Herbs to Lower Blood Pressure

It is estimated that 1 in 3 American adults and half of those over 60 years old suffer from
hypertension. It is a reliable risk factor for heart attacks, heart failure, strokes, aneurysms,
and kidney failure.
It's no secret that exercise and a healthy diet are among the key ways to lower your blood
pressure. Qi gong. This method, based on traditional Chinese medicine, combines slow
movement, breathing, and meditation. It doesn't work as well at lowering your blood pressure
as drugs or other types of physical activity, but it can still be helpful. Hypnosis. Some therapists
use hypnosis, also called hypnotherapy, to help people manage stress and anxiety. When you
get hypnosis, you tend to be calmer and more relaxed.

In our experience, elimination or dramatic reduction of wheat (white and whole grain breads,
pasta, breakfast cereals, bagels, muffins, pretzels, crackers, pancakes, waffles) and cornstarch
(cornmeal, tacos, tortillas, wraps, chips, breakfast cereals, gravies), as well as obvious sugary
foods like candies, fruit juices, and fruit drinks, can serve as a powerful cornerstone of a blood
pressure-reducing program if an individual has celiac disease or is allergic to wheat.

Many people are reluctant to follow a wheat-free program, since wheat is so commonplace in
the American diet. I often advise skeptical patients to try a 4-week long experiment: eliminate
wheat, as well as cornstarch and sugars, and see what happens. With rare exceptions, the
effects are nothing short of extraordinary.

Certain foods and nutrients may help promote healthy blood pressure. Fiber, such as blond
psyllium and wheat bran. Others include nuts, vitamin D, magnesium, Supplements or products
that increase nitric oxide or widen blood vessels (vasodilators), such as cocoa, coenzyme Q10 &
L-Arginine, French maritime pine bark extract, anthocyanins, magnesium, omega-3 fats,
resveratrol, acetyl-L-carnitine, grape seed extract, Folic acid and melatonin.

Basil

Cinnamon

Cardamom

Flaxseed

Garlic
 Ginger

Hawthorn

Celery seed

French lavender

Cats claw

Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha is an adaptogenic herb, and it is one of the most popular Ayurvedic herbs
not just for lowering blood pressure, but also for reducing inflammation and stress.
Adaptogenic herbs strengthen mind and body and increase the ability to handle physical
and psychological stress. While most herbs have specific therapeutic actions,
adaptogens have a non-specific, broad action. They increase vitality and resistance, and
have a strengthening and normalizing effect on the system, particularly by helping you
cope better with stress.
Stress is one of the main culprits of high blood pressure; overproduction of stress
hormones such as cortisol, can lead to high blood pressure, and also weight gain,
fatigue, depression and anxiety. Ashwagandha helps to balance mind and body, create
greater inner calmness and increase your ability to cope with stress. This in turn
decreases the level of stress hormones circulating in your body and lower blood
pressure.

Triphala
Triphala has been used for centuries in India to rejuvenate the body, and it is considered
to be one of the most important Ayurvedic formulas. Triphala consists of three herbs,
which together form a powerful combination that works in a gentle, but profound way.
The three herbs are amla (Emblica officinalis), haritaki (Terminalia chebula),
and bibhitaki (Terminalia bellica).
Triphala decreases hypertension, helps normalize blood circulation, reduces cholesterol
and works towards lessening atherosclerosis in arteries. It has anti-inflammatory
properties, anti-obesity effects, and helps in reducing edema. It helps lower high blood
pressure through various mechanisms. By lowering edema and inflammation there is
 less pressure against blood vessel walls. Inflammation leads to atherosclerosis
(cardiovascular disease is now known as an inflammatory disease), which narrows blood
vessels. By lowering inflammation there is less resistance against vessel walls, which
lowers blood pressure. This lessening of resistance in turn decreases the work load of
your heart.

