A diagnosis of high blood pressure (hypertension) can be quite frightening and that knowledge can actually increase the level. It is always important to work with your doctor. This is a serious condition and needs proper medical attention, monitoring and probably hypotensive medications. You need to know the cause, as hypertension can often be associated with underlying conditions that also need treating.
There are many causes, known and unknown, and many contributing factors, eg hardening of the arteries, obesity and stress.
What You can Do
While your doctor prescribes medications and/or treatment, there are many things you can do to help yourself. Lifestyle changes are very important in lowering blood pressure.
- Lose weight – even a few kilos will help
- Don't smoke
- Exercise – walk, ride, dance. Fresh air and safe sunlight.
- Relax – reduce stress, slow down, meditate, yoga, Tai chi, massage
Nutrition Is Very Important
Salt has been identified as one of the main causes of high blood pressure.
Changes in diet can help a great deal and some herbs are useful
- No salt or salty foods
- Garlic is great
- Hawthorn berries (get advice from herbalist).
- Low protein
- More fresh fruit/veggies.
- No wheat foods
- No white sugar
- Reduce meat
- Fish oils
- Dandelion, parsley, onion and celery
- Magnesium (the great relaxer)
- Increase potassium/magnesium- bananas, avocado, parsley, melons, dark green leafy vegetables, raisins, all nuts except peanuts, sunflower seeds.
- Reduce alcohol, fat
- Cucumbers regulate B/P
- Cayenne
- Oats, brown rice
- Valerian calms, reduces insomnia and stress
- Lemon balm
- Hops
- Chamomile
- Red/green peppers can normalise B/P.
- Gingko biloba drops (check with doctor)
Acupuncture
Acupuncture or acupressure can help to reduce high blood pressure, especially the heart meridian and points LI11, ST36,GV20, K3, Liv3, P6. It’s wise to get advice from a qualified acupuncturist.
Essential Oils Are Useful
In a bath or as a massage oil some oils can help to lower blood pressure.
- Lavender
- Hyssop
- Marjoram
- Melissa
- Ylang ylang
Humour Reduces Stress and Lowers Blood Pressure
Humour can reduce stress, often when nothing else works. Laughter can dramatically lower blood pressure by reducing stress levels. It has no side effects and it’s free.
- It lowers blood pressure (after an initial short rise)
- It lowers heart rate, (again, after initial short rise)
- It allows momentary rest of brain (excellent for all healing)
- It iprotectsagainst anxiety.
- It lowers all stress hormones
- Toxins, steroids and hormones are released via tears and nasal secretions of laughter
These are some of the lifestyle and dietary changes that can be made to help lower blood pressure. It is something you can do for yourself, to help your doctor to help you.
Disclaimer:
This information is not meant to be used instead of medical care or prescribed medications. It is purely a complementary therapy. Always discuss any treatments with your own doctor.
Sources:
- Ah Ket, Gregory, Herbal Treatment for Common Ailments, Compendium P/L, Melbourne, 1983
- McIntyre, Anne, Herbs For Common Ailments, Gaia Books Ltd, UK, 1992
- Vukovic, Laurel, 1001 Natural Remedies, Penguin, London, 2003
- Lust, John, The Herb Book, Benedict Lust Publications, N.Y. 1974
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be used for diagnosis or to guide treatment without the opinion of a health professional. Any reader who is concerned about his or her health should contact a doctor for advice
Heather Donaldson - Heather Donaldson is a writer, a registered nurse with a diploma in nutrition, an interest in natural medicine, animals and environment.
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