Hypertension: Herbs and spices that help
Hypertension is the most common and related preventable risk factor for heart disease . High blood pressure is defined as having at least one of the following: systolic blood pressure (the higher number) above 140 mm Hg, diastolic blood pressure (the lower number) above 90 mm Hg, or both systolic and diastolics above these levels. If blood pressure is taken in the comfort of one’s home, or in a particularly quiet and relaxed situation, the limit is slightly lower: 135/85. You can manage your blood pressure with medications, such as blood-converting enzyme inhibitors.angiotensin (ACE), but many diet and lifestyle changes can actually reduce blood pressure and, with it, the risk of heart disease . Some herbs and spices can lower blood pressure levels , so it is advisable, in case of hypertension , to introduce them into the diet.
Hypertension: 10 herbs and spices
Among the remedies to reduce the salt content in the daily diet , use 10 fresh or infused aromatic herbs and some spices that are able to lower blood pressure levels due to the properties they contain:
- Basil
- Parsley
- thyme
- Garlic
- Celery seeds
- Cat’s claw
- Bacopa monnieri
- Cinnamon
- Ginger
- Cardamom
Here’s how to take care of herbs if you plant herbs on your balcony.
Basil
Basil is rich in eugenol , a plant-derived antioxidant that is particularly beneficial to health. It promotes several beneficial effects, including lowering blood pressure, by acting as a natural calcium channel blocker . Calcium channel blockers prevent the movement of calcium into the heart and arterial cells, allowing blood vessels to relax and blood to thin.
Parsley
Parsley ( Petroselinum crispum ) is a popular herb worldwide. It has a particularly interesting nutritional profile: It contains a variety of compounds, such as vitamin C and dietary carotenoids , which may reduce blood pressure. Several studies have shown that carotenoid antioxidants reduce blood pressure and LDL (bad) cholesterol, a risk factor for heart disease.
Celery seeds
Celery seeds ( Apium graveolens ) are a versatile spice rich in various nutrients , such as iron , magnesium , manganese , calcium and natural fibers . Elements that help keep blood pressure below the risk threshold . Celery seed extract may help lower blood pressure by acting as a natural calcium channel blocker.
Celery is one of the vegetables that can be grown in pots even at home, starting from scraps .
Garlic
Garlic – fresh or dried – is especially beneficial for heart health . In fact, garlic contains sulfur compounds , such as allicin , which can help increase blood flow and relax blood vessels. Collectively, these factors can help lower blood pressure. Several studies on hypertensive subjects have found that garlic intake reduces systolic and diastolic blood pressure by an average of 8.3 mm Hg and 5.5 mm Hg, respectively.
Thyme
Thyme is a rich and healthy flavorful herb. The rosmarinic acid contained in it is one of the compounds that reduces inflammation and blood sugar levels , two negative factors for health. It can also help reduce systolic blood pressure by inhibiting angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE). ACE is a molecule that narrows blood vessels and raises blood pressure. Therefore, inhibiting it can lower blood pressure. Taking thyme extract also reduces heart disease risk factors, such as total cholesterol , LDL (bad) cholesterol , and triglycerides .
Uncaria – Cat’s claw
Chinese cat’s claw contains several compounds, such as hirsutin and rhinocophyllin , that can reduce blood pressure by acting as natural calcium channel blockers . Additionally, these compounds can stimulate blood vessels to produce nitric oxide , a chemical compound that helps blood vessels relax and widen.
Bacopa monnieri
Bacopa monnieri is a herb that grows in swampy areas of South Asia. Ayurvedic medicine practitioners use it to treat various ailments, including anxiety , memory problems, and high blood pressure . An herb that can lower both systolic and diastolic blood pressure levels by stimulating blood vessels to release nitric oxide. You can buy Bacopa monnieri in health food stores and online. It comes in several forms, including powder and capsules .
Cinnamon
Cinnamon is a spice that comes from the inner bark of Cinnamomu trees. Used for centuries in traditional medicine to treat heart conditions , including high blood pressure, it helps dilate and relax blood vessels. Several studies have shown that cinnamon intake reduces systolic and diastolic blood pressure by an average of 6.2 mm Hg and 3.9 mm Hg, respectively.
Ginger
Ginger is incredibly versatile and a staple in alternative medicine . A root particularly good for improving many aspects of heart health, including circulation , cholesterol levels and blood pressure. Ginger acts as a calcium channel blocker and a natural ACE inhibitor . Ginger is commercially available fresh, dried, powdered, and as a concentrated supplement.
Cardamom
Cardamom is a spice with a slightly sweet and intense flavour. It is rich in antioxidants that can help lower blood pressure by acting as a natural calcium channel blocker and diuretic .