Anthocyanins are a very large group of red-blue plant pigments. Anthocyanins occur in all
higher plants, mostly in flowers and fruits but also in leaves, stems, and roots. In these parts
they are found predominantly in outer cell layers. The amounts are relatively large: one
kilogram of blackberry for example contains approximately 1.15 gram, and red and black
legumes can contain 20 mg per gram.
Anthocyanins are water soluble, which restricts the use, and are pH dependent. When the
acidity changes, the colour changes. For example, the colour of red cabbage is enhanced with
the addition of vinegar or other acid. On the other hand, when cooked in aluminium pans,
which cause a more alkaline environment, the colour changes to purple and blue
The colour is also susceptible towards temperature, oxygen, UV-light and different co-factors.
Temperature may destroy the flavylium ion, and thus causes loss of colour. Temperature also
causes Maillard reactions, in which the sugar residues in the anthocyanins may be involved.
Light may have a similar effect. Oxygen may destroy the anthocyanins, as do other oxidizing
reagents, such as peroxides and vitamin C. Many other components in plants and foods may
interact with the anthocyanins and either destroy, change or increase the colour.

Table 2 : Anthocyanin content in some edible plants

foodstuff Anthocyanin in mg per
100 g food
aubergine (egg plant) 750
black currant 130-400
blackberry 83-326
blueberry 25-497
cherry 350-400
chokeberry 200-1000
cranberry 60-200
elderberry 450
orange ~200
radish 11-60
raspberry 10-60
red currant 80-420
red grape 30-750
red onions 7-21
red wine 24-35
strawberry 15-35

Quinones in apples, for example, enhance the degradation of anthocyanins, whereas the
addition of sugar to strawberries stabilises the colour.

*French maritime pine bark extract (Pycnogenol)

Clinical studies: (US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health)
Indications that PYC is effective in the treatment of chronic venous insufficiency and retinal
micro-hemorrhages. PYC protects against oxidative stress in several cell systems by doubling
the intracellular synthesis of anti-oxidative enzymes and by acting as a potent scavenger of free
radicals. Other anti-oxidant effects involve a role in the regeneration and protection of vitamin
C and E. Anti-inflammatory activity has been demonstrated in vitro and in vivo in animals.
Protection against UV-radiation-induced erythema was found in a clinical study following oral
intake of PYC. In asthma patients symptom scores and circulating leukotrienes are reduced and
lung function is improved. Immunomodulation has been observed in both animal models as
well as in patients with Lupus erythematosus. PYC antagonizes the vasoconstriction caused by
epinephrine and norepinephrine by increasing the activity of endothelial nitric oxide synthase.
Dilation of the small blood vessels has been observed in patients with cardiovascular disease,
whereas in smokers, PYC prevents smoking-induced platelet aggregation and reduces the
concentration of thromboxane. The ability to inhibit angiotensin-converting enzyme is
associated with a mild antihypertensive effect. PYC relieves premenstrual symptoms, including
abdominal pain and this action may be associated with the spasmolytic action of some phenolic
acids. An improvement in cognitive function has been observed in controlled animal
experiments and these findings support anecdotal reports of improvement in ADHD patients
taking PYC supplements.

What gives pine bark extract its notoriety as a powerful ingredient and super antioxidant is that
its loaded with oligomeric proanthocyanidin compounds, OPCs for short. The same ingredient
can be found in grapeseeds, the skin of peanuts and witch hazel bark. But what makes this
miracle ingredient so amazing?
While OPCs found in this extract are mostly known for their antioxidant-producing benefits,
these amazing compounds exude antibacterial, antiviral, anticarcinogenic, anti-aging, anti-
inflammatory and anti-allergic properties. Pine bark extract can help reduce muscle soreness
and may help improve conditions relating to poor circulation, high blood pressure,
osteoarthritis, diabetes, ADHD, female reproductive issues, skin, erectile dysfunction, eye
disease and sports stamina.
Seems like it must be pretty amazing, but lets look closer. The list goes on a bit further, as the
OPCs in this extract may inhibit lipid peroxidation, platelet aggregation, capillary permeability
and fragility, and to affect enzyme systems, which basically means it may be a natural
treatment for many serious health conditions, such as stroke and heart disease.
The effects of the pine bark extract showed significant lower levels of blood glucose and
improved endothelial function when compared to placebo, concluding that supplementation of
Pycnogenol for treating conventional diabetes may be beneficial.
May alleviate Ototoxicity, known as ear poisoning and can occur when exposed to certain
drugs or chemicals, such as cisplatin, that damage the inner ear or the vestibulocochlear nerve.
This nerve affects our balance and hearing by sending signals to the brain.
Studies have been conducted to review the effects of pine bark extract on pseudomonas
infectious wounds. These wounds occur most frequently in hospitals or in those with weakened
immune systems, such as after surgery. However, healthy people are not immune and can also
develop mild infections, in particular after being in improperly chlorinated hot tubs or
swimming pools.
The essential oil of pine bark, specifically the proanthocyanidins, were effective against P.
aeruginosa, significantly inhibiting its growth.

