Health Herbs ™

One out of every three people in the United States has high blood pressure, according to the American Heart Association. Hypertension is called the silent killer because early symptoms are not evident, and by the time they do appear they can be quite serious and even life-threatening. Visiting a health practitioner or using a home meter to monitor blood pressure regularly is recommended.

While certain natural herbal remedies might be helpful in lowering and controlling blood pressure, they should be used only under the supervision of a health practitioner because of possibly serious side effects.

Step 1
Use garlic to help lower blood pressure. Along with potentially being able to lower cholesterol and prevent blood clots, garlic also might be effective for clinical use in certain people with hypertension, according to nutritionist Dr. Liz Applegate. German scientist Guautnter Siegel, M.D., of the University of Medicine in Berlin, reports that garlic removes nanoplaque, or preliminary forms of plaque, from the blood vessels and might prevent atherosclerosis.

Step 2
Take garlic capsules as a supplement. Garlic also can be used in cooking or made into a tea by crushing one clove and steeping it in a cup of boiling water for 15 minutes. Remove the garlic and sip the tea throughout the day. Honey can be added to sweeten.

Because it can also thin the blood, garlic should be used only under the supervision of a health practitioner.

Step 3
Use the herb hawthorn as a heart tonic to strengthen the walls of the heart and overall cardiovascular system, says to David Conway in his book "The Magic of Herbs." It has the ability to lower blood pressure and might be helpful for certain individuals. Hawthorn can produce serious side effects, and should be used only under the supervision of a health practitioner familiar with this herb.

Step 4
Take gingko biloba to help dilate blood vessels and thin blood platelets. Gingko's action on blood vessels might improve circulation, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Gingko leaves contain both flavonoids and terpenoids, substances high in antioxidants, which have been found to be helpful in preventing heart disease and lowering blood pressure. Ginko supplements are available in health food stores.

Step 5
Use rauwolfia serpentina, or Indian snakeroot, for the treatment of hypertension. Its alkaloids might help heart function and blood pressure issues, especially when stress-related or stemming from anxiety, according to the University of Michigan Health Services. Rauwolfia serpentina is a very potent herb and contains respirine, which in high doses can cause serious side effects. This herb should not be taken except under the supervision of qualified health practitioner familiar with its action.



TIPS AND WARNINGS

• Gingko biloba is an herb from the oldest tree species on earth. Take herbs one at a time to check how they react with your constitution. Herbal extracts of hawthorn and rawolfia serpentina are available in some health food stores and from professional herbalists. Consult with an herbal specialist or your practitioner for dosing directions.
• All herbs can cause side effects, some more serious than others. Use only the highest-quality herbs and extracts for purity. Do not self-treat for hypertension with herbs. Do not use herbs if you are taking hypertension medicines, unless under the supervision of a qualified health practitioner.

THINGS YOU'LL NEED

• Garlic
• Gingko biloba
• Hawthorn
• Rauwolfia serpentina

REFERENCES

• American Heart Association: What Is Homocysteine?
• University of Maryland Medical Center: Ginkgo biloba
• "The Magic of Herbs"; David Conway; 1973
• Baxco Pharmaceuticals: Benefit of Garlic in Cardiovascular Disease
• University of Michigan Health Services: Hypertension