Blood pressure is the pressure on the walls of blood vessels, exerted by the blood as it is pumped through them. The modern lifestyle and stress has lead to high blood pressure in the body, damaging it in many ways. High blood pressure is a condition in which the blood pressure rises and stays high over a time. The risk factors for this condition include smoking, alcohol abuse, obesity, high salt intake, lack of exercise and stress. It can also be genetic, as in family history of hypertension and stroke may lead to high blood pressure. If left untreated, high blood pressure may lead to heart attack. In the present world, many people are going for natural treatment for blood pressure, with herbs as the primary mode. However, a doctor should be consulted before taking herbs as a part pf any alternative treatment, as some of them may interfere with the regular medications. Following herbs are used to lower high blood pressure.

Garlic (Allium sativum)
The sulphides present in garlic help in bringing down high blood pressure and thus, assist in blood pressure management. In addition, the herb inhibits certain compounds, like natural ACE inhibitors (gamma-glutamyl peptides and flavonolic compounds), magnesium (natural calcium channel blocker), phosphorus, adenosine and allicin. These compounds are known for widening arteries and making blood flow easier.

Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna)
The herb is known to expand arteries and hence, improve coronary blood flow, reducing blood pressure. Hawthorn is also used as cardiotonic that helps in strengthening the heart muscle and promotes forceful contractions. In all, it helps in improving heart function.

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)
Ashwagandha is a popular herb that helps in counteracting high blood pressure and thus aids in lowering it. However, a doctor should be consulted before taking this herb, as it can react or interfere with the medication that an individual is already taking.

Ginger (Zingiber officinale)
Ginger is known to help improve blood circulation and thus, lower blood pressure in a safe and effective manner. In addition, it also relaxes the muscles around the blood vessel and lowers cholesterol.

Kelp (Fucus visiculosis)
Kelp is seaweed that helps in reducing the raised levels of cholesterol and blood pressure, by thinning the blood. It is available in the temperate and coastal oceans.

Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum)
Cinnamon is known to reduce the levels of LDL cholesterol in the body, due to its antioxidant properties. It is truly a healing herb that helps use the hormone insulin in the body more efficiently.

Other Herbs

* Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum)
* Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna)
* Gotu Kola (Hydrocotyle asiatica)
* Skullcap (Scutellaria)
* Valerian (Valeriana)
* Manjishta (Rubia tinctoria)
* Jatamamsi (Nardostachys jatamamsi)
* Shankapushpi (Clitoria ternatea)
* Burdock (Arctum lappa)
* Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum)
* Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans)

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