Throughout life, we can be surprised by both good and bad events, including those affecting our health that require special care and attention, such as high blood pressure. High blood pressure can affect people of all ages, especially those who are sedentary or elderly, and requires special care to prevent it from worsening your health. But not everyone likes or easily gets used to medications and end up preferring other natural methods for treatment. That’s why we will discuss treatment options for this disease and whether there is any natural remedy for high blood pressure as an alternative treatment. But before we talk about treatments, let’s understand what high blood pressure is and what it causes in the human body.

What is High Blood Pressure?

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is the abnormal and constant increase in blood pressure as it circulates through the arteries of the human body. It can be detected through a specific medical test that will show the values. Blood pressure readings equal to or greater than 140 x 90 mmHg indicate that the pressure is elevated.

In most cases, high blood pressure is inherited from the parents, but it can also be caused by certain illnesses and factors that can affect blood pressure, such as thyroid problems, obesity, alcohol consumption, excessive salt intake, a sedentary lifestyle, and generally poor habits.

In cases of mild hypertension, where the changes are small, some lifestyle changes can help remedy the situation. Exercising, losing weight, avoiding excessive alcohol, reducing salt in the diet, not smoking, and avoiding stressful situations can help control blood pressure levels. If these goals are not achieved, the use of medication for control becomes inevitable, but only the doctor overseeing the patient can indicate the right time to start taking them.

It’s important to warn that if high blood pressure is not properly treated, it can worsen and cause other health problems, including erectile dysfunction. Once it occurs, it is rarely reversible.

Symptoms of High Blood Pressure

Hypertension, or high blood pressure as it’s known, is an insidious and silent disease. Usually, by the time symptoms appear, the condition is already severe and at an advanced stage. Ideally, it should be detected at routine check-ups, before symptoms appear, for early diagnosis and treatment. The main symptoms of high blood pressure are:

  • Headache;
  • Blurred vision;
  • Ringing in the ears;
  • Dizziness;
  • Chest pain;
  • Shortness of breath

If you have noticed these symptoms, especially if you are in a risk group, see a doctor or go to the emergency room immediately to have your blood pressure checked. Unfortunately, measuring blood pressure at pharmacies and drugstores has been prohibited, which used to make it easier in cases of suspicion. Even so, it is still possible to buy portable devices to measure at home, which are quite affordable at pharmacies.

Risk Group

People who should be even more alert to symptoms and check their blood pressure whenever possible are those in the risk groups:

  • Those with a family history of high blood pressure;
  • Obese people;
  • Those with irregular sleep;
  • Smokers;
  • Heavy Alcohol Drinkers;
  • Sedentary people;
  • Elderly (over 60 years old);
  • Diabetics;

Women going through menopause, patients with kidney problems, those with sleep apnea, those going through stressful periods, or those suffering from hyperthyroidism are also more likely to have problems with high blood pressure.

As the old saying goes, “Prevention is better than cure.” We know that unfortunately some diseases are not preventable, but with others—even if you are in a risk group—you can reduce the chances of them occurring through care and healthy lifestyle changes.

Putting an end to sedentary habits, starting to walk or do aerobic activities, encourages the body’s natural release of vasodilating substances, which helