Blood Pressure Reducing Herbs

Herbs are a very important part of a diet. They provide a whole array of health benefits, such as lowering blood pressure and helping to improve overall health. Some of the more popular herbs include Celery seed, Hawthorn berry, Ginkgo biloba, tyme, and flaxseed.

Ginkgo Biloba

Ginkgo biloba is one of the oldest herbal remedies used in medicine. It is thought to increase blood circulation and improve memory. But it also has an effect on blood pressure. Several studies have shown that ginkgo may help beat heart conditions, but it is not clear if it is useful for people with high blood pressure.

Ginkgo has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years. In modern times, researchers have discovered more than 40 components in the tree. These substances include flavonoids, antioxidants, and terpene lactones.

Those compounds may help the body fight free radicals, which cause cancer and other health problems. They can also improve blood flow, which allows the body to heal itself. However, ginkgo has been associated with an increased risk of seizures.

Some of the most common uses for ginkgo are for improving blood circulation, reducing dizziness, and easing tinnitus. Studies have also shown that ginkgo may lower blood sugar levels and increase insulin levels. This suggests that ginkgo may help treat cardiovascular disease and may even protect against age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the leading cause of blindness in the United States.

Ginkgo has been used for centuries to treat a wide variety of symptoms, including anxiety and memory loss. It was also thought to help relieve erectile dysfunction. Today, it is widely included in supplements and is added to soft drinks.

Celery seeds

Celery seeds are a popular aromatic vegetable. They are rich in phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, riboflavin, zinc and carbohydrates. The seeds are also rich in alpha-linoleic acid, which is considered an important component for cardiovascular health.

Some studies have shown that celery seed extracts have antihypertensive effects. These effects may be mediated through a variety of mechanisms. One of these mechanisms is that the celery seed extract may block calcium channels in cardiac muscle cells. Another mechanism is that it may have a diuretic effect.

To study the antihypertensive effect of celery seed extracts, a randomized, placebo-controlled, cross-over clinical trial was conducted. Eligibility criteria included age between 20 and 70 years and systolic blood pressure (BP) of 120 to 160 mm Hg.

The participants were divided into a celery group and a placebo group. After a six week trial, patients’ systolic BP decreased by 4.5 mmHg in the celery group and by 1.3 mmHg in the placebo group. This effect was statistically significant.

Celery seed extracts were standardized to contain 85 percent 3-n-butylphthalide (nB). 3nB is a miracle compound that is a vasodilator. It works in a similar way to nifedipine and calcium channel blockers.

Celery seeds also contain apiol, terpinene-4-ol, potassium, phosphorus, sodium and carbohydrates. Apiol and terpinene-4-ol are known to inhibit the influx of calcium through voltage-gated and ligand-gated calcium channels.

As with any supplement, celery seed extracts may work for some people and not for others. However, it appears that this herb has some promising potential.

Thyme

Thyme is a herb that helps to lower blood pressure and has been used in medicinal and culinary settings for centuries. It has anti-inflammatory properties that can help relieve respiratory ailments and other diseases. However, it is important to talk with your doctor before taking herbs for high blood pressure.

Some of the chemicals that contribute to the anti-inflammatory effects of thyme include carvacrol and rosmarinic acid. Rosmarinic acid is an inhibitor of the enzyme that converts angiotensin into a hormone. In addition, it reduces the amount of inflammatory cytokines that are produced. Similarly, carvacrol increases the levels of dopamine and serotonin.

Other chemicals found in thyme include beta-sitosterol and lutein. These compounds are known to support the health of the liver and the formation of white blood cells. They also act as antioxidants.

Thyme is considered to have strong antibacterial and antiseptic properties. It is useful in treating infections like bronchitis, bronchial asthma and ear infections. It can also be helpful in healing wounds.

The herb is rich in vitamin C, which helps the body to fight off disease and infection. It is also a good source of calcium, iron and potassium. This makes thyme a powerful agent for boosting the immune system and improving bone health.

