Alternative Medicines for High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)

Alternative Medicines are those treatments which are usually known as home remedies or those therapies which are not a part of modern medicines. Such treatments are usually not encouraged by doctors as these treatments don't have any significant research or authorized practitioners behind them. However in some cases these alternative medicines work either because they are really effective or because we believe in them very strongly (or may be both).

A number of people use alternative medicines to get relief from high blood pressure and get benefits at very low cost and in a natural way. Here we have collected some facts about alternative medicines for High Blood Pressure (Hypertension).

Herbs for Reducing High Blood Pressure

Lets begin with some herbs which are found effective in reducing the blood pressure readings.

• Basil: Its a medicinal herb with various medicinal qualities (according to ayurveda). Its leaves can be added to pastas, soups, salads, and casseroles.
• Cinnamon: It enhances the flavor of stir-fries, curries, and stews and also reduces the high blood pressure.
• Cardamom: Its a common spice used in India and South Asia. Its seeds or the powder can be used in soups and stews, and even in baked goods for a special flavor.
• Hawthorn: Its a trditional chinese medicine and it prevents clot formation and increases blood circulation.
• Celery Seed: Another chinese traditional medicine. It acts as a diuretic, which itself explains its effect on blood pressure.
• Cat's Claw: It is a chinese herbal medicine and it reduces blood pressure by acting on calcium channels in your cells.
• Flaxseed: This herb is rich in omega-3 fatty acids and it lowers the blood pressure significantly.
• Garlic: It can reduce the blood pressure by making blood vessels to relax and dilate. However its pungent smell is unbearable for some people but this herb have a good reputation in reducing BP.
• Ginger: It reduces the blood pressure by relaxing the muscles near blood vessels.

There are some therapies as well which are known to help in reducing the hypertension. We will put some light on them after telling about some diet changes which can really help you in the best way to keep your BP under control.

• Eat more Fruits and Vegetables.
• Foods rich in magnesium, potassium, and calcium help in maintaining good blood pressure.
• Avoid sweets and food with high saturated fat.

Some physical activity can also help in maintaining your High Blood Pressure under control.

• If you are physically active then it reduces your chances of developing High BP as a disease irrespective of your age.
• Even if you are a patient of High BP still some mild exercises will help you in keeping it under control. (Consult your physician regarding that).
• Some researches suggest that Yoga, Tai-chi and some breathing exercises can help you in dealing with High Blood Pressure. 

Some Lifestyle Changes can also bring your blood pressure back on track. Some of the changes are:

• Reducing your Weight
• Limit Alcohol Intake
• Quit Smoking

Some people also try to use acupressure and acupuncture to get relief from high blood pressure. There is some suspense on effectiveness of these techniques as no scientific researches are done yet to confirm them.