Natural Remedies for High Blood Pressure

There are several reports concerning the effect of CoQ10 on blood pressure in human studies.  In a recent meta-analysis of the clinical trials of CoQ for hypertension, a research group led by Professor FL Rosenfeldt (from the Cardiac Surgical Research Unit, Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Australia) reviewed all published trials of Coenzyme Q10 for hypertension, and assessed overall efficacy, consistency of therapeutic action, and side-effect incidence. Meta-analysis was performed in 12 clinical trials (362 patients) comprising three randomized controlled trials, one crossover study, and eight open-label studies. The research group concluded that coenzyme Q10 has the potential in hypertensive patients to lower systolic blood pressure by up to 17 mm Hg and diastolic blood pressure by up to 10 mm Hg without significant side-effects.

Garlic

Garlic supplements should only be used under the supervision of a qualified health practitioner. Garlic can thin the blood (reduce the ability of blood to clot) similar to aspirin. Garlic may interact with many drugs and supplements such as the prescription "blood-thinners" drugs such as Coumadin (warfarin) or Trental (pentoxifylline), aspirin, vitamin E, gingko. It is usually recommended that people taking garlic stop in the weeks before and after any type of surgery.

Hawthorn

Cardiac, diuretic, astringent, tonic. Mainly used as a cardiac tonic in organic and functional heart troubles. Both flowers and berries are astringent and useful in decoction to cure sore throats. A useful diuretic in dropsy and kidney troubles.

Fish Oil

Fish oil is recommended for a healthy diet because it contains the omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), precursors to eicosanoids that reduce inflammation throughout the body

Folic acid

Folate is a B vitamin necessary for formation of red blood cells. It may help to lower high blood pressure in some people, possibly by reducing elevated homocysteine levels.

Diet

Changing your diet is an important part of lowering high blood pressure. The DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet is promoted by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute of the National Insitutes of Health (NIH).

The DASH Diet includes fruits and vegetables, low-fat dairy foods, beans and nuts. Sodium is limited to 2,400 mg per day.

• 7 to 8 servings of grains
  
• 4 to 5 servings of vegetables
  
• 4 to 5 servings of fruit
  
• 2 to 3 servings of low-fat or non-fat dairy
  
• 2 or less servings of meat, fish, or poultry
  
• 2 to 3 servings of fats and oils.  Limit to olive oil and flaxseed oil.
  
• 4 to 5 servings per week of nuts, seeds, and dry beans
  

Mind-Body Interventions

Mind-body interventions, particularly autogenic training, biofeedback, EFT, and yoga, have been found to modestly reduce high blood pressure compared with placebo.

Aerobic Exercise

Herbs that have been found or suspected to cause high blood pressure include:
Licorice
Ephedra
Asian Ginseng
Rosemary essential oil

Note:  Check with your Health Care Practitioner before beginning a regimen using herbs, especially if you are taking prescription medicines.