Effective High Blood Pressure Herbs for Natural Relief
Herbal Medicine and Blood Pressure
While herbal medicine is not a substitute for regular medical care, nor should you take herbs without talking to your doctor first to avoid contradictions, botanical therapy can be an effective natural method for lowering blood pressure. Herbs can offer help by dilating blood vessels so blood can flow more easily, by removing excess fluids through assisting the kidneys and by normalizing the function of the heart.
The following are all effective high blood pressure herbs. Be sure to discuss your use of herbal medicine with your doctor, especially if you are taking any medications.
Lime Blossom
Lime blossom, or linden, is one of the most approachable herbs for treating hypertension. The dried flowers have a sweet, floral taste, ideal for making into a healing herbal tea. Lime blossom is excellent for high blood pressure due to arteriosclerosis. As a relaxing nerve tonic it is also useful in cases where anxiety and stress are present. For raised blood pressure lime blossom blends well with hawthorn and mistletoe.
There are no known side effects or contradictions of lime blossom and this herb is considered to be completely safe by the German Commission E and the American Herbal Products Association’s guide. There have been statements made that using this herb in excess can damage the heart, although there is no scientific backing of this. To be safe, talk to your doctor first.
Hawthorn Berries
Hawthorn is one of the best all around heart tonics. This herb acts by normalizing heart function and by dilating the blood vessels to lower pressure. It can be blended with lime blossom, mistletoe and yarrow for treating hypertension. There are no known side effects or contraidictions of hawthorn berry, according to the American Botanical Council.
Mistletoe
The dried bark and twigs (the berries and leaves are not safe) of this herb can be used to control high blood pressure. Mistletoe can reduce heart rate and strengthen the walls of the peripheral capillaries. As with lime blossom, this herbs also acts to relax the nervous system. As an effective herbal tea for high blood pressure consider blending mistletoe with lime blossom and hawthorn.
Dried mistletoe twigs are safe and there are no known side effects but the actual plant should never be ingested and can be very dangerous.
Yarrow
Yarrow is another effective herb. It acts to lower blood pressure by dilating the peripheral vessels, allowing for more space for uninhibited blood flow. It is also beneficial as a diuretic, it helps the kidneys to remove fluid buildup from the body. Yarrow blends well with lime blossom, mistletoe and hawthorn. Yarrow is also not known to have any side effects, but it is possible to be allergic to yarrow. If you are allergic to the daisy family of plants use caution when first trying this herb.
Using Blood Pressure Herbs Safely and Effectively
Lime blossom, hawthorn, mistletoe and yarrow are effective high blood pressure herbs. They are more beneficial when used in conjunction with one another then when taken on their own. To make an herbal infusion, blend two or more of these herbs (or only use one if you want) equally. Steep two teaspoons in one cup of boiling water for ten minutes. Drink one to three cups daily for up to two weeks at a time. While considered safe, it is important to let your doctor know of all your health care choices and to make sure there are no contradictions with any medications you are taking.
References
Balch, Phyllis A. “Prescription for Nutritional Healing.” Fourth Edition (Penguin Books, 2006).
Hoffmann, David. “The Complete Illustrated Holistic Herbal: A Safe and Practical Guide to Making and Using Herbal Remedies.” (Element Books, 1996).
David Lloyd Health Advice, https://www.davidlloyd.co.uk/home/healthadvice/articles/herb/linden
American Botanical Council, https://cms.herbalgram.org/herbalmedicine/Hawthornberry.html#Uses
American Cancer Society, https://www.cancer.org/Treatment/TreatmentsandSideEffects/ComplementaryandAlternativeMedicine/HerbsVitaminsandMinerals/mistletoe
photo by Brian Robert Marshall/wiki