When taken regularly, thyme can improve the functioning of the heart muscles and help with muscle growth. Interestingly, it can also reduce the risk of colon cancer.

Flaxseed

Flaxseed is an herb that has long been used in European cuisine and Asian dishes. It is rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which are believed to have beneficial effects on blood pressure. Various studies have shown that flaxseed can lower blood pressure.

In a clinical study, 112 hypertensive patients with peripheral artery disease were divided into two groups. The first group received a placebo, while the second group received flaxseed. Those who took flaxseed showed a reduction in systolic and diastolic blood pressure.

This effect may be due to the lignans in flax. These are chemicals that are similar to female hormone estrogen. They compete with the estrogen in chemical reactions.

However, it is unclear how much flaxseed actually reduces blood pressure. One study reported that taking 30 grams of flaxseed daily for six months resulted in an 8 mm Hg decrease in systolic blood pressure.

Several studies have also found that flaxseed can improve lipid profiles in postmenopausal women. It may also affect glycemic control in type 2 diabetic patients.

One study conducted in Canada showed that consuming milled flaxseed daily for 12 weeks lowered systolic blood pressure by 2%. Another study, involving 15 obese individuals, reported a dramatic increase in arterial compliance.

A dietary flaxseed trial is currently being conducted. This is a phase II/III, randomized, double-blind clinical trial designed to assess the efficacy of flaxseed consumption for the treatment of hypertension. Participants are required to have a diagnosis of hypertension within 6 months of enrollment.

Hawthorn berry

Hawthorn berry is an herb that contains antioxidants. Antioxidants destroy unstable molecules called free radicals that cause many health problems. This includes oxidative stress, cell damage, and cancer. Free radicals can be produced from environmental toxins or certain medicines.

Researchers have studied the hawthorn berry as a blood pressure reducing herb. Some studies have shown that the berries can reduce cholesterol levels and triglyceride levels. They also have antimicrobial properties.

The berries have a high polyphenol content. It’s thought that the antioxidants in the berries may help improve the cardiovascular system. In addition to preventing heart attacks and stroke, they may be effective in treating angina.

Studies on animals have been promising. In one study, mice that were fed hawthorn extract had a significant reduction in total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol. And, they also had a decrease in liver triglyceride.

However, more human trials are needed to fully determine the effects of hawthorn on blood pressure. Currently, studies are being funded by pharmaceutical companies and commercial formulations. If you are considering taking hawthorn, you should consult with your doctor.

Although the hawthorn berry is not approved by the FDA, it is safe for most adults to take in recommended dosages. Doses range from 160 mg to 1,800 mg daily.

Hawthorn berries are not poisonous, but they do contain a chemical called amygdalin. Amygdalin can cause cyanide toxicity when taken at higher doses.

Mistletoe

Mistletoe is an herb that is used to lower blood pressure. It is often taken as an extract and is also given in injection form. Several studies have found that it helps to treat hypertension.

The herb is a natural source of antioxidants and has antibacterial properties. It also helps to reduce pain and inflammation. It also calms the respiratory system and relieves irritation in the bronchial tubes.

Some scientists believe that mistletoe can help to prevent the spread of cancer. This is because it stops the growth of new blood vessels. Another theory is that it boosts the immune system.

Mistletoe has been shown to improve the quality of life of cancer patients. However, the effects of the plant on cancer have not been entirely studied. Researchers have looked at the use of the plant as an adjunct to chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Various extracts have been tested for their effect on cancer.

A review of 26 studies on mistletoe has shown that it can improve the quality of life of cancer patients. Studies have also shown that it helps to alleviate pain and nausea.

Mistletoe has also been shown to lower the risk of atherosclerosis. It can also decrease blood glucose levels. There is also some evidence that it can increase insulin secretion.

Several studies have found that mistletoe can also regulate the cell cycle. It has been shown to help with the reduction of asthma attacks and wheezing.