Hypertension affects thousands of people, especially in Western countries. Unbalanced diet, stress, sedentary lifestyle, lack of exercise ... there are several factors responsible for a condition that, without follow-up or treatment, can lead to serious heart or brain problems. In this blog we propose you to know better some infusions that lower blood pressure and help you prevent or reduce this ailment.
What is high blood pressure
Blood pressure measures the force exerted by the blood against the walls of the arteries as the heart pumps blood in the body.We speak of high blood pressure, hypertension or high blood pressure, when the pressure is too strong. The pressure is measured with two numbers: the higher or systolic blood pressure (contraction phase of the heart), and the lower or diastolic blood pressure (resting phase of the heart). Generally, a pressure of 120/80 (i.e. 120 systolic and 80 diastolic) is considered normal, with a high pressure of 130/80 or 140/90 depending on the case. Untreated high blood pressure can lead to many conditions such as heart disease, stroke, kidney failure and eye problems.
The causes of hypertension are not always known, but several risk factors associated with it have been identified: age (which causes stiffness or degradation of artery walls), gender (men are more prone to high blood pressure than women), excessive salt intake, overweight and obesity, sedentary lifestyle, alcohol and tobacco use, a family history of familial hypertension, diabetes, a state of frequent stress or anxiety, as well as hormonal disorders.
How to lower blood pressure?
High blood pressure always requires medical supervision to decide on the suitability of an in-depth blood pressure lowering treatment. If we ask how to lower blood pressure, we will also be recommended to make changes in our lifestyle hygiene and our diet, such as reducing salt and alcohol intake, quitting smoking, and exercising on a regular basis. Several scientific studies have also demonstrated the relationship between increased consumption of foods rich in potassium (dates, avocados, mushrooms, spinach, bananas, lentils, nuts ...) and decreased hypertension.
In this blog our purpose is to let you know some infusions for high blood pressure that will help you prevent it, or that will contribute to its decrease in addition to your usual treatment. Remember to always talk to your doctor to avoid possible interactions between drugs and medicinal plants.
Some natural remedies for hypertension
Nature offers us several plants that we can take to lower blood pressure naturally.
Valerian
Among the plants to lower blood pressure highlights the valerian. Valerian lowers tension induced by stress and nervousness, thanks to its relaxing and sedative properties. As we explained before, a prolonged or repetitive anxious state can be responsible for increased blood pressure, so an infusion of valerian can be of great help. To enjoy its benefits, go ahead and try our delicious Valeriana Garden herbal tea with orange, rose hip, blackberry and raspberry leaves, apple and orange blossom!
Lavender
Lavender is also one of the herbs that lower blood pressure. Its coumarin content gives it sedative properties that help reduce stress and lower blood pressure caused by nervousness. It also has active ingredients that protect the cardiovascular system and promote blood circulation. You can enjoy the properties of lavender with our Rooibos La Provence that will bring you the sweetness of rooibos, the perfumed delicacy of lavender, and the flavor of blackcurrant. Rooibos La Provence is a great way to enjoy the properties of lavender.
Melissa
Melissa can be a good choice if we are looking for infusions for hypertension. It contains terpenic aldehydes, components with calming and sedative properties, which are also hypotensive agents. Stress, anxiety, insomnia, tachycardia and improved blood circulation are some of the problems for which lemon balm is often recommended. Try our Calm Moment herbal tea, diuretic and relaxing, with lemon balm, lime blossom, apple, blackberry leaves, rose hip and anise. Very tasty!
Chamomile
In addition to its relaxing effects that will benefit us in case of stress-related hypertension, chamomile, according to some studies, has the ability to promote the dilation of blood vessels and reduce blood pressure. Take advantage of its benefits with our Camomilla Golden herbal tea, which combines chamomile, apple and a touch of cinnamon. To be repeated!
- Rosemary
Another infusion to lower blood pressure is rosemary infusion. Rosemary is rich in flavonoids, antioxidants that fight free radicals, delay cellular aging and thus contribute to maintaining the good condition of the arteries and improve blood circulation. Delight yourself with our Mediterráneo herbal tea based on rosemary, lemon balm, apple and lemon verbena with a citrus touch!
- White tea and green tea
Very diuretic and low in tannins, white tea and green tea are excellent sources of polyphenols, antioxidants that protect us from cardiovascular disease, facilitate blood circulation and help prevent hypertension.
The caffeine content of white tea and green tea is low, but not zero, so we recommend that you consult your doctor first to make sure they are suitable for you. On the other hand, green tea, with its high antioxidant content, has the ability to lower the amount of bad cholesterol, which can be of great help to people who suffer from both hypertension and cholesterol.
- Other plants to lower blood pressure
As alternatives when looking for infusions to lower blood pressure, we can add horsetail, dandelion and olive leaves, other natural options to help us take care of ourselves.