Tuesday, 24 April 2018

What mother nature has for women suffering from fibroids

What mother nature has for women suffering from fibroids

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Many African women of child-bearing age have fibroids. It is regarded as a common cause of infertility in women. Aside from inhibiting pregnancy, fibroids can in some instances cause women to experience painful sexual intercourse, prolonged menstrual flow and backache whether the fibroid is subserosal , submucosal , intramural or pedunculated.

Women suffering from fibroids need not despair because mother nature has much to offer them. Fibroids are more predominant in black women compared to their white counterparts.,this is simply due to the genetic make-up of the black race .

There are herbs that have antitumor properties that can shrink growth or tumour in the uterus. Those herbs can be administered after carrying out the necessary tests which include primarily, pelvic scan and hormonal profile tests.

Women suffering from fibroids should avoid consuming eggs, milk and white flour products. Other things to avoid are fried foods, white sugar and food prepared in heated polythene packs such as moimoi as the chemical from the polythene is a major source of xenoestrogen that can trigger estrogen dominance in women . About 80% of fibroid cases and even breast cancer in women is believed to be due to estrogen dominance.

The link between fibroids and estrogen is obvious given the fact that as menopause sets in, fibroids tend to shrink or at least experience retarded growth.

Women who have fibroids should liberally, consume home-made soy milk. Soya bean is rich in phytoestrogen and this phytochemical normalizes and modulates estrogen level in women .
Fibroid patients should also increase the intake of fresh fruits and vegetables because organic foods contain the needed agents for lasting healing.

Herbal preparations made from anti-tumour herbs such as Annona muricata root, leaves and stem (sour sop), Kigelia africana fruit (sausage tree), Mormodica charantia fruit and leaves (balsam pear), Phyllantus amarus whole plant popularly called chanca piedra or stone breaker are all useful for this condition . Potash as well as proteolytic enzyme like papain are also incorporated in the treatment.

Anti-iflammatory herbs such as Soghum bicolor, astringent herbs such as cashew bark , anti-microbial herbs such as cloves and female hormone balancing herbs such as Cissampelos owariensis can sometimes be prescribed to manage the associated symptoms.

Those with this health condition should not lose hope, in chronic cases where herbs can’t benefit patients suffering from fibroids, surgery could be the last resort.

Dr Gilbert Ezengige is a licensed natural medicine practitioner, lecturer and writer on health and social issues. Visit www.healthbubbles.com for more.

Saturday, 21 April 2018

Hygrophila Herb and Digitalis Purperea,


Hygrophila Herb

Latin Name: Hygrophila auriculata (Schum.) Hiene Syn., Hygrophila spinosa T. Anders., Asteracantha longifolia (Linn.) Nees. (Acanthaceae)
Common English name: Star thorn, Marsh barble
Luganda Name: 
#Mpaawo_Kitakya#Kanga_Bukali
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The medicinal value of H. spinosa has been appreciated in the ancient medical literature. The plant contains terpenoids, alkaloids, flavonoids, and is traditionally known as anaphrodisiac, renal tonic, and for its health-promoting properties.

Parts Used: Whole, seeds especially

Uses: If expertly produced by careful identification and preparation, this herb is: -

*SUPER EFFECTIVE ON*: Coughs, Cold, Jaundice
*HIGHLY EFFECTIVE ON*: Anemia, Bladder Stones, Gonorhea
*EFFECTIVE ON*: Abscess, Acid reflux, anorexia

Hygrophila stimulates the male genital system and is beneficial in the treatment of sexual debility, premature ejaculation and erectile failure. It is also a potent remedy for kidney stones.
The herb is found all throughout Uganda in marshes places and plains.

Therapeutic constituents:

The seeds contain large amounts of tenacious mucilage and potassium salts, which are responsible for the diuretic property of the seeds. The ethanol extract of the plant is spasmolytic and hypotensive.

Key therapeutic benefits:

The leaves and roots of Hygrophila have diuretic properties.
The herb is also useful in ailments of the urinogenital tract, like dysuria, urinary calculi and cystisis.
The seeds are known to increase libido and are beneficial in treating spermatorrhoea.


Digitalis Purperea, Olutungotungo, Foxglove
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Overview Information

Foxglove is a plant. Although the parts of the plant that grow above the ground can be used for medicine, foxglove is unsafe for self-medication. All parts of the plant are poisonous.

Chemicals taken from foxglove are used to make a prescription drug called 
digoxin. Digitalis lanata is the major source of digoxin in the US.

Foxglove is used for 
congestive heart failure (CHF) and relieving associated fluid retention (edema); irregular heartbeat, including atrial fibrillation and “flutter;” asthmaepilepsytuberculosisconstipationheadache; and spasm. It is also used to cause vomiting and for healing wounds and burns.


How does it work?

Foxglove contains chemicals from which the prescription medication digoxin (Lanoxin) is made. These chemicals can increase the strength of heart muscle contractions, change heart rate, and increase heart blood output

Side Effects & Safety

Foxglove is UNSAFE for anyone to take by mouth without the advice and care of a healthcare professional. Some people are especially sensitive to the toxic side effects of foxglove and should be extra careful to avoid use.

Foxglove can cause irregular heart function and death. Signs of foxglove poisoning include stomach upset, small eye pupils, blurred vision, strong slow pulse, nausea, vomiting, 
dizziness, excessive urination, fatigue, muscle weakness and tremors, stupor, confusion, convulsions, abnormal heartbeats, and death. Long-term use of foxglove can lead to symptoms of toxicity, including visual halos, yellow-green vision, and stomach upset.

Deaths have occurred when foxglove was mistaken for comfrey.



Special Precautions & Warnings:

Children: Taking foxglove by mouth is LIKELY UNSAFE for children. 

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Foxglove is UNSAFE when taken by mouth for self-medication. Do not use.

Heart disease: Although foxglove is effective for some heart conditions, it is too dangerous for people to use on their own. 
Heart disease needs to be diagnosed, treated, and monitored by a healthcare professional.

Kidney disease: People with kidney problems may not clear foxglove from their system very well. This can increase the chance of foxglove build-up and poisoning

Sunday, 17 December 2017

Epsom Salt — The Magnesium-Rich, Detoxifying Pain Reliever

Epsom Salt — The Magnesium-Rich, Detoxifying Pain Reliever

Epsom salt - Dr. Axe
Athletes commonly use it for sore muscles while gardeners sprinkle it on plants to increase their growth. Epsom salt has a long history of diversified use and benefits for health, beauty, household cleaning and outdoor gardening. It was originally prepared from mineral water while today it’s obtained mainly from mining operations.

Epsom salt is a natural exfoliant and anti-inflammatory remedy that can be used to treat muscle aches and sore muscles, dry skin, and even to fight various internal health issues. Simply add Epsom salt to your next detox bath recipe or foot soak to create a luxurious and therapeutic at-home spa experience.
Epsom salt derives its name from a bitter saline spring located at Epsom in Surrey, England, where the compound was first distilled from water. It’s different from traditional salts in that it is actually a mineral compound of magnesium and sulfate.
The chemical formula for magnesium sulfate is MgSO4, which shows that Epsom salt can actually be broken down into magnesium, sulfur and oxygen. Epsom salt is composed of small, colorless crystals and does look similar to table salt — however, table salt is completely different from Epsom salt since it consists of sodium chloride.

7 Benefits of Epsom Salt

There is a laundry list of ways to use Epsom salt in your daily life. Here are some of the top benefits of Epsom salt:

1. Boosts Magnesium Levels

Appropriate levels of magnesium are absolutely key to good health, and it is very common to have a magnesium deficiency. Known as hypomagnesemia, low magnesium levels can be caused by alcoholism, severe diarrhea, malnutrition or high calcium levels (hypercalcemia). By simply soaking your feet or entire body in a bath containing Epsom salt, internal levels of magnesium can be increased naturally without taking magnesium supplements.
Magnesium regulates over 300 enzymes in the body and plays an important role in organizing many bodily functions, including muscle control, energy production, electrical impulses and the elimination of harmful toxins. Magnesium deficiencies contribute to today’s high rates of heart disease, stroke, arthritis, osteoporosis, chronic fatigue syndrome, digestive disorders as well as mental illness. By boosting your internal magnesium levels through external use of Epsom salt, you can help improve or ward off many avoidable health ailments.

