Hypertension (high blood pressure) is called “a disease of our epoch”. For the last 50 years its incidence has been drastically increasing. Statistics shows that currently every one of four Americans suffers from this health problem. Hypertension affects thousands of people throughout the world regardless of their age, gender and general health condition. High blood pressure is usually associated with narrowing of the arteries, fastened heartbeat or greater volumes of blood. These conditions are among the most common causes of hypertension, along with such factors as overweight and obesity, sedentary life style, poor diet, stresses, etc.

Hypertension can be treated by using a complex program, which should include proper nutrition, exercise, maintaining healthy weight and, certainly, the gifts of our Mother Nature. Garlic is considered to be among the most effective natural remedies for high blood pressure. Some “gurus” suggest preparing a unique “hypertension relief”, which is a mixture of garlic with raisins, but I believe that there are really few people who would wish to try this exotic remedy. Another suggestion of the experts can be more attractive: those who are trying to combat high blood pressure should eat lots of grapefruit. This fruit contains a lot of Vitamin P, which is known for its property to lower blood pressure. Carrot juice is one more very effective and beneficial natural remedy for hypertension.

Other natural and herbal remedies for the people with hypertension include, first of all, Hawthorn berries, Garcinia (Garciniacambogia ) and a wonderful herb known as Shepherd’s Purse (Capsella bursa-pastoris). These herbs can help to cleanse and relax blood vessels. It is also possible to try an infusion of Lime Blossom (Tiliaeuropea ), Sarpagandha (Rauwolfia Serpentina), Siberian Ginseng, Motherwort and Mistletoe (Viscum album). Taking a spoonful of lemon juice mixed with 2-3 drops of honey every morning can assist in lowering blood pressure, strengthening blood vessels and heart muscle, and also in increasing flexibility of the arteries. At that, in this mixture you can use onion juice instead of lemon juice.

For the people who suffer from hypertension it is recommended to eat regularly such fruits and vegetables as apples, bananas, tomatoes, boiled potato, spinach and other leafy vegetables, cucumbers, watermelon, papaya, oranges, guava, pumpkin, berries and so on. It can be very effective to fest one day a week. On that day, instead of eating usual meals it can be good to drink fresh fruit juices or natural juice mixtures. Also, specialists strongly recommend to reduce the consumption of salt and red meat, as well as to refrain from drinking coffee and alcohol, avoid smoking and eating too spicy meals. Finally, in order to keep your blood pressure under control, it is very important to avoid stresses and learn some effective techniques of relaxation, including yoga, deep breathing, distraction, positive thinking,etc. Aromatherapy and relaxing massages can also be helpful.

Hi! My name is Carla and I am a 5th year medical student at HYMS. I am interested in alternative medicine and I have done months researching the topic of herbal medicine. Besides, I like interviewing people and learning more about their experiences with one or another type of herbal treatments. I am willing to contribute to this site with my knowledge, and I would be happy to help you out to the best of my ability with any specific questions or problems related to alternative medicine.