The Silent Killer: Using Herbs in High Blood Pressure Management According to the American Heart Association, it is estimated that nearly one in three adults has high blood pressure. However, because there are often no symptoms, approximately one-third of these people don’t know they are affected, thus high blood pressure has sometimes been called ‘the silent killer.’ On a positive note, high blood pressure can be controlled by making healthy lifestyle choices and seeking appropriate medical treatment. While synthetic medications are one option, natural herbs for high blood pressure are also a popular alternative to conventional drugs. In fact, there are many well known natural remedies, including herbs, for high blood pressure which aim to address the causes of high blood pressure, rather than simply treating any symptoms. Effects of High Blood Pressure High blood pressure, or hypertension, is generally not an acute problem by itself; however, because of the long-term indirect effects of high blood pressure, and the other health issues that it can be an indicator of, physicians closely monitor blood pressure levels. While all levels of blood pressure put stress on the walls of your arteries, high blood pressure increases the workload of the heart and the development of unhealthy tissue growth, atheroma, within the walls of the arteries. Over time the heart muscle will tend to thicken, enlarge and become weaker in individuals with high blood pressure. Persistent high blood pressure is also a risk factor for strokes, heart failure, kidney failure, heart attacks, and arterial aneurysms. The following are some of the more well known and documented herbs for high blood pressure management: Hawthorne Berries: The berries of this important herb in traditional medicines have been described as one of the best heart tonics in the plant kingdom. Among their benefits to people with high blood pressure is their ability to dilate coronary blood vessels, thus helping to lower blood pressure. Hawthorne has also been shown to reduce levels of cholesterol in the blood and to help prevent the build-up of cholesterol on arterial walls. Garlic: Another important herb for the heart, garlic has been shown to benefit the cardiovascular system at large, including blood pressure. Clinical studies have been conducted which have provided evidence that eating one clove of garlic a day can significantly lower both systolic and diastolic blood pressure in people with high blood pressure, as much as 5 to 10 percent. Mistletoe: It is believed by many that mistletoe can function as a regulator of blood pressure. Thus, mistletoe has been recommended and used for people with both hypertension and hypotension (low blood pressure). According to preliminary research, European mistletoe has been effective in reducing symptoms of high blood pressure, including headaches and dizziness. Rauwolfia Serpentina: Rauwolfia is a small shrub whose medicinal properties lie in its dried roots. Also known as Indian snakeroot, rauwolfia is a powerful herb that can be taken in small doses to help lower blood pressure, although it can have many unpleasant side effects and should be used with caution. The drug reserpine, an extract from rauwolfia, is used in conventional medicines to treat high blood pressure and agitation. Olive leaf: Oleuropein, one of the constituents of olive leaves, has been found to lower blood pressure and decrease dilated arteries surrounding the heart in animal studies. Although the olive leaf has a long history of use as a herb for high blood pressure treatment, studies involving humans have yet to confirm its effectiveness. Reishi mushrooms: Among the most widely used medicinal mushrooms in the world, reishi mushrooms have been used to treat a range of ailments, including high blood pressure. The results of a double blind study have provided evidence to confirm the ability of reishi mushrooms to significantly lower high blood pressure in humans. The presence of triterpenes in reishi mushrooms are believed to be responsible for lowering blood pressure and improving circulation. While the isolated use of herbs for high blood pressure control is unlikely to yield significant positive results, the above herbs have been shown to offer some help in controlling high blood pressure when combined with healthy lifestyle changes. For example, while incorporating herbs into your management plan for high blood pressure, make sure to make other healthy nutritional decisions, including avoiding salt and increasing your intake of fruits and vegetables. While there is increased interest in using herbs for high blood pressure management, remember that, as is the case with conventional medicines, the use of natural remedies for high blood pressure may help control hypertension when used consistently, but they do not lead to a cure.