2. Reduces Stress

Everyone has heard of the recommendation to have a good soak in a warm bath after a rough day (whether mentally or physically rough) — it’s a great way to bust stress.  If you want to amplify the stress-reducing benefits of a nice, long soak, then add a cup or two of Epsom salt to your bathwater. Not only will the magnesium in the Epsom salt help to relax your muscles, it can also help to relax your mind.
According to research from the University of North Carolina, magnesium deficiency enhances stress reactions. Further studies show that magnesium has a profound effect on stress and neural excitability — and magnesium salts such as Epsom salt can reduce stress and improve neuropsychiatric disorders. Magnesium is critical to the production of energy in cells so, by increasing magnesium levels, you can feel revived without feeling restless (as opposed to how people feel revived from caffeine consumption).

3. Eliminates Toxins

The sulfates in Epsom salt assist the body in flushing out toxins and providing a heavy metal detox from the body’s cells, hence lowering the internal accumulation of harmful substances. Human skin is a highly porous membrane; by adding minerals like magnesium and sulfate to your bathwater, it sparks a process called reverse osmosis, which literally pulls salt out of your body and dangerous toxins along with it.
For a detoxing bath, add at least two cups of Epsom salt to bathwater and soak for 40 minutes total. The first 20 minutes will give your body time to remove toxins from your system while the last 20 minutes will allow you to absorb the minerals in the water and help you emerge from the bath feeling rejuvenated. Make sure to consume water before, during and after the bath to protect yourself from dehydration and increase detoxification.
Epsom salt benefits - Dr. Axe

4. Relieves Constipation

Epsom salt is an FDA-approved laxative and is commonly used to naturally relieve constipation. When taken internally, Epsom salt acts like a laxative by increasing water in the intestines and cleansing the colon of waste. A roundup of studies published in Therapeutic Advances in Gastroenterology notes that there is strong evidence that Epsom salt “has potent laxative effect in vitro through the release of digestive hormones and neurotransmitters.”
Internal use of Epsom salt can bring about temporary relief from constipation, but like any laxative, it is not meant to be a long-term solution or a substitute for a healthy high-fiber diet.
If a laxative solution is a must, it’s smart to avoid many of the harsh laxatives on the market today, which are commonly loaded with artificial colors and flavors and questionable chemicals. To take magnesium sulfate orally, it’s typically suggested to dissolve one dose in eight ounces of water. Stir this mixture and drink all of it right away. You may add a small amount of lemon juice to improve the taste. 
Make sure to drink plenty of liquids while consuming Epsom salt to prevent dehydration. Magnesium sulfate taken orally should produce a bowel movement within 30 minutes to six hours.

5. Reduces Pain & Inflammation

A warm bath containing Epsom salt is known to ease pain and relieve the inflammation at the root of most diseases, making it a beneficial natural treatment for bronchial asthma, sore muscles and headaches (including migraines). Epsom salt can also help heal cuts and reduce the swelling that accompanies sprains and bruises.
Have an annoying and painful splinter stuck in your hand? Soak the problem area in warm water and Epsom salt, and the splinter should be drawn out of the skin in no time! Soreness after childbirth? Epsom salt can help with that, too. In general, healthy magnesium levels from Epsom salt use can help overall bodily inflammation since low magnesium has been linked with higher C-reactive protein (CRP), a marker of inflammation in the body.

6. Improves Blood Sugar Levels

Healthy magnesium levels have been linked with a reduced risk of developing diabetes. Epsom salt is an excellent source of magnesium. Both magnesium and sulfate help improve the body’s ability to produce and utilize insulin. Regular intake of Epsom salts, either orally or transdermally, can help to regulate blood sugar, lowering the risk of diabetes and improving daily energy levels. Studies continue to show how a healthy intake of magnesium is associated with a lower risk of the development of type 2 diabetes in both men and women, proving Epsom salts work as natural diabetes remedies.

