(NaturalNews) High blood pressure – also known as hypertension – is a very common problem here in America. It has also been nicknamed the "silent killer" because, although it very rarely has any signs or symptoms associated with it, it is a major risk factor for heart attacks and strokes. Because it is such a common issue, there are many prescription medications available to help treat it. But all of these medications come with an array of side effects which range from dizziness upon standing to electrolyte imbalances to damage to the kidneys. That is why so many people are becoming interested in natural ways to treat high blood pressure that do not come with these added risks. Below, some of the herbs which have been used historically to treat hypertension without the use of prescription drugs are discussed in more detail.

Basil

Mediterranean countries like Italy, as a whole, have lower rates of hypertension than the United States or even other countries in different parts of Europe. This may in part be due to high consumption of basil, which has been shown to lower blood pressure in several studies and which can be added easily to soups, stews, pasta dishes and fresh salads.⁽¹⁾

Cinnamon

Cinnamon has gained a lot of attention in the media in recent years because of its apparent ability to help diabetics control their blood sugar levels. However, several of these studies found that in addition to lowering the overall blood sugar levels of these diabetic patients, cinnamon had the ability to lower their blood pressure as well.⁽²⁾

Cardamom

Cardamom is an incredibly popular spice in India and other parts of Southeast Asia. While not as widely used in the United States, people are becoming more familiar with it here because of its use in chai tea. This is just as well, because apparently this spice has positive effects on blood pressure, too, and in one study, those who consumed it on a regular basis saw a significant improvement in their hypertension.⁽³⁾

Garlic

Garlic has long been touted as a great supporter of cardiac health. One of the reasons for this is that garlic contains active compounds that are able to relax the muscles around the arteries and allow those vessels to expand, thus lowering blood pressure as well as the risk of a heart attack or stroke. It should be consumed raw to get the full benefit, however.⁽⁴⁾

In short, if hypertension is a problem, there are many herbal-based remedies to choose. These herbs and spices can be added easily into many dishes that people are already eating. And what's even better, they can lower blood pressure levels naturally – and, more importantly, avoid the unpleasant or even dangerous side effects of prescription drugs.

Sources include:

(1) http://www.dailymail.co.uk

(2) http://www.greenmedinfo.com

(3) http://www.sunwarrior.com

(4) http://www.medindia.net


About the author:
Sandeep has written many health field articles for both Internet and print publication. He currently writing for insurancetips4u.co.

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