Blood Pressure and Herbs

Abana

This combination herbal remedy has been shown to significantly reduce diastolic blood pressure in people with hypertension. It contains the following herbs: Arjun (Terminalia arjuna), Ashwagandha or winter cherry (Withania somnifera), Guguchi (Tinospora cordifolia), Indian gooseberry (Emblica officinalis), Hundred husbands (Asparagus racemosus), Gotu kola (Centella asiatica), Muskroot (Nardostachys jatamansi), Saffron (Crocus sativus), Myrobalan (Terminala chebula), and Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra).

When used alone, Licorice may cause high blood pressure.

Arjuna Bark (Terminalia Arjuna)

Terminalia arjuna is a deciduous tree found throughout India. Its bark has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for over three centuries. Several studies have shown Terminalia's effects on various cardiac disorders including congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease, and hypertension. Prolonged use resulted in no adverse side effects or signs of renal, hepatic, or hematological abnormalities .

Black Cumin Seeds (Nigella Sativa)

Cumin seeds have a long history of use in folk medicine as a diuretic and hypotensive remedy. Research has shown that the essential oil of Nigella sativa seed may be a a potent, centrally acting antihypertensive agent.

Forskolin (Coleus Forskohlii)

Coleus forskohlii has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for many years, and has been shown to have a hypotensive and antispasmodic effect. Forskolin's blood pressure lowering effects appear to be due to relaxation of the arterial vascular smooth muscle.

Garlic

Studies suggest that raw garlic has beneficial cardiovascular effects, including lowered blood pressure. In one study it has been shown to decrease the systolic pressure by 20 to 30 mmHg and diastolic pressure by 10 to 20 mmHg. Since garlic is relatively safe and has a number of other health benefits, a professional herbalist may recommend 5 to 10 minced raw garlic cloves per day - or 300 mg of dried garlic extract three times per day for those at risk for heart disease.

Hawthorn (Crataegus Oxycantha Monogyna)

Hawthorne has been used traditionally for cardiovascular disorders in many cultures, and has been shown to exert a mild blood pressure lowering effect that can take up to four weeks for maximal results. It is believed that the herb dilates coronary blood vessels.

Studies suggest that hawthorn can be taken safely by people with hypertension who are already taking blood pressure medications. A professional herbalist may recommend between 160 and 900 mg of hawthorn leaf and flower extract per day, for six weeks or more.

Maitake

Animal studies have shown the powerful hypotensive and cholesterol lowering actions of this mushroom. A research conducted by the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New-York, concluded that Maitake mushrooms have various degrees of immunomodulatory, lipid-lowering, antitumor, and other beneficial or therapeutic effects - without any significant toxicity. The recommended dose is usually about 3-7 grams daily.

European Mistletoe (Viscum album)

The use of mistletoe has become popular not only because of its hypotensive activity, but also because of its anti-cancer properties. Mistletoe is known to possess hypotensive, cardiotonic, vasodilatory, antispasmodic, tumor-inhibiting, and thymus stimulating activity. Its pharmacological effects have been successfully shown in animal studies.

Olive Leaf (Olea Africana and Olea Europea)

Olive leaf extract is derived from the leaves of the olive tree, and contains a complex structure of substances which act as vasodilators, lowering blood pressure. The hypotensive action of olive leaf has been studied for two decades: Researchers noted a statistically significant decrease of blood pressure for all patients, without side effects.

Indian Snakeroot (Rauwolfia Serpentina)

This ancient Hindu remedy is the natural source of Reserpine, one of the first commercially available blood pressure medications, which works by controlling nerve impulses along pathways that affect the heart and blood vessels Because of its many adverse effects, however, Reserpine has been all but replaced by newer, better-tolerated medications. Snakeroot should be avoided by people with depression, stomach ulcers, or ulcerative colitis. Side effects are similar to prescription Reserpine, and include drowsiness and concentration problems.

Yarrow (Achillea Wilhelmsii)

Yarrow contains substances which have been found effective in lowering blood pressure and lipids. Research has shown a significant decrease in diastolic and systolic blood pressure after two months of treatment with yarrow extract drops.