Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsHigh Blood PressureHerbsSupplementsComplementary Lifestyle ChangesFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
High Blood Pressure
Herbs
Supplements
Complementary Lifestyle Changes
Frequently Asked Questions
High blood pressure, or hypertension, affects 1 in 3 adults in the United States.When blood pressure is high, blood pushes too hard against the walls of your blood vessels, leading to heart disease, stroke, and even an increased risk of death.
High blood pressure is the most preventable cause ofheart disease.While medications are often prescribed, nutrition and exercise are important lifestyle measures that can help; interestingly, certain herbs and supplements may too.
This article will examine 11 herbs and supplements that may help lower high blood pressure.
Lucy Lambriex / Getty Images
What’s Considered High Blood Pressure?
Blood pressure is measuredin mm Hg (millimeters of mercury) with two numbers. The top (systolic) number indicates the force of your blood when your heart is beating, and the bottom (diastolic) number indicates the force of your blood when your heart is resting between beats.
Normal blood pressure is considered 120/80 mm Hg. High blood pressure is diagnosed when your systolic value is above 130 mm Hg, your diastolic value is over 80 mm Hg, or both values are higher than these.
Your healthcare provider will be able to discuss yourblood pressure valuesand whether you should be concerned. If your numbers are high, your provider will likely discuss treatment options with you.
Blood Pressure Chart With Readings By Age and Sex
Herbs for High Blood Pressure
Herbs have been used for theirhealth benefitsthroughout history, and many, like the ones below, are still used to help reduce high blood pressure. Before adding herbs to your diet, speak with your healthcare provider.
Basil
Garlic
Garlic is one of the richest sources of sulfur-containing compounds, includingallicin.Allicin may help relax blood vessels as well as promote healthy circulation.Some studies have even found that garlic extract can affect blood pressure similarly to the way certain medications do.
Health Benefits of Garlic
Thyme
Thyme is high in rosmarinic acid, which supports blood flow, relaxes blood vessels, and may even fight inflammation.Some animal studies have even shown the ability of rosmarinic acid to blockangiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), significantly lowering blood pressure.
Parsley
Parsleyis a good source ofvitamin Cand carotenoids, antioxidants that give plants their coloring. Antioxidants like these may help reduce blood pressure and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or “bad” cholesterol, risk factors for heart disease.
Celery Seeds
Acting like calcium channel blockers, celery seeds may help lower blood pressure. Human studies have found that celery seeds have promising benefits for people with high blood pressure.They’re also rich in fiber, an important nutrient for heart health, and support normal blood pressure levels.
Ginger
Used for a wide variety of ailments, ginger may also act similarly to a calcium channel blocker and ACE inhibitor in the body.It may also help promote healthy circulation.This is why many people try using ginger to lower their blood pressure.
Cinnamon
Some animal studies suggest that cinnamon opens up and relaxes the blood vessels, reducing blood pressure.Human research also shows that the consistent consumption of cinnamon may support healthy blood pressure alongside other therapies.
Can Cinnamon Lower Your Blood Pressure?
Supplements for High Blood Pressure
In addition to natural herbs, there are some supplements commonly used to help reduce high blood pressure.
Omega-3s
Omega-3s, includingEPA and DHA(eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid), are healthy fats often taken as supplements to help support heart health and normalize blood pressure.Other studies have found that omega-3s help lower inflammation.
Does Fish Oil Lower Blood Pressure?
Green Tea
Green tea has many healing properties, one of which may be to help reduce blood pressure.This is thought to be because green tea contains compounds like EGCG, polyphenols, antioxidants, and catechins.
Does Tea Lower Blood Pressure?
L-Arginine
L-arginineis an amino acid that helps release nitric oxide into the blood. This helps open up blood vessels and support blood flow. This is often why some people use L-arginine supplements to help lower blood pressure, even though there isn’t strong supporting evidence in humans.
Does L-Arginine Lower Blood Pressure?
Melatonin
Whilemelatoninis associated with making you sleepy, it may also help reduce blood pressure.In fact, some studies have found that melatonin has a significant effect on lowering blood pressure among healthy individuals and people with hypertension.
What to Look For
When choosing supplements or herbs intended to help lower high blood pressure, it’s important to keep a few things in mind, including:
Complementary Lifestyle Changes to Try
Medications, herbs, andsupplements for heart healtharen’t the only options that may help support normal blood pressure. Blood pressure and heart health also depend oneveryday lifestyle habitslike these:
8 Foods To Help Support Healthy Blood Pressure
Summary
High blood pressure is a common condition, but that doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be taken seriously. While medications are often prescribed to help reduce blood pressure, these aren’t the only solution.
Many herbs and supplements have been shown to help support healthy blood pressure when used along with other lifestyle habits, like regular exercise and good nutrition.
Frequently Asked QuestionsNo supplement is guaranteed to lower blood pressure quickly. While there is some evidence that certain supplements can be supportive in managing high blood pressure, it doesn’t mean they will have the same effect on everyone.Many herbs and supplements have potential interactions with blood pressure medications. This is why it’s important to always speak with your healthcare provider before adding something new to your routine, especially if you’re taking medication.Drinking waterand staying hydrated with fruits and vegetables can help maintain healthy blood pressure. However, it’s also important to practice other healthy lifestyle habits to manage hypertension.
No supplement is guaranteed to lower blood pressure quickly. While there is some evidence that certain supplements can be supportive in managing high blood pressure, it doesn’t mean they will have the same effect on everyone.
Many herbs and supplements have potential interactions with blood pressure medications. This is why it’s important to always speak with your healthcare provider before adding something new to your routine, especially if you’re taking medication.
Drinking waterand staying hydrated with fruits and vegetables can help maintain healthy blood pressure. However, it’s also important to practice other healthy lifestyle habits to manage hypertension.
30 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.What is high blood pressure.
World Heart Federation.Hypertension.
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