There are no scientific studies that prove the efficacy of herbal remedies for blood pressure, but it is still a good idea to explore their use in some cases, either as an adjunct or primary therapy to reduce one's pressure to normal levels.



The two blood pressure herbal remedies that are most often used for blood pressure include garlic (Allium sativum) and hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna). Both of these types of herbal treatments have been successfully prescribed by herbal specialists and alternative practitioners to their patients for many years in order to encourage the proper functioning of the circulatory system.

Some physicians are positive about herbs to treat blood pressure, but not all. With the expansion of knowledge of Eastern and European herbal remediation, more physicians are recommending the herbal route as a complement to traditional Western medicine.

Some doctors recommend that their patients with high blood pressure consume at least three or four cloves of garlic per day. While many people are turned off by the odor of garlic, garlic supplements are an alternative to eating the fresh kind-without the concerns about bad breath. Most grocery stores and health food stores sell a variety of brands of garlic pills.

Doctors recommend that patients choosing to take garlic supplements choose one such as Garlique, because the pills are enteric-coated. That means that the pills have a buffer coating which prevents stomach problems when the pills are taken on their own, similar to the way that Bufferin is coated to prevent problems in the stomach with aspirin. Allicin is the ingredient in garlic that is believed to be responsible for lowering blood pressure.

Hawthorn is another herb that works to lower blood pressure. Hawthorn works best when it is taken along with vitamin C. Both of these substances help to increase the dilating action of the blood vessels, which naturally reduces blood pressure by opening the blood vessels.

When an individual's blood pressure reaches an intermediate area of 140-159/90-99, this is classified as mild to moderate hypertension. At these levels, garlic is a good counter-measure. If garlic, vitamin C and hawthorn do not do the trick then turn to other herbal options such as supplements of the mineral calcium and magnesium.

Calcium's unique ability to lower blood pressure has been borne out in some research studies. Calcium on its own is not effective. Calcium plays a vital role in the contraction of muscular tissues and therefore is beneficial to the health of the heart and the blood vessels. Magnesium works in concert with calcium to make the walls of the blood vessels more elastic as well as to relax the muscles that are found there. Magnesium also increases the efficiently of other essential minerals in the bloodstream which include both potassium and sodium.

Other blood pressure herbal options that are being studied, include coenzyme Q10 which helps to encourage normal levels and a selection of fish oils that are composed of the essential fatty acids that support a health heart and circulatory system.