Decreases Erectile Dysfunction

May resolve your erectile dysfunction and, therefore, naturally remedy

impotence issues combined with L-arginine may produce the results youre looking for.
The studies revealed that the sperm concentration greatly increased after about eight to 16
weeks of treatment, to include improved orgasmic function.

Reduces Inflammation

Studies were conducted in Turkey on subjects who underwent abdominal surgery to determine
if the pine bark extract could help reduce the inflammation. They were given Pycnogenol for a
period of 10 days. The outcome showed significant healing when compared to those subjects
who were not given any drug or remedy, concluding that Pycnogenol may be an effective
remedy for healing of surgery-related lesions.
Helps Increase Athletic Performance

Research indicates that Pycnogenol provides an increase in endurance performance of trained

athletes & reduce oxidative stress. It does this by improving the time it takes the body to reach
a fatigued state through increased serum NAD+ levels. Additionally, athletes have endured less
cramping and muscle pain when using the extract. Its likely that muscle recovery time
improved as well due to the high antioxidants pine bark extract contains.

Evidence Based Chinese Medicine for Hypertension

As we know, blood pressure is the diagnostic gold standard in conventional medicine. Thus, there is no
concept and diagnosis of hypertension in ancient China. Although hypertension is not a CM term,
physicians who practice CM in China attempt to treat the disease using CM principles. According to the
typical signs and symptoms of the disease, it falls into the category of vertigo or headache in CM [21].
CM has long been used to treat hypertension-related symptoms in clinical practice for centuries. CM
approaches hypertension as it does for other diseases under the guidance of holistic concept and
treatment based on syndrome differentiation and formula syndrome differentiation [59, 60]. CM has
been widely used to certain syndromes and formula syndromes in hypertension, such as fire syndrome,
Banxia Baizhu Tianma Tang (decoction of Pinellia ternata, Atractylodes, and Gastrodia elata) syndrome
[61]. Physicians who prescribe Chinese herbs and formulas recently realized that patient with
hypertension exhibit the same pathological changes as those that are characteristic of fire syndrome
and Banxia Baizhu Tianma Tang (Decoction of Pinellia ternata, Atractylodes and Gastrodia elata)
syndrome. Moreover, increasing evidence indicates that, Chinese herbs and formulas that improve fire
syndrome and Banxia Baizhu Tianma Tang (Decoction of Pinellia ternata, Atractylodes, and Gastrodia
elata) syndrome are useful in treating hypertensive patients in China.

Prescription Meds Advised Against in Treating Hypertension

Thiazide Diuretics: A First-line Mistake

Thiazide diuretics, such as hydrochlorothiazide and chlorthalidone, are first-line drugs usually
prescribed to treat hypertension, as advised by the JNC 7.4 They are inexpensive, have proven
efficacy for reducing blood pressure, and physicians are well-acquainted with their use. But
are they safe?
First of all, we all recognize the health benefits of good hydration, including restoring energy
and cognitive performance, and prevention of blood clotting and kidney stones.6-8
Then why are dehydrating agents like thiazide diuretics prescribed? Diuretics work by
reducing the volume of fluid in the body and in blood vessels, thus lowering pressure. (Ask
anyone who has taken a diuretic: the loss of fluid (i.e., as urine) can be quite astounding.) But
you cant have both adequate hydration and dehydrationyouve got to pick one or the
other.
Thiazide diuretics have a number of undesirable effects, including:
Reduction of protective high-density lipoprotein (HDL)9
Increased triglycerides
Increased total cholesterol
Increased insulin resistance and diabetes risk
Increased uric acid, which may increase the risk of a gout attack
These are not unexpected side effects that occur in a few; they are expected effects that
develop in a substantial proportion.13
In one large study, 7.7% of those taking thiazide-type diuretics developed diabetes over the
course of 4 years, compared with only 4.2-4.7% of patients taking other types of prescription
diuretics.14
Although thiazides are widely prescribed as the first choice for hypertension, this class of
drugs is fraught with a range of significant undesirable side effects.