It is astounding that in the U.S. almost half of adults have hypertension, thats 119.9 million. Only 1 out of 4 have their hypertension under control (27 million). When it comes to treatment physicians prescribe medication and lifestyle changes. However, is there another way? Absolutely, you may want to add the herbs discussed today to your treatment regime for better management.
There are multiple types of passion fruit, two of them help to lower blood pressure. The first is Passiflora incarnata which was used by Native Americans as a sedative, it was discovered by Spanish explorers in Peru.
In 2011 a study done by Appel et.al found this type of passion fruit to be effective in decreasing anxiety by regulating the GABA system, an amino acid that inhibits nerve transmission. This function lowers blood pressure, anxiety, and psychological conditions. .
A similar study found the yellow Passiflora edulis, had properties to decrease hypertension due to its powerful antioxidant abilities. It causes dilation of blood vessels which decreases blood pressure.
Lavender teas and oils have long been used in meditation and relaxation techniques to decrease stress and anxiety. I use it frequently and have a lavender plant in my bedroom. Lavender has a sedative effect that relaxes the body and decreases blood pressure. As well it improves your mood, leading to better health overall. A study done by Cha, LA, and Yoo came to the conclusion that aromatherapy with lavender effectively decreased systolic blood pressure (the top number of your blood pressure reading) which measures the pressure in your arteries when your heart beats, by controlling the body’s sympathetic nervous system.
Basil which I grow in my garden, makes for great pesto, and adds fantastic flavor to many dishes. It also helps to manage your high blood pressure. A study done in 2011 by Tabassium, N. and Ahmad F. found that basil lowers the systolic and diastolic blood pressure due to a substance found in its leaves called eugenol. A more recent study in 2016, by Irondi et. al. focused on strictly obese individuals, found basil to be effective in decreasing blood pressure.
Most of you have heard of the herb valerian, a native of Europe and Asia, it was brought to the U.S. , and advertised as a sleep aid for those suffering from insomnia. It has also been used to manage anxiety. Circosta, et. al. did a study in 2007 on 2 valerian extracts, both were found to have the ability to control high blood pressure, and other conditions of the heart that affected blood vessels.
Lastly, the hero of this group because it has multiple properties is oregano, another herb I grow in my garden. Oregano activates the PPAR receptors. The function of PPAR is to control metabolism, obesity, hyperglycemia, and dislipedemia. It is a team of receptors that function together to break down fat cells and increase glucose function. As well oregano has antibacterial properties. A study in 2008 was done by Mueller, et. al. on oregano.
By no means are these five the only herbs that decrease high blood pressure, however they give you a good start. Do not under any circumstances stop taking your prescribed medications, also check with your health care provider before using them. Try adding some of these herbs to your high blood pressure management plan, it could lead to you taking a lower dose and certainly won’t hurt.
Until next time,
Peace, Love, and Blessings💕
references:
- Appel et.al. (2011) nccih.nih.gov/health/passion fruit
- Appel. et.al. (2011) y-aminobutyricacid (GABA system) by Passiflora incarnata L nccih.nih.gov/health
- (2010) Cha, Yankees, and Loo nccih.nih.gov/health/lavender/ at a glance.htm
- (2011) Tabassium N. and Ahmad F. ncbi.nim.niv.gov/pmc/articles/pmc321000
- 2016) Irondi et.al. ncbi.nim.gov/pubmed/27757270
- (2007) Circosta et.al. ncbi.nim.nih.gov/extracts/pubmed/17467210
- (2008) Mueller et.al. ncbi.nim.nib/pubmed/190533089
