Blood pressure higher than 140/90 mm Hg is known as high blood pressure or hypertension. High blood pressure is indeed a very dangerous ailment which should always be put under control with proper medications prescribed by a doctor or health professional. Various allopathic drugs like beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, diuretics and vasodilators can be used for the treatment of hypertension. But you can also try some alternative herbal medicines after consulting with your doctor. Many herbal teas are known for curing or lowering high blood pressure. Here are some herbal teas which you can definitely try.
1. Siberian ginseng tea
Eleutherococcus senticosus or more popularly siberian ginseng is a very useful medicinal plant. A herbal tea can be prepared from either fresh or dried and powdered roots of this shrubby plant. Siberian ginseng has certain compounds which help in relaxing the blood vessels and lowering the blood pressure. It is also known to protect the cardiac muscles from damage and also helps in lowering cholesterol levels.
2. Reishi tea
Reishi mushrooms which is also known as ‘phantom mushrooms’ (in Japan) is very difficult to locate. But they are also cultivated in closed environments. Tea can be made of reishi but it should never be eaten raw because it contains many harmful bacteria. This healthy decoction helps in lowering blood pressure by reducing the impulses created by sympathetic nerve. It can also lower the cholesterol levels. It should always be taken under proper medical supervision. Moreover, you should not continue taking it for more than 3 months at a stretch.
3. Bitter orange tea
Citrus aurantium or bitter orange which is famous for its weight losing benefits can also lower high blood pressure. Only a highly concentrated bitter orange tea can lower blood pressure whereas a low concentrated tea will have the opposite effect. Natsudaidin, a compound found in bitter orange helps in lowering blood pressure when used in the correct concentration. Pregnant women should always avoid bitter orange. Bitter orange is known to slow down the heart rate in humans which in turn lowers the blood pressure.
4. Corn silk tea
Corn silk is obtained from the flowering stigmas of zea mays or the corn plant. It has very strong diuretic properties which help in treating high blood pressure. A herbal tea can be prepared from dried corn silk. When this tea is consumed thrice daily, it helps in releasing the excess water in the form of urine without lowering the potassium levels. Corn silk is rich in potassium content and has no harmful side effects. Always consult your doctor before taking it.
5. Hibiscus tea
A sour decoction of the beautiful hibiscus flower can lower high blood pressure in humans. Drinking a cup of hibiscus tea daily made by boiling 2 tablespoons of dried hibiscus in one cup of water helps in treating mild hypertension.
6. Jiaogulan tea
Gynostemma pentaphyllum or jiaogulan is a wild plant that is found in China and also in many other Asian countries. It is also known as ‘Southern ginseng’. It has various medicinal properties like lowering blood pressure, reducing cholesterol level in blood, improving immunity, delaying the process of ageing, prevent cancer and arteriosclerosis. A herbal tea can be prepared from jiaogulan by boiling it in water for 3 minutes and it has no side-effects.
7. Nettle tea
Urtica dioica is a perennial flowering herb which is found in Asia, Europe, North America and North Africa. It has diuretic properties and helps in lowering blood pressure. Tea made from this plant is very beneficial. It is totally safe and can be consumed by almost all people who suffer from high blood pressure.
8. Tea-leaf flower
It is a kind of shrub like herb with tender leaves. The decoction made by boiling these tender leaves in water is very tasty and aromatic. It helps in reducing high blood pressure.
