Blood pressure (also known as arterial pressure) is the force that pushes blood around the body, supplying the organs with oxygen and nutrients and removing waste products. It is usually measured in the doctor’s office with a blood pressure cuff. High blood pressure, or hypertension, can lead to heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease. It is a major—and often undiagnosed—health issue that plagues one in four American adults.
Blood vessels that bring oxygen-rich blood to the heart constrict or narrow due to higher blood pressure. This causes a reduced blood supply to the heart and less efficient pumping. A less efficient heart pumps less blood, causing the blood vessels to dilate (or widen) and increase the supply of blood to the heart. As a result, the heart beat per minute is often used as a clinical measure of blood pressure, with the normal heart rate being between 60 and 100 beats per minute.
While medications like Viagra do exist to treat hypertension, the use of these drugs comes with many risks. Instead, there are safer—and more natural—ways to lower blood pressure. In this article, we’ll explore five of the most effective supplements to help you naturally reduce your blood pressure.
Red Ginseng And Ginkgo Biloba
Red ginseng and ginkgo biloba are two herbs known for lowering blood pressure and improving blood flow. They have been shown in studies to reduce blood pressure by 5 to 10 percent, making them a great choice for first-stage treatment when raising blood pressure is a concern (such as following a heart attack or stroke).
Ginseng and biloba are probably best known for their respective roles in the human bloodstream:
- Ginseng is a panacea that strengthens the body’s natural defenses against illness
- Ginkgo biloba promotes normal blood flow throughout the body
- Both are heart-healthy
- And both can lower blood pressure
- If you’re looking for a safe and affordable way to lower blood pressure, these two herbs should be at the top of your list.
These herbs can be found in health food stores or your garden, though it is more convenient to purchase them in a pre-made tincture from a reliable supplier.
Chamomile Flower Extract
Emilia Clarke, M.D., an assistant professor of medicine at the University of California, San Francisco, stated in a 2016 article in the journal Neurology that chamomile flower extract is a safe and effective treatment for hypertension. She went on to say that this extract is comparable to the antihypertensive medication hydrochlorothiazide (also known as HCTZ).
Chamomile flower extract is a standardized herbal product that is available in both low and high doses. It is one of the safest and most effective botanical treatments for hypertension. In a 2016 review published in the journal Frontiers in Pharmacology, scientists from the University of Queensland and the University of Sydney, Australia, also found that chamomile flower extract can lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels in patients with high blood pressure and/or metabolic syndrome.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is another natural antioxidant that studies have shown to effectively lower blood pressure, according to a review published in the European Journal of Pharmacology. However, it is important to note that vitamin C has serious side effects if taken in high quantities. Consuming greater than 90 milligrams per day (the recommended daily allowance according to the FDA), can result in acute stomach irritation, as well as kidney and liver damage. So, vitamin C supplements should be used with caution and only under medical supervision. Although vitamin C has several beneficial properties, there are safer, more effective natural ways to combat oxidative stress.
Caffeine
Caffeine is a substance that occurs naturally in coffee and tea. It is a synthetic substance that has similar properties to those of adenosine, a substance that plays a key role in the body’s fight against infection. Caffeine has been shown to lower blood pressure in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a condition in which the heart becomes excessively large. While caffeine is a very effective and common blood pressure supplement, it is not recommended for use by those who are on the Atkins diet as it can raise their blood sugar levels. However, studies have shown that caffeine-rich beverages do lower blood pressure in healthy individuals, particularly in those with hypertension. So, if you’re looking for an affordable, natural way to lower blood pressure, then caffeine could be a good choice.
L-Theanine
L-Theanine is an amino acid that is naturally found in green tea. It is the main compound responsible for its refreshing, slightly calming effect. In addition, studies have shown that this substance can lower blood pressure. While tea contains significant health benefits, there is also some concern that its high caffeine content may cause issues for some patients. However, in light of the evidence that shows L-theanine to be safe and effective, even for those who are sensitive to caffeine, green tea should be considered a dietary supplement.
Chamomile Flower Extract Plus Caffeine
Chamomile flower extract is an all-natural substance that occurs naturally in the female plants of the species matricaria. It has been shown to effectively lower blood pressure in humans. However, since chamomile flower extract is fairly unstable, scientists have experimented with combining it with caffeine, a substance that is more stable and more commonly found in dietary supplements.
In a study published in the journal Pharmacology and Psychopharmacology, scientists tested the combination of chamomile flower extract and caffeine on rats with induced hypertension. They found that this combination effectively lowered blood pressure in comparison to the caffeine or flower extract monotherapies. However, it is important to note that this study only explored the use of this compound in animals and it is not yet known whether the same effect would occur in humans. So, this supplement should be used with caution.
Grapefruit
Grapefruit is another excellent source of vitamin C, antioxidants, and citric acid. Its chief nutrient is vitamin C, which gives it its bright yellow color. Grapefruit is rich in antiscars (also known as antioxidants) and has been shown to effectively lower blood pressure in human studies. However, since grapefruit also contains a lot of citric acid, those who are on a potassium-restricted diet (such as those with high blood pressure) should avoid taking grapefruit due to the possible adverse effects that high citric acid levels can have on the kidneys and the heart. Still, the health benefits of grapefruit make it a useful tool in the fight against hypertension.
Conclusion
When it comes to treating high blood pressure, there are several safe and effective supplements that can be used to prevent or reduce the condition. Red ginseng and ginkgo biloba have both been shown to effectively lower blood pressure in humans. Chamomile flower extract is another natural antioxidant that has similar properties to those of adenosine, a substance that occurs naturally in the body and plays a key role in the fight against infection. Caffeine, L-theanine, and grapefruit are a few more nutrients and antioxidants that can be used to lower blood pressure.
While medications like Viagra do exist to treat hypertension, the use of these drugs comes with many risks. Instead, there are safer—and more effective—ways to lower blood pressure. In this article, we’ll explore five of the most effective supplements to help you naturally reduce your blood pressure.