7. Volumizes Hair

Adding Epsom salt to hair products can help decrease excess oil, which contributes to hair looking flat and weighed down. One easy way to create your own volumizing conditioner at home is to combine equal parts Epsom salt and conditioner (example: two tablespoons conditioner + two tablespoons Epsom salt). After shampooing hair as usual, apply the volumizing conditioner mix to hair, coating it from the scalp to the ends. Leave the mix in for 1o to 20 minutes before rinsing. This is a great weekly hair treatment.

Epsom Salt History & Interesting Facts

The magnesium contained in Epsom salt is a mineral that is crucial to the human body’s functioning. Some of the key roles of magnesium include keeping blood pressure normal, heart rhythm steady and bones strong.
Sulfate is an essential mineral key to many biological processes, helping flush toxins; cleanse the liver; and assisting in the formation of proteins in joints, brain tissue and mucin proteins. Recent studies have shown that Epsom salt (magnesium sulfate) can even be used intravenously for the treatment of asthma and pre-eclampsia (pregnancy induced hypertension) in pregnant women.
Unlike other salts, external contact with Epsom salt does not leave the skin feeling dry, but actually leaves the skin feeling soft and silky.
Today, many people are aware of how prevalent vitamin D deficiency has become, but the prevalence of magnesium deficiency is less well-known. Most likely, the increase in magnesium deficiencies stems largely from the increased consumption of processed foods in our diets. Studies have shown that most Americans consume magnesium at levels below the recommended daily allowance. Research from the Medical University of South Carolina found that 68 percent of U.S. adults consume less than the RDA of magnesium and 19 percent consume less than half of the RDA.

Epsom Salt — Where to Find It and How to Use

Epsom salt can pretty much be found at any drugstore and is very affordable. One- to two-pound bags are typically in stock, but smaller sizes are available as well. You can usually find Epsom salt where you find peroxide and rubbing alcohol or in the laxative section. Once you have your Epsom salt at home, store it at room temperature away from moisture and heat (this prevents it from becoming compacted).
When it comes to external use of Epsom salt for health reasons, the most common recommendation is to soak the entire body in warm water containing one to two cups of Epsom salt for at least 20 minutes. A half-cup of Epsom salt can also be added to a large pan of warm water for a 20-minute foot bath.
For internal use of Epsom salt, follow the guidelines on the packaging or consult your physician.
Epsom salt has a long history of use in the garden as well. For more robust vegetables, you can try adding a tablespoon of Epsom salt to the soil underneath a plant to boost growth. Epsom salt is also great for indoor gardening. For potted plants, simply dissolve two tablespoons of Epsom salt per gallon of water, and substitute this solution for normal watering once a month.
Looking to get rid of slugs from your walkways and patios without using chemicals? Sprinkle some Epsom salt to keep them away! For itchy skin, bug bites or sunburn, you can dissolve a tablespoon of Epsom salt in a half cup of cool water in a spray bottle and spritz on skin as needed.
Epsom salt can also be used for household cleaning. To clean tile and grout, mix equal parts of liquid dish soap and Epsom salt and apply this mixture to dirty and/or stained surfaces anywhere in your home. Allow the mixture to soak in for a couple of minutes, scrub away the loosened filth and rinse clean.
Epsom salt uses - Dr. Axe

Epsom Salt Recipes

Bone & Joint Pain Relief

Soaking in a relaxing bath containing Epsom salt is a tried-and-true natural remedy for bone and joint pain. The Epsom salt can be added to the bath or used as a compress.

Heel Spur Aid

Since magnesium is key to bone health, Epsom salt can be a great natural remedy for a heel spur. A heel spur is caused by displacement of calcium on the bone that forms on the underside of the heel. Heel spurs can be mildly to extremely painful. One natural solution for healing a heel spur is to soak the foot in a warm bath with Epsom salt, which helps relieve the inflammation and pain associated with the heel spur.

Gallbladder Flush

The gallbladder is not as well-understood or talked about as our other organs, but an optimally functioning gallbladder is something we all should strive for when it comes to our health. Some of the warning signs that you may have a gallbladder problem include gallbladder pain, poor fat digestion, rosacea of skin and leaky gut syndrome. Epsom salt can be utilized in a gallbladder and liver flush recipe.

