6 Effective Herbal Remedies For Hypertension

Hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure, increases the risk of stroke, cardiovascular disease, kidney problems, vision problems and other health disorders. Although pharmacological drugs help in maintaining the blood pressure level in the normal range, the risk of adverse side effects following long-term use of hypertension drugs cannot be avoided.

To avoid side effects such as excess urination, fatigue, erection problems, asthma, depression, sleeping difficult, dry cough and constipation, more and more hypertension patients are searching for safer yet effective alternative remedies.

For centuries, several herbs have been used for normalizing the blood pressure level. The efficacy of herbal remedies for hypertension is supported by scientific studies. Herbal remedies are safe and can be used for a prolonged period.

Herbal Remedies For Hypertension

Chinese Hawthorn

Crataegus pinnatifida, commonly known as Chinese hawthorn, is widely recommended in traditional Chinese medicine for treating hypertension. Regular intake of decoction prepared with the dried fruit of Crataegus pinnatifida helps in lowering blood pressure level, improving circulation and inhibiting platelet aggregation.

The hypotensive effect of the herb is attributed to Grataegic acid, a bioactive component present in the fruit. The herb works by stimulating nitric oxide production and promoting antioxidant activity in the blood vessels.

Roselle

The flowers and leaves of Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa) are used in African folk medicines for treating hypertension. There is sufficient scientific evidence that support the antihypertensive effect of roselle.

Clinical trial with roselle revealed that the antihypertensive property of roselle is comparable to that of the popular antihypertensive drug captopril. Roselle works by stimulating vaso-relaxation of blood vessels and promoting nitric oxide synthesis.

Indian Snakeroot

Rauwolfia serpentine, commonly known as Indian snakeroot, is a popular antihypertensive herb recommended in Ayurveda for treating hypertension. The antihypertensive agent in the plant is Reserpine, found in the root of the plant.

It works by slowing down nervous impulses, thereby reducing heartbeat and relaxing the blood vessels. It can be taken for a prolonged period for maintaining healthy blood pressure level.

Cat’s Claw

In traditional Chinese medicine, Uncaria rhynochophylla, also known as cat’s claw, is used for treating hypertension. Studies have attributed the hypotensive effect of the herb to Hirsutine, an indole-alkaloid present in the plant.

Hirustine works as a calcium channel blocker that helps the blood vessels to relax, thereby bringing down the blood pressure level.

Sticky Nightshade

The root of sticky nightshade (Solanum sisymbriifolium) possesses antihypertensive compounds. In South American folk medicine, sticky nightshade root is used for lowering the blood pressure level. Sticky nightshade owes its antihypertensive property to a compound called nautigenosido.

It acts as a calcium channel blocker, thereby helping in dilating the blood vessels. Moreover, the diuretic effect of the herb helps in flushing out excess sodium from the blood, lowering the blood pressure level naturally.

Phyllanthus Amarus

Phyllanthus amarus is used in folk medicines in India and Africa for treating hypertension. The leaves of the plant are believed to lower the blood pressure level primarily through their diuretic effect. Studies have revealed that intake of Phyallanthus amarus leaves causes significant reduction in both diastolic and systolic pressure levels.