The best herbs for high blood pressure
Why not explore the benefits of natural herbs to help keep high blood pressure in check? While they can’t replace the pillars of sound nutrition, physical activity, relaxation, and a good night’s sleep, research shows that some herbs are good for high blood pressure. They may have lots of other health benefits as well, so you can’t go wrong and you may even find that you expand your meal repertoire with new flavors!
Note: Because some herbs and spices may interact with blood pressure and blood thinner medications, you should always consult your doctor about whether they are safe for you to use.
Adding the following herbs and spices to your cooking may help reduce blood pressure levels:
Bring on the basil
Yes, your pesto can be good for your heart. This darling of traditional Chinese medicine is a popular ingredient in many cuisines, including Italian, Thai, and Vietnamese. Pair this herb with tomatoes and you’re on the right track for lower blood pressure!
Pass the parsley
It’s not just for garnish anymore – this super herb deserves its own seat at the table. Did you know that parsley is a powerful natural diuretic (diuretics increase the amount of urine you produce), which can help reduce blood pressure and bloating? Added plus: a single tablespoon of fresh chopped parsley provides more than 70% of the recommended daily intake of vitamin K.
Drink some celery
Celery, including its seeds and as juice, is reputed to help with hypertension. While more evidence is needed, a natural chemical called 3-n-butylphthalide found in celery has been found to lower blood pressure in animals.
Go for the garlic
Studies suggest that garlic is a winner when it comes to your heart health. Garlic can lower blood pressure levels, reduce overall cholesterol, remove plaque from your artery walls, and generally give your entire cardiovascular system a boost.
There are lots of ways to incorporate garlic into your meals. Here’s an easy non-recipe with a big payoff: Cut off the top of the head of garlic, stick the bulb in foil, drizzle on some olive oil, and bake at 400°F until soft – about half an hour. The resulting cloves will be soft, with a mellow flavor. They are great for throwing on top of a low-fat protein, having with whole wheat bread, adding to cherry tomatoes – the options are endless. Garlic is also terrific minced and sautéed in olive oil with onions as a base for soups and sauces. If you can handle raw garlic, try adding it to homemade salad dressings.
Try some thyme
Wow! So many vitamins (A, C, E, and K) and minerals (calcium, potassium, iron, and phosphorus)! No wonder thyme is widely used in traditional medicine.
You can sneak this herb for high blood pressure into lots of dishes. Roast some potatoes with thyme and olive oil, add it to soups for a more robust flavor, and swap it for salt.
Sprinkle on some cinnamon
Try this ancient remedy for relaxing your blood vessels. Add it to tea or coffee for your daily dose or mix it in to your oatmeal. It also works well in savory stews.
Spice it up with ginger
This superfood is widely praised for its many health benefits, including its possible antihypertensive properties. It makes a great addition to stir-fries and soups. Try a tonic of ginger, turmeric, lemon, and hot water. You can find ginger fresh, dried, or in capsules.
Medical Disclaimer
The articles provided on this website are for informational purposes only. In addition, it is written for a generic audience and not a specific case; therefore, this information should not be used for diagnostic or medical treatment. This site does not attempt to replace the patient-physician relationship and fully recommends the reader to seek out the best care from his/her physician and/or diabetes educator.
References
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31252093/
https://www.atlantis-press.com/proceedings/icohsst-20/125955536
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6966105/
https://europepmc.org/article/pmc/5059611
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30972845/
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