Detoxification & Healing

Epsom salt is a key ingredient in many detoxifying bath recipes. It can be used as a stand-alone salt for soaking, or it can be blended with dried botanicals and essential oils for a more decadent bathing experience.

Homemade Healing Bath Salts

Combining Epsom salt with baking soda and beneficial lavender oil makes for a simple, easy bath recipe to help you calm down, relieve tension on your muscles, and recover all-around both mentally and physically. Check out my full Homemade Healing Bath Salts recipe here.

Possible Side Effects of Epsom Salt Usage

Never use a higher dose of Epsom salt than what is recommended on the package label or as your doctor has directed. Magnesium sulfate taken orally can make it harder for your body to absorb other medications you take by mouth, especially antibiotics. Avoid taking other medicines within two hours before or after you take magnesium sulfate as a laxative. If you have rectal bleeding or if you do not have a bowel movement after using magnesium sulfate as a laxative, stop using the medication and call your doctor at once. These may be signs of a more serious condition.
Magnesium in any form, including Epsom salt, must be used with caution in patients with renal failure, since it is processed by the kidneys and can reach toxic levels easily in those patients. Magnesium sulfate is often used to successfully treat eclampsia and pre-eclampsia in pregnant women, but pregnant or nursing women should generally exercise caution and consult their doctors being using Epsom salt.
Common side effects of excessive intake of Epsom salt include mild gastrointestinal upset including nausea, abdominal cramping and/or diarrhea. Serious side effects of magnesium sulfate overdose include the following: allergic reaction (rash; hives; itching; breathing difficulties; chest tightness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips or tongue), dizziness, flushing, faintness, irregular heartbeat, muscle paralysis or muscle weakness, severe drowsiness, or sweating. You should tell your doctor immediately if you experience any of these symptoms after using Epsom salt. Serious side effects of Epsom salt are rare when used in recommended dosages.
As always, if you have any questions or health concerns, check with a doctor before internal or external use of Epsom salt.

Glaucoma Natural Treatment and Prevention

Glaucoma Natural Treatment and Prevention

Glaucoma - Dr.AxeGlaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness in the US only behind macular degeneration. It is caused by a build-up of fluid in the eye that puts pressure on the optic nerve, retina, and lens. The pressure can permanently damage the eye if not treated.
The cause is the accumulation of waste related to aging, high blood pressure, prescription drugs, and other eye-related illnesses. Medical treatment is essential to prevent further damage.
To start to improve and prevent glaucoma try these glaucoma natural treatments.

Top Foods for Glaucoma Diet

Here is the glaucoma natural treatment diet:
Foods high in carotenoids – Orange and yellow vegetables are critical to provide sufficient vitamin A to keep eyes healthy. Check out these foods highest in antioxidants.
Fresh fruit and vegetable juices – Juices will provide essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to keep eyes healthy.
Blueberries and cherries – These two super fruits cherries and blueberries contain anthocyanidin that can help fight free radicals that damage eyes.
Wild caught fish – EPA/DHA fatty acids and Astaxanthin found in wild caught salmon improve eye health.
Brewer’s yeast – Provides chromium, a mineral that has been shown to be beneficial for people with glaucoma.

Foods to Avoid

Food allergies – May be responsible for putting pressure on the eyes, avoid any foods that cause a reaction.
Caffeine – Has been shown to reduce blood flow to the eyes.
Alcohol – Liver toxicity can lead to eye problems, therefore it is best to avoid alcohol.
Sugar – Consuming foods high in sugar can cause premature aging of eyes and increase the risk of diabetes and glaucoma.

Glaucoma Natural Treatment

Here are the top 5 natural treatments for glaucoma and remedies:
#1 Bilberry (160 mg 2x daily)
This anthocyanoside extract helps improve blood flow and contains flavonoids that help support eye function.
#2 Astaxanthin (2 mg per day)
Astaxanthin a potent carotenoid, that can help prevent retinal damage.
#3 Fish Oil (1,000mg daily)
Aim for least 600 mg of EPA and 400 mg DHA to help relieve intraocular pressure.
#4 CoQ10 (300 mg daily)
An antioxidant that can help prevent free radical damage to the eyes.
#5 Magnesium (250 mg 2x daily)
Relaxes the blood vessel walls and improves blood flow.

