and prevent its sudden onset.

Cinnamons are one of the most basic ingredients found in every household. Therefore, it is easy to add to your meal. Sprinkle some cinnamon on your oatmeal, cereal, or even coffee. You can also add them to stews and curries.

• Cardamom

Yet another delicious seasoning, cardamom is packed with diuretics and antioxidants, which helps to release toxins and excess sodium from the body. This, in turn, lowers blood pressure. A study conducted on 20 adults to investigate the health benefits of cardamom found that people with hypertension witnessed a significant drop in their blood pressure readings after consuming 1.5gms of powdered cardamom twice daily for about 12 weeks.

You can sprinkle cardamom powder or seeds in stews and soups for enhanced flavour and maximum health benefits.

• Hawthorn

Hawthorn extracts are used in the preparation of traditional Chinese medicines as a herbal remedy. These plant extracts have plenty of benefits on one’s overall cardiovascular health. Not only do they help to lower elevated blood pressure, but also work wonders to prevent stiffening of the arteries and reduce cholesterol levels.

You can consume hawthorn with tea or liquid extract, or have it in the form of pills.

• Celery Seeds

Celery seeds have long been used to treat hypertension. The seeds of celery plant are known to have diuretic properties, which may bring down your blood pressure levels to normal.

You can add celery seeds to flavour stews, soups, and other savoury dishes.

Despite several studies showing the benefits of using herbal concoctions and natural remedies in treating hypertension, there is no denying the fact that further research is needed to validate the same. It is also important that you speak with your doctor first before turning to herbal supplements. Besides herbal remedies and medications, adopting healthy lifestyle changes also plays a vital role in effectively lowering persistently high blood pressure.