High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure has become one of the major syndromes of Western society. Due to increased stress, changing patterns of exercise and diet it is becoming more and more common. It was previously thought of as a mainly male problem, but is being diagnosed in more women, particularly post-menopausally.
What can be done to decrease the risk of developing the condition or to treat it if it starts to develop?
First of all look at the diet. Make sure that you include plenty of fruit and vegetables every day – in Ireland at least 5 portions a day are recommended, whereas in France they recommend at least 10. Try to include some pulses (beans and lentils) a couple of times a week. Make sure that the fats you use come from plant sources, or from oily fish. Include fish in your diet and reduce the intake of red meat. And of course, cut out salt, use herbs and spices and lemon juice or cider vinegar to add flavour, as well as good quality cold pressed unrefined vegetable oils.
Drink plenty of water – we need at least 1.5 litres a day. If you find it hard to drink cold water try hot water with a slice of lemon, or herbal teas. Keep caffeine intake down- caffeine stimulates the adrenal glands, which automatically raises blood pressure.
Take regular exercise, try to leave the car at home whenever possible and walk instead, or cycle. Consider taking up some aerobic exercise such as cycling, swimming, dancing, canoeing or walking. Or take up a stress reducing form of exercise such as yoga, tai chi or chi gong.
If you know that you are feeling stressed consider having some massage, aromatherapy or reflexology, or take some soothing baths with essential oils.
Make sure you get enough sleep – research shows that sleep deprivation can lead to cardiovascular disease.
You could also consider using herbal supplements to improve the health of your cardiovascular system (the heart and circulation).
Hawthorn has long been used to improve the health of the heart and circulation, it’s benefits in this area were discovered in the 19th century by an Irish physician! As well as balancing the blood pressure, it also contains antioxidants which protect the blood vessels and can help relieve mild anxiety, which also helps reduce blood pressure.
If stress is a big factor in the condition then Valerian can be useful. Valerian is thought of as a remedy which helps improve sleep quality, and we have already mentioned the importance of sleep in maintaining a healthy blood pressure. However, Valerian can also help reduce anxiety and stress responses without making you drowsy during the day. It is most beneficial for these two properties if taken 3 times daily, rather than just taking before bed time. In addition, valerian is an antispasmodic which helps to relax smooth muscles; this includes relaxing the muscles in the walls of the blood vessels which helps to reduce blood pressure, and the skeletal muscles so that we hold less tension in our bodies.
Dandelion leaf can be beneficial for treating water retention associated with high blood pressure. Conventional medicine often uses thiazide diuretics as a treatment for high blood pressure; dandelion leaf contains a natural diuretic to help with water retention, but it also contains plenty of potassium so that the problem of potassium depletion which can occur with pharmaceutical diuretics does not occur. If using dandelion leaf do ensure that the fluid intake is adequate, about 1.5 litres of water per day.
Milk thistle is another herb which can be beneficial, it does not directly treat the blood pressure but it does help reduce blood fats, which can help prevent the development of plaques on the walls of the arteries, thereby reducing the risk of developing high blood pressure.
Black Cohosh is mainly thought of as a treatment for menopausal symptoms but has a tradition of use for high blood pressure too, so it can be particularly useful for treating this condition if it develops around menopause.
Garlic can help maintain healthy cholesterol levels and blood pressure and also helps prevent circulatory problems and stroke by keeping the blood thin.
Be aware that it is always important to inform your practitioner about any medicines of supplements that you are taking and other treatments you are receiving. You should always consult a practitioner if symptoms do not improve, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding or if you have any other concerns before taking herbal remedies or food supplements.
