FACTS ABOUT HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE/ HYPERTENSION & USEFUL HERBS

High blood pressure or hypertension means high pressure (tension) in the arteries. Arteries are vessels that carry blood from the pumping heart to all the tissues and organs of the body. High blood pressure does not mean excessive emotional tension, although emotional tension and stress can temporarily increase blood pressure. Normal blood pressure is below 120/80; blood pressure between 120/80 and 139/89 is called "pre–hypertension", and a blood pressure of 140/90 or above is considered high. The top number, the systolic blood pressure, corresponds to the pressure in the arteries as the heart contracts and pumps blood forward into the arteries. The bottom number, the diastolic pressure, represents the pressure in the arteries as the heart relaxes after the contraction. The diastolic pressure reflects the lowest pressure to which the arteries are exposed. An elevation of the systolic and/or diastolic blood pressure increases the risk of developing heart (cardiac) disease, kidney disease, hardening of the arteries, eye damage, and stroke. Here are some good herbs in order to maintain a healthy blood pressure level:

 Hawthorne Berry. Hawthorne Berry is valuable in cardiovascular health, because of its ability to enlarge blood vessels and strengthen the heart. Hawthorne Berry also helps to promote good circulation throughout the body, treat hypertension, and strengthen structural components in the body. Hawthorns active components are mostly flavonoids and procyanidins. Hawthorn is also a source of tannins, carboxylic acids, triterpenes and simple amines. The beneficial effect of hawthorn berry is because of the synergy of all of its components. The flavonoids in hawthorn berry have been proven to dilate peripheral and coronary blood vessels, alleviating hypertension and angina. Studies have found that hawthorn works in three important ways: it eases blood flow, lowers blood pressure and strengthens the heart muscle. 

 Motherwort. Motherwort originally came from central Eurasia, but has now spread to all temperate areas of the world. The Latin name, cardiaca refers to the heart, and motherwort has traditionally been used to treat heart-related conditions. The ancient Greeks and Romans used Motherwort to treat heart palpitations as well as depression, which they considered a problem of the heart. Motherwort contains lionurine and stachydrine, alkaloids that help lower blood pressure and also have a sedating effect on the central nervous system, which supports motherwort’s traditional use as a treatment for depression anxiety. The calming effects of Motherwort may benefit those experiencing anxiety as well as those having trouble sleeping. 

 Passion flower. Passion flower was cultivated by Native Americans, both for its edible fruit and for its medicinal value. Europeans learned about passion flower from the Aztecs of Mexico, who used it as a sedative to treat insomnia and nervousness. In Europe the flowers are added to numerous pharmaceuticals to treat nerve disorders, heart palpitations, anxiety, and high blood pressure. Unlike most sedative drugs, passion flower has been shown to be non addictive. Passion flower can be such a powerful herbal remedy because it calms muscle tension and twitching without affecting respiratory rate or mental function the way many pharmaceutical sedatives do. A group of harmane alkaloids in passion flower have demonstrated antispasmodic activity and the ability to lower blood pressure. In addition, a flavonoid named chrysin has demonstrated significant anti-anxiety activity. 

 Garlic. Garlic belongs to the family of onions that is known to have an impeccable effect on the whole cardiovascular system. Studies have shown the therapeutic working of garlic over high blood pressure. It has been shown that garlic works in the direction of maintaining normal blood pressure by reducing the spasms occurring in the veins that carry blood. The various elements present in garlic also work positively by bringing down the pulse rate of the heart to moderate levels. Researchers explain the garlic ingredient allicin likely prevents pulmonary hypertension by causing the constricted blood vessels to relax, and by preventing damage to the blood vessels other useful compounds of garlic are Allyls and Alliinase, helps vitamin B1 be more effective in the body and allicin, and promotes the digestion of protein. In a meta-analysis of seven randomized controlled trials of garlic supplements, three trials showed a significant reduction in systolic blood pressure and four in diastolic blood pressure. Researchers concluded that garlic powder supplement may be of clinical use in patients with mild high blood pressure. 

Olive leaf. Olive leaf extract comes from the olive tree, a member of the evergreen family native to the Mediterranean region, but grown around the world. Olive leaf contains a complex structure of substances which act as vasodilators, lowering blood pressure. The hypotensive action of olive leaf has been studied for two decades: Researchers noted a statistically significant decrease of blood pressure for all patients, without side effects. One of the most active chemicals found in the leaves of olive trees is known as. oleuropein. In studies, oleuropein not only prevented the development of high blood pressure but also reduced existing high blood pressure. Although the possible reasons for these effects are not known, it is thought that oleuropein may relax blood vessels, and it may also prevent deposits of plaque that lead to arteriosclerosis or "hardening of the arteries". Besides lowering the blood pressure olive leaf have been reported to: enhance the immune system, increase energy, have an internal cleansing action, act as anti-viral, anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, and anti-parasitic, lower fats, and reduce blood sugar.
 

These herbs Hawthorn berry (200 mg), Motherwort (165 mg), Olive leaf (100 mg), Garlic (100 mg) and Passion flower (65 mg) together forms Blood Pressure Combo.