Top 6 Ayurvedic Herbs For High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)

Herbs For Hypertension
Herbs For Hypertension

If you’ve recently found yourself Googling ‘herbs for hypertension,’ you’re not alone. High blood pressure a.k.a the ‘silent killer’ is making its presence felt in more ways than one. Did you know that around 1.13 billion people worldwide suffer from hypertension or elevated blood pressure? In fact, according to the World Health Organization, it is one of the primary reasons for premature death. The scary numbers don’t stop there.

Around 7 out of 10 people experiencing their first heart attack have high blood pressure? Simply put, having a high BP puts you 3X at risk of suffering a stroke, a heart attack, or even kidney failure! Typically, blood pressure levels that consistently stays above 140mmHg and/or 90mmHg is considered to be high. Needless to say, if you’re someone who experiences high BP, it’s time you took your health in your hands. Understandably, not everyone wishes to go the more aggressive allopathic route and that’s why here we’re listing the Top 6 herbs for high blood pressure:

Sarpagandha

Sarpagandha Indian Snake Root
Sarpagandha Indian Snake Root

Whether you call it Rauwolfia Serpentina (Botanical name) or Indian Snake Root (English), the Ayurvedic churna (powder) helps to treat hypertension and related mental disorders such as insomnia, convulsions, aggressive behaviour, etc. Plus, it is also used to treat snake bites, rheumatism, fever, epilepsy, constipation, liver problems, etc. In fact, Dr Balram Bhargava, ICMR director-general claims that Mahatma Gandhi took garlic and Sarpagandha to tackle the ill-effects of high blood pressure!

This herb is native to India, Burma, Pakistan, and China. One of the reasons what makes Sarpagandha so effective is that it contains over 50-plus alkaloids that help to reduce heart rate and elevated blood pressure. Basically, it offers anti-anxiety, anti-hypertensive, and relaxing health benefits when consumed in the correct dosage.

How to consume it?

You can chew its roots or consume it in the powder form. The recommended dosage for this herb is as follows:

  • Stage 1 hypertension: 200-400 mg root powder
  • Stage 2 hypertension: 400-600 mg root powder

Important: Suitable adjuvants for this Ayurvedic herb include Gulab Arq (Rose Distillate), water, or cow’s milk. This medicine can be taken 1-2 times daily. However, please consult your doctor to understand the right dosage and frequency for you.

Sarpagandha’s Side Effects

In the standard doses, it is safe to consume. That said, please seek expert help to understand the recommended dosage based on your body type, previous health history, etc. Self-prescribing this herb and consuming it in excess amounts can have the following side-effects:

  • Nasal congestion
  • Stomach cramps
  • Diarrhoea
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Loss of appetite
  • Drowsiness
  • Convulsions
  • Parkinson’s-like symptoms
  • Coma

Some precautionary measures to keep in mind:

  • It can slow down reaction times and hence, should not be consumed before driving or operating heavy machinery.
  • Children along with pregnant and lactating mothers should avoid consuming it.
  • People undergoing shock therapy treatment or facing gall bladder issues should not consume it.
  • If you have stomach ulcer/intestinal ulcer/ulcerative colitis, avoid consuming it.
  • If you’re experiencing depression-like symptoms, avoid consuming it.
  • Don’t consume this herb at least two weeks prior to surgery.
  • Avoid consuming alcohol when you’re on this Ayurvedic herb.

Khadira

Khadira Plant
Khadira Plant

Khadira is a wonder herb and is considered to be one of the best herbs in Ayurveda for hypertension and for lowering your blood pressure. Like other Ayurveda herbs, it is known by numerous names such as Acacia Catechu (Scientific name) and Black Cutch/Heartwood Extract (English name).

In addition to treating high BP, it also helps to treat cases of diarrhoea, throat and nose swelling, colitis, bleeding, indigestion, osteoarthritis, and cancer. Additionally, it helps to heal skin wounds faster and in a more effective manner.

How to consume it?

Typically, its stem bark, heartwood, and flowers are used. There are many Ayurvedic preparations that are made using Khadira as the primary ingredient such as Khadira Gulika, Khadira Vati, Khadira Kashaya, Khadirarishta, etc. The recommended dosage is as follows:

  • Powder: 1-3 gm a day
  • Decoction: 30-100 ml a day
  • Heartwood extract: 500 mg-1 gm a day

Khadira’s Side Effects:

There are no side-effects of Khadira if taken in the appropriate amounts. That said, here’s a list of safety measures to keep in mind:

  • Pregnant and lactating mothers should take special care when consuming Khadira.
  • Khadira is known to lower blood pressure levels, so people with low BP seek expert help before consuming it.

Jatamansi

Jatamansi Root
Jatamansi Root

When it comes to considering natural herbs for hypertension, Jatamansi’s name cannot be left far behind. It is also called by numerous names such as spikenard/muskroot or Nardostachys Jatamansi (Botanical name). Comprising of diuretic and anti-oxidant properties, this powerhouse of a herb offers artery-protective properties while ensuring that your mind stays calm and relaxed – especially during moments of extreme psychological stress.

Adding credibility to this, Dr Priyanka Sampat, a senior doctor at Birla Ayurveda, says “Ayurvedic medicines like Jatamansi, Sarpagandha, and Amalaki (prescribed by doctors) can be helpful for treating high blood pressure.” Plus, research shows that Jatamansi inhibits the production of Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) – an integral component of the hormonal system in our body that regulates blood pressure and fluid balance.

That’s not all. It also acts as a mild sedative and works on the blood vessels, thereby ensuring easier blood flow. In addition to this, it also helps to treat dementia, amnesia, Alzheimer’s, poor attention disorders etc.

How to consume it?

You can consume 1-3 gm of Jatamansi powder with water once a day for 15 days. In the decoction form, you can consume 30-60 ml a day. For oral intake or topical use of the oil, 1-5 drops are sufficient. Ideally, try consuming it two hours post food or before you sleep. Another suggested a home remedy that you can try for:

Hypertension (High blood pressure):

  • Jatamansi: 1 gm
  • Sarpagandha: 500 mg
  • Punarnava: 2 gm

Note that the crude herb powder should be used for all the herbs mentioned above.

Jatamansi Side Effects:

Consuming more than 8 gm of this herb in a day can lead to the following side effects:

  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Diarrhoea
  • Abdominal cramps
  • Urinating frequently
  • Pregnant and lactating mothers should not consume this herb.
  • Be careful when consuming this herb during your periods as it may lead to heavier blood flow.

Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha Plant
Ashwagandha Plant

Touted to be one of the best herbs for hypertension, Ashwagandha also provides dual benefits of lowering stress and inflammation in the body. Being an adaptogenic herb, it nourishes and strengthens the body, while boosting vitality and resistance. It’s common knowledge now that stress (cortisol) is one of the major contributors to high blood pressure, anxiety, weight gain, insomnia, fatigue etc. So, Ashwagandha helps to address the root cause (pun not intended) of hypertension and brings about a sense of calm, peace, and happiness in the mind as well as the body.

How to consume it?

Ashwagandha and its extract are available in a variety of forms such as herbal teas, powders, tablets, and syrups. You can drink Ashwagandha tea post lunch and dinner. Here’s the recipe for the same:

  • Take half a glass of water and half a glass of milk in a saucepan.
  • Add 1 gram of Ashwagandha powder and bring it to a boil.
  • Let it reduce to half of the quantity. Finally, add honey/sugar/jaggery and consume!

Ashwagandha’s Side-Effects

When taken in excess amounts, it can cause the following side effects:

  • Stomach upset
  • Diarrhoea
  • Vomiting
  • Pregnant and lactating mothers should avoid consuming it.
  • People suffering from low BP and diabetes should avoid it as it can lower your BP and blood sugar levels respectively.
  • Avoid this herb if you’re suffering from a stomach ulcer or are on specific medication for thyroid disorders.

Arjuna

Terminalia Arjuna Arjun Tree
Terminalia Arjuna Arjun Tree

Often referred to as Terminalia Arjuna (botanical name) or White Marudah (English name), the Arjuna tree has been in Ayurvedic use since time immemorial. Like the humble warrior mentioned in the epic saga – Mahabharat, Arjuna is considered to be one of the best herbs for hypertension. How so? Arjuna works four-fold to reduce blood pressure, let’s see the pointers mentioned below:

  1. It prevents the formation of bad cholesterol a.k.a low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol in the liver.
  2. It reduces the workload on the heart and lowers stress in the body.
  3. It inhibits the production of stress hormones in the body.
  4. It increases the production of good cholesterol (High-Density Lipoprotein) in the body.

Collectively, it works towards reducing your body’s high blood pressure.

How to consume it?

You can consume this herb in the tea form also called Arjuna Tea (Arjun Chaal Chai). Click here for the recipe. Ideally, you can drink it for 2 – 3 months. Alternatively, to lower elevated heartbeat, mix a spoon of Arjuna bark with tomato juice and consume to normalize your heart rate instantly.

Did You Know?

Drugs.com states that 500 mg of Arjuna herb every eight hours can reduce angina or chest pain.

Arjuna’s Side-Effects

  • Those having an aggravated Pitta should consume this herb by mixing 25 gm of white sandalwood powder per 100gm of Arjuna to balance the heating effects it may cause in the body.
  • Do not consume the Arjuna powder in isolation as it may cause constipation/flatulence. It is recommended that you consume it in the tea form or as directed by your Ayurvedic practitioner.

Triphala

Triphala Powder
Triphala Powder

A rejuvenating herb, Triphala comprises of three powerful herbs namely, Amla (Emblica Officinalis), Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), and Bibhitaki (Terminalia bellica). Like its fellow Ayurvedic herbs, Triphala too lowers inflammation in the body which, in turn, helps stimulate better blood circulation, lowers hypertension, and reduces cholesterol in the body.

How to consume it?

Triphala – also called Emblica Officinale (Botanical name) or Indian Gooseberry (English name) – is available in three forms, primarily: capsule, powder, and liquid forms. The recommended dosage for the powder form stands at 500mg-1 gm a day to be taken once a day with warm water. Please consult your doctor to understand the recommended dosage.

Triphala’s Side-Effects

  • People suffering from diabetes should avoid it as it can lower your blood sugar levels too much.
  • Pregnant and lactating mothers should avoid consuming it altogether.

If taken in excess (more than 10 gm a day), it can cause the following side-effects:

  • Indigestion
  • Acid reflux
  • Constipation
  • Vomiting or nausea
  • High blood pressure
  • Low blood sugar level
  • Palpitation
  • Burning sensation

So there you go. As you can see, there are plenty of au-naturale ways to counter high blood pressure – from consuming the correct medicinal herbs for hypertension to doing yoga and meditation, small and conscious steps towards holistic healing can lead the way to a happier, healthier life and stress-free living!

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Top 6 Ayurvedic Herbs For High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
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