High blood pressure-also known as hypertension or “the silent killer”-affects 1 in 3 adult Americans, or roughly 67 million people, and that number only continues to grow.
High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a very common condition in older adults. An elevated blood pressure means that the heart must work harder to pump blood. High blood pressure can also damage the walls of the arteries. With time, hypertension increases the risk of heart disease, kidney disease, and stroke.
If you’ve been diagnosed with high blood pressure, you might be worried about taking medication to bring your numbers down. Before starting drug therapy, try lifestyle changes and some home remedies for high blood pressure.
Not surprisingly, things such as diet and exercise play a big role in lowering blood pressure, so always keep those two things at the forefront of your mind. Medications can be harsh, and while best avoided if possible, if you are on them, know that natural remedies can interfere with their functioning.
GINGER-CARDAMOM TEA
A study done in December of 2009 published in the Indian Journal of Biochemistry & Biophysics gave a group of participants 1 teaspoon of cardamom powder daily for several weeks.
The results showed a significant reduction in blood pressure. Combined with ginger and cinnamon, both warming spices that improve circulation, you can make a lovely tea to help your heart get healthy.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup of water2 teaspoons minced fresh ginger
- 1 teaspoon of cardamom pods
- 1 ½ tablespoons black tea or 1 teabag
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon of cinnamon powder
- 2-3 teaspoons of honey
- Mortar and pestle
Preparation:
Crush the cardamom pods to release the oil-there’s no need to grind them finely. In a pot combine all the ingredients except for the honey. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 6-9 minutes until you get a rich caramel brown color. Stir in honey and then strain into a mug. Drink 1-2 times daily.
HIBISCUS TEA
In a new study, drinking three cups of herbal tea containing hibiscus each day can lower high blood pressure.
Diane L. McKay, PhD, of Tufts University in Boston, presented the study of 65 healthy men and women with modestly elevated blood pressure at the American Heart Association (AHA) meeting here.
Overall, drinking hibiscus tea blends lowered systolic blood pressure – the top number in the blood pressure reading – by an average of 7 points.
Ingredients:
- 1-2 teaspoon of dried hibiscus
- 1 cup of fresh, piping hot water
- Honey, lemon (optional)
Preparation:
Bring water to a boil and add the hibiscus and allow it to steep for 5 minutes. Add honey or lemon to taste, and drink 2-3 times daily.
Source: everydayroots.com