How to Choose the Right Herbs and Supplements for High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, and death. Herbs like basil, garlic, thyme, parsley, celery seeds, ginger, and cinnamon help combat high blood pressure. Omega-3s, green tea, L-Arginine, and melatonin are supplements that help reduce blood pressure.

Fremont, CA: One in three individuals in the United States has high blood pressure, also known as hypertension. High blood pressure promotes heart disease, stroke, and even death because it forces blood against the walls of your blood vessels too forcefully. High blood pressure is the most curable cause of heart disease. While pharmaceuticals are frequently prescribed, nutrition and exercise are crucial lifestyle choices that assist treatment. 

120/80 mm Hg is considered normal blood pressure. If the top (systolic) number exceeds 130, the bottom (diastolic) number exceeds 80, or both numbers exceed the prescribed standard numbers, then the individual is diagnosed with high blood pressure.

Herbs and supplements may also help reduce high blood pressure. 

Herbs for high blood pressure include:

Basil is full of chemicals that help lower high blood pressure. Eugenol, an antioxidant in basil, is expected to naturally work as a calcium channel blocker. This prevents calcium from entering undesirable areas, relaxing your blood vessels.

Garlic is a source of sulfur-containing compounds like allicin, aiding blood vessel relaxation and optimal circulation. Several researchers have found that garlic extract potentially lowers blood pressure, similar to some prescription medicines.

Thyme, rich in rosmarinic acid, relaxes blood vessels, improves blood flow, and combats inflammation. Specific animal tests have demonstrated that rosmarinic acid prevents angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), thereby decreasing blood pressure.

Parsley contains antioxidants like vitamin C and carotenoids that aid in lowering risk factors of heart diseases like low-density lipoprotein (LDL), also known as “bad” cholesterol and blood pressure.

Celery seeds act like calcium channel blockers to reduce blood pressure. Human studies show that celery seeds are rich in fiber, promising positive health advantages for those with high blood pressure. 

Ginger is an ACE inhibitor and calcium channel blocker that support healthy blood circulation.

Cinnamon consumption lowers blood pressure as it relaxes and dilates blood vessels, according to some animal studies.

Supplements for high blood pressure include:

Omega-3s like eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are healthy fats that regulate blood pressure, strengthen heart health, and minimize inflammation. 

Green Tea contains antioxidants, EGCG, polyphenols, and catechins that lower blood pressure.

L-Arginine is an amino acid that circulates nitric oxide to widen blood vessels and boosts blood flow.

Melatonin helps significantly reduce blood pressure, although it is associated with drowsiness.