Alternative Medicine for High Blood Pressure

There are two forms of high blood pressure - primary (essential) hypertension and secondary hypertension. Most people have the former, primary hypertension, of which there is no one identifiable cause. However, there are a lot of things that may factor in towards high blood pressure. These things are lack of physical activity, high sodium intake, being overweight, smoking and excessive alcohol use, not enough potassium intake, stress, age, and genetics. With that list of precursors and a multitude of possible combinations, it's no wonder that millions of Americans have high blood pressure. While there are more and more conventional medicines becoming available for high blood pressure, there are also many other options in the field of alternative medicine. Conventional medicine prescriptions can become very expensive, and most have unfavorable side effects. Alternative medicine usually wins out here, as the treatments are much lower in cost and usually in potential side effects as well. And now on to the remedies...

- Rauwolfia serpentina (also called Indian Snakeroot) is a very powerful herb that has been shown to significantly lower blood pressure with just one dose. It works by controlling the nerve impulses along specific nerve pathways, which then work on the heart and blood vessels to help lower blood pressure. Though in general the effects produced won't be noticed for a few days, usually a small dose is all that is needed to begin lowering blood pressure. Side effects are possible with this herb - nasal congestion being the most common, with a less probable chance of developing dizziness and dry mouth. It is available as a homeopathic remedy in some health stores or can be found easily online, in the form of pills, granules or liquid.

- Fish oil studies have been shown to have a good effect on high blood pressure. Fish oil contains EPA, DHA and omega-3 fatty acids, the latter two of which science has shown to dialte the blood vessels over time and thus lower blood pressure. Fish oil capsules are commonly available in general retail stores, health stores and pharmacies alike. It's suggested to invest in a higher-priced brand unless you want to deal with a fishy flavor.

- The herb hawthorn is great for high blood pressure, as studies have shown it to be very useful for this after only a few weeks of taking the supplement and having a reduction in diastolic blood pressure. It helps with blood circulation, to easily reach the heart and provide oxygen to the body without the heart having to word harder - naturally, this will lower blood pressure.

- Potassium, magnesium and calcium are great natural, easy ways to work on lowering blood pressure and keeping it low. Just incorporate foods high in these minerals, such as bananas, soy, grapes, watermelon, dairy products, and foods infused with calcium. If you think you're still not getting enough of something, you can easily get a mineral supplement for it.

- Garlic is a known blood thinner that works similar to aspirin, and studies have shown it to provide a significant reduction in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Adding more garlic into the foods you eat and/or looking into a garlic supplement (which are widely available) is a good way to work on mildly high blood pressure over time. However, garlic may interact with other drugs and supplements you are taking, especially if you are using another blood thinning agent such as aspirin, vitamin E or some prescription drugs. It's best to speak to your doctor before starting a garlic supplement.

- Acupuncture famously comes from traditional Chinese medicine, but has become very popular in the western world as well. It has been shown to lower blood pressure, as it helps reduce activity of parts of the nervous system that are responsible for the beating of the heart and blood pressure. It also relaxes a person, which will help lower stress if that may be a cause in high blood pressure.