Essential Oils for Glaucoma 

Frankincense oil has been demonstrated to improve eyesight, helichrysum oil improves vision and supports nerve tissue and cypress essential oil improve circulation which can improve glaucoma.  Apply 3 drops of any of these essential oils 2x daily on cheeks and lateral eye area but do not put directly into eyes.


Wednesday, 6 December 2017

Herbal Remedies to Increase Male Libido

Herbal Remedies to Increase Male Libido

There are many herbal remedies and medicinal herbs that have been used to increase male libido.
These herbs for low sex drive in men mostly look toward increasing testosterone levels in the body, stimulating sexual arousal and addressing exhaustion associated with poor sexual performance.
A good herbal libido supplement will address all of these areas simultaneously and play a role in a holistic approach to better overall health.

Natural Herbs Used to Increase Low Sex Drive in Men

Tribulus (Tribulus terrestris)
Tribulus gives rise to testosterone production by stimulating the pituitary gland to release luteinizing hormone (LH). This hormone, in turn, increases testosterone levels and enhances not only libido in men but also increases libido in women.
In men with high sperm morbidity (non-viable sperm) and low mobility, tribulus has also been observed to increase sperm count.
The active constituents in tribulus (furostanol glycosides) are found in highest concentrations in the plants’ leaves.
A standardized form of tribulus, TLSE, is obtained from the leaves and stems of tribulus and contains mostly furostanol glycosides. TLSE has shown to increase sperm count (but not in patients with chronic prostatitis), increase libido (including Klinefelter’s and Noonan’s syndrome) and was well tolerated by the study group.
Treatment of 51 infertile males with 750 mg/day TLSE for 3 months significantly increased ejaculate volume, spermatozoa concentration, motility, and velocity. Spermatozoa morphology normalized and ejaculate liquefaction time decreased. (Mediherb September 2006)
Damiana (Turnera Aphrodisiaca and Turnera diffusa)
The leaf of this herb has been used in Mexico as a sexual invigorated and male libido enhancer; since the times of the early Mayan people, this herb has once again be employed for low sex drive.
In western herbalism, damiana has also been prescribed to treat a low libido in both men and women where there is sexual dysfunction of nervous origin.
Tongkat Ali (Eurycoma longifolia)
The principal way this herb works is to increase testosterone in the blood. This herb is traditionally prescribed in Malaysia as an aphrodisiac, an herbal treatment for impotence or sexual dysfunction and as a sexual enhancer.
Tongkat ali seems not only to assist in maintaining erections but also increases low sex drive or sexual desire.
Asian Ginseng(Panax ginseng)
It is in Japan that this herb is prescribed to treat lack of sexual desire, and prescribed as a circulatory stimulant. Korean ginseng is also a key herb in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and is prescribed to calm nerves, treat weariness, anxiety, insomnia and general weakness.
Korean ginseng is contraindicated for those with high blood pressure and people using warfarin or phenelzine.
This herb is also best avoided during times of acute infection. In the west, it is prescribed for exhaustion, depression and low libido.
Horny Goat Weed (Epimedium grandiflora)
This herb has been used for centuries to improve low sex drive and performance. In recent times, horny goat weed has been found to support the neurotransmitters in the brain to stimulate sexual arousal.
In addition to increasing sexual arousal, this herb is prescribed where there is a greater need for improved circulation, and to treat exhaustion with little risk of side effects.
Horny goat weed is contraindicated if you are taking heart or blood pressure medications, or if you have insulin dependent diabetes (Type 1).
Other natural herbs that have been used for low sex drive.
 

The Use of Herbal Supplements for Low Male Libido

Before using herbs to increase male libido, conditions that are known to cause male impotence including depression, stress, heart disease, diabetes, alcohol abuse and hypothyroidism must be excluded.
Herbs for low libido can be combined with herbs to address the cause of decreased sexual function as well as the symptoms.
Male herbal libido enhancement is a cost-effective way to treat this common condition but keep in mind that the use of appropriate herbal libido supplements should be discussed with your health care practitioner.

