High blood pressure is a risky, sometimes a severe condition that plagues many people worldwide. The arterial blood pressure is the force of blood beating against the arteries. When these arteries become narrowed and thickened due to cholesterol and calcium build-up, the force of blood also increases thus leading to what is called hypertension or high blood pressure. Normal blood pressure should be below 120/80 mmHg.
Chinese Herbal Therapy for High Blood Pressure
Herbal therapy is considered effective in treating high blood pressure and as an alternative for pharmaceutical drugs. Also herbal remedies do not have other side effects such as lightheadedness, lethargy, sleeplessness, dry mouth, headache, constipation, depression and others such symptoms that are normally caused by other anti-hypertensive medicines.
Most Common Herbs used for curing Hypertension
One of the most powerful Chinese herbs is ginseng. Ginseng has the capacity to unwind the blood vessels and greatly reduce the cholesterol levels. Pine bark works in the same way to reduce hypertension. Flax seed oil contains a vital fatty acid that helps reduce the "bad" cholesterol.
The chief active content of bilberry helps make the arteries strong and flexible. It also prevents the formation of atherosclerotic plaques on the arterial walls thus helping combat hypertension.
Reishi is rightly named as the "elixir of life" as it boosts energy, promotes longevity and slows down aging. It influences the nervous system to effectively reduce high blood pressure and lower blood cholesterol levels.
Berries of hawthorn support the heart and circulatory system. They are useful in dilating the blood vessels, reducing the cholesterol levels, and also work with the liver to prevent atherosclerosis.
Dong quai increases the gap between heartbeats, while mucuna and rehmannia work as diuretics and are useful in controlling hypertension. Rehmannia also is known for its glucose reduction property thus also useful in reducing high blood pressure.
Grape seed has polyphenols that expand the blood vessels, lower cholesterol and defuse free radicals in the blood thereby sinking hypertension. One must however be careful not to combine it with vitamin C as it may increase blood pressure.
Supplement safety
In the end, though herbal medicine has its good effects, some of the supplements used may not be safe for many people. It is best to get the advice of an experienced herbal specialist or a doctor before deciding on settling upon herbal remedies for curing common ailments.
Tags: high blood pressure, blood pressure, blood pressure, blood vessels, cholesterol levels