Herbal Remedies For Hypertension
Agathosma betulina (buchu):
A medicinal plant (also known as Barosma betulina or round-leaf buchu) native to South Africa and is an effective diuretic and anti-inflammatory. Often times, those who suffer from hypertension also experience water, fluid retention and internal inflammation. The Early Dutch used buchu to make a brandy tincture and Boegoebrandewyn (buchu brandy). Buchu benefits:
Colds and flu symptoms
Fluid retention
Heartburn, acid reflux
High blood pressure
Inflammation of the colon, gums
Kidney and bladder infections
Prostate problems
Rheumatism, rheumatoid arthritis
Stomach aches and ailments
One of the best ways to take buchu is as an herbal tea--one cup per day.
Flaxseed Oil and Fish Oil:
Both oils are high in essential fatty acids which help with good bloodstream circulation.
Both can be taken in either liquid (oil), soft gel, powder, or capsule form. Flaxseeds can be crushed to make an oil or eaten with food; drink plenty of water (approx. 1 8 oz. glass per every teaspoon of flaxseed) so that the seed do not swell up and block your throat or digestive track.
Ginkgo biloba (Maidenhair tree):
It is primarily used to promote mental alertness, improve memory, and to treat some forms of asthma. However, ginkgo biloba leaves stimulate circulation by dilating the bronchial tubes and blood vessels which reduces the amount of work the heart has to do, reducing blood pressure as well as controlling an irregular heartbeat. The leaves are also used as a blood thinner. Ginkgo (massage) oil is good for reducing varicose and spider veins.
Ginkgo is usually taken orally as a tea, soup, or herbal supplement.
Olea europea (Olive tree):
This evergreen tree is native to Mediterranean countries, South Australia, and parts of South America. The oil of the fruit, leaves, and bark all have very good medicinal properties. The oleuropein extract from the olive leaf lowers blood pressure by increasing coronary flow, improving circulatory function while balancing blood sugar levels.
Olive leaf extract is usually taken as a supplement orally in capsule form or drank as a tea by boiling the leaves. Cooking with olive oil (or canola oil) is a good way to help reduce saturated fat (not good for the heart) in one’s diet.
Passiflora incarnate (Maypop, Passion Flower):
This is a calmative herb that reduces blood pressure by relaxing the blood vessels which reduces arterial pressure and increases circulation and internal respiration of the bloodstream.
One of the best ways to get the medicinal value from passion flower is to eat passion fruit (which resemble oranges or even apricots) or the berries but you would have to eat a lot of this fruit
which resembles oranges. The dried passion flower leaves and stems are used for medicinal purposes can be taken as a tincture, pill, syrup, or tea.
Taraxacum officinale (Dandelion):
The dandelion roots and leaves are rich in vitamins and minerals--Vitamin A, (some) B, C, and D, iron, lecithin, magnesium, potassium, and zinc. Magnesium relaxes the muscles which control the blood vessels, allowing blood to flow more freely. Dandelion’s diuretic properties help to decrease high blood pressure. Vitamin C helps widen blood vessels.
Dandelion can be taken in capsule, table, tincture, tonic, and of course as a fresh or dried herbal tea.
Viburnum opulus (Guelder Rose, Rose Elder, Cramp bark):
The Vitamin C rich berries of Guelder Rose is a relative of the traditional cranberry; the berries are highly poisonous if uncooked. The bark is what is used for making a cardiac tonic and cardiovascular muscle relaxant; both help with relieving nervous tension and heart palpitation often associated with high blood pressure.
The fluid extract from the bark is generally mixed 1/2 oz. extract to 1 pint of water and taken in tablespoon doses. As an herbal tea, brew 1 teaspoon of the cramp bark per 1 cup of water, steep for 10 to 15 minutes, strain, and then drink. Do not drink more than 2 cups per day for 3 consecutive days because this herbal tea may cause nausea and/or skin rash to develop.
Please keep in mind that diet (salt intake, saturated fat, etc.), weight, smoking, and the over consumption of alcohol influence hypertension.
Contraindications:
Do not take any of these herbs or herbal blends in combination with any prescription medicine for hypertension; the monitoring of blood pressure levels should be done on a regular basis. As with any herb and herbal supplement, consult with your health practitioner before taking them. Herbs, herbal, and herbal supplement products have much folklore and spiritualism associated with them and are not subject to the scrutiny, review, or approval of the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
▪ Kheti Metaphysical Institute