Herbal Remedies as a Treatment for High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)

Herbal Remedies as a Treatment for High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)

Medicinal herbs for high blood pressure relief can often be used with success as part of an overall lifestyle assessment.
Today most natural treatment to relieve high blood pressure symptoms will almost certainly contain the herb hawthorn along with magnesium, coenzyme Q-10, and vitamin E.
Hypertension is the medical term for high blood pressure, where a consistently high blood pressure reading, taken over a number of occasions has a systolic reading of over 140mm Hg.
Lifestyle, including diet, alcohol, and stress should form a major part in addressing hypertension; taking time out to look at what factors are adding to this condition should be a priority for anyone diagnosed with this ailment.
Herbs for high blood pressure are usually taken in relatively low doses and many herbs for hypertension treatment need to be monitored for their drug interactions.
These herbs should always be taken under the supervision of a professional health care practitioner and before using medicinal herbs for high blood pressure treatment, it is vital to seek out professional help and get a full diagnosis of hypertension.
It should also be kept in mind that if an increase in the severity of the symptoms associated with high blood pressure occurs it is important to seek proper medical care as soon as possible.
herbs for high blood pressure
Medicinal Herbs for High Blood Pressures – ©The Herbal Resource

Natural Herbs For High Blood Pressure Treatment

Hawthorn (Crataegus oxyacantha)
Hawthorn berries are known to relieve hypertension and reduce high blood pressure and also to treat orthostatic hypotension, where blood pressure drops abnormally upon standing.
Hawthorn works by increasing stroke volume, where the amount of blood per heart beat is increased, and lowering blood pressure and pulse rate. Hawthorn also dilates the peripheral blood vessels which improve circulation.
Coleus (Coleus forskholii)
Like hawthorn, coleus increases stroke volume; it also reduces the risk of blood clots and lowers blood pressure by acting to relax the arterial walls. Coleus is a unique herb for high blood pressure as it elevates Cyclic Amp which boosts the body’s metabolism.
Olive Leaves (Olea europaea)
Olive leaves have been a traditional Tunisian folk remedy for hypertension and have gained attention in studies where this herb has shown to be effective in treating moderate hypertension.
In one study, participants showed a progressive decrease in their blood pressure over the treatment period. On average, total reductions were about 18mm Hg for systolic blood pressures and about 10 mm Hg for diastolic pressures.
Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa)
Roselle has been used traditionally as a medicinal herb for high blood pressure for centuries.
In recent times, studies done on the herb have validated some of its alleged therapeutic properties and traditional uses.
Roselle has diuretic properties and draws sodium from the bloodstream, thus decreasing the pressure on the arterial walls.
Substances found in the plant have been shown to have a similar, but weaker, effect as angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE).
ACE inhibitors are a conventional medication used as a treatment for high blood pressure. They work by slowing down or inhibit the angiotensin-converting enzyme, a vital part of the renin-angiotensin system that regulates blood pressure and fluid balance.
Due to this inhibition, blood vessels relax and blood volume is lowered, decreasing blood pressure.
While roselle is certainly not as effective as ACE drugs, it can still be quite effective. The herb is mostly used in tea form. One or two teaspoons of the dried herbs can be added in one cup of hot (not boiling) water.
Lily of the Valley (Convallaria majalis)
This herb acts in a similar way to coleus and hawthorn, it is indicated where a diuretic action is also of benefit where the pulse is feeble and weak.
Convallaria slows and regulates the heartbeat and lowers blood pressure. Lily of the valley is often prescribed where there is mild heart failure associated with aging and is considered to be safer and to have fewer side effects than foxglove.
Garlic (Allium sativum)
Garlic has been used for a long time to lower blood pressure. The garlic’s medicinal effects are mainly due to the sulfur-containing substance allicin, but also to some extent to diallyl disulfide and diallyl trisulfide.
Allicin is also responsible for the strong and distinctive odor associated with garlic.
Cooked garlic, odorless garlic supplements or aged preparations do not contain enough allicin for medicinal purposes so it is recommended to use raw fresh garlic.
One to four cloves should cover the daily dosage in order to achieve the desired medicinal effect.
Other natural herbs for high blood pressure are: