Hypertension, or arterial hypertension , is a clinical condition in which the blood pressure in the arteries of the systemic circulation is elevated. This leads to increased work on the heart.

Hypertension is classified as primary (essential) or secondary. About 90-95% of cases are classified as “primary hypertension,” which means there is high blood pressure with no obvious underlying medical cause. Let’s see the various herbal remedies to treat it.

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Hawthorn among the herbal remedies for high blood pressure

In  phytotherapy  for the treatment of hypertension medicinal and mineral plants  are used , capable of lowering blood pressure ; thin the blood ; stimulate diuresis; and reinforce the venous walls , thus avoiding the sclerotization of the vessels.

Arterial hypertension is defined as a constant and not occasional state in which the blood pressure in the arteries is elevated compared to physiological standards considered normal. A person is hypertensive, or has high blood pressure , when: the minimum blood pressure (diastolic hypertension) ” constantly ” exceeds the value of 90 mmHg;  while the maximum one (systolic hypertension) ” constantly ” exceeds the value of 140 mmHg .

The adjective “constant” is fundamental, given that during the day the pressure can undergo transitory variations linked to numerous factors, among which we remember: the time (the pressure is slightly higher in the morning and in the late afternoon); physical activity ( heart pressure increases in relation to the type and intensity of physical exercise); the emotional state (intense emotions, stress and even anxiety about the result of the medical examination can temporarily increase the pressure); finally, pressure is constantly influenced by other factors, among which a particular role is played by age . 

Medicinal plants in case of hypertension

• Hawthorn : the  leaves  and flowers have a hypotensive action  due to the lowering of peripheral vascular resistance , but also to the sedative  and  antiarrhythmic effect . The most interesting active ingredients for lowering blood pressure are some flavonoids, in  particular vitexin, which act as  natural spasmolytics  and anxiolytics . This sedative  and  relaxing  action  is especially useful in very nervous patients, in whom it reduces emotionality ,  in states of anxiety, agitation, anguish,  and in case of insomnia. Moreover, thanks to the presence of proanthocyanidols,  the  plant has  cardioprotective properties,  capable of inducing the dilation  of the coronary  arteries , which carry blood to the heart;  improve blood supply,  resulting in lower blood pressure. Furthermore, hawthorn promotes the  enhancement of cardiac contractile force , thus normalizing the alterations    the functionality of the cardiovascular system. These components  reduce tachycardia, extrasystole and arrhythmias and prevent complications in elderly patients, at risk of angina pectoris or heart attack , suffering from influenza or pneumonia .

• Olive tree : its  leaves exert a hypotensive action by dilating the peripheral circulation vessels, and diuretic,  useful for promoting the elimination of metabolic waste and excess mineral salts. Its intake allows to reduce both minimum and maximum pressure  at the same time .  The use of the olive tree is useful both for essential hypertension and for that of renal , menopausal or atherosclerotic origin . It should not be overlooked that often this treatment also leads to a reduction in blood sugar, uricaemia and cholesterol, without showing toxic effects or contraindications.  

• Garlic : numerous clinical studies have shown its positive action in the prevention of  cardiovascular risk. This plant regulates blood pressure , prevents thrombosis and the formation of atherosclerotic plaques . The  hypotensive activity is linked to the ability to cause vasodilation , especially in the small blood vessels of the skin district. Allicin and other substances present have been shown to be capable of strongly reducing platelet aggregation , i.e. the ability of platelets to group together and form clots. This property is important because the reduction of platelet aggregation lowers the risk of thrombotic phenomena occurring in the blood vessels, which can have very serious consequences and cause cardiovascular disease. There are odorless supplements on the market, which facilitate their intake.

• Mistletoe : it is one of the most effective plants against hypertension , also used as a regulator of the cardio-circulatory system . The active ingredients contained in the plant stimulate the parasympathetic system and decrease the peripheral resistance of the vessels, causing vasodilation. Due to these properties, mistletoe is also used as an adjuvant in case of atherosclerosis , angina pectoris and to improve cerebral circulation . It is also important in case of gout, because it increases diuresis and thus promotes the excretion of urea.

• Ginkgo – the presence of  proanthocyanidol i, ginkgolides (A, B, C); flavonoid glycosides (kampferol, quercetin, isoramnetina, coumaric acid, catechins, proanthocyanidins); flavones (apigenin, luteolin) make the plant capable of reducing arteriolar spasms, improving the exchange of oxygen and glucose with the tissues and thinning the blood . Thanks also to the antioxidant action, and to the capillar protective action,  ginkgo is used to counteract arterial hypertension and retinopathies ; senile dementia; in the prevention and treatment of atherosclerosisand its manifestations; in obliterating arteriopathies of the lower limbs; cerebrovasculopathies; ischemic heart disease, diabetic microangiopathy. Ginkgo Biloba is also indicated in the prevention of damage from smoking and venous thrombosis.

Also discover all the homeopathic remedies for hypertension

The bud extractives

• Olea europaea , the olive bud extract, in addition to its ability to significantly lower blood pressure,  has anti-sclerotic properties on blood vessels, capable of strengthening and keeping the venous walls elastic; and has cholesterol- lowering properties useful for keeping arteries and veins clean and avoiding the risk of cardiovascular problems. It is therefore used in case of high blood pressure , triglycerides and cholesterol in the blood and in all sclerotic syndromes caused by senility. 

• Crataegus oxyacantha : the hawthorn bud extract contributes to the control of blood pressure thanks to cardiovascular drainage. Therefore it is indicated in the treatment of hypertension when it is accompanied by alterations in heart rate: arrhythmias, palpitations, tachycardia. This phytotherapeutic preparation has  cardioprotective activity,  because it induces the dilation of the coronary arteries, which carry blood to the heart, thus improving the flow of blood with a consequent reduction in pressure. The use of Crategus Oxyacanta, in general, is indicated for all heart problems and disorders  because it  regulates the  rhythm and speed  of the heartbeat. It is used successfully and  without any contraindications , in case of hypertension, palpitations, extrasystolic arrhythmias, angina pectoris, cardiac spasms in general and in precordial pain.

Minerals to cure hypertension

Potassium : an excess of sodium, the salt used in cooking , in the diet can cause a tendency to sodium retention, which is associated with an increase in blood pressure, which can lead to chronic hypertension and create major health risks.

Its intake is effective in lowering blood pressure, thanks to the ability of potassium to increase sodium excretion and its vasoactive effect on blood vessels. Among the first symptoms of potassium deficiency in the body are found: general physical weakness, malfunction of the neuro-muscular system, fragility of the bones, hypertension, sterility.

Find out all the causes and treatments for high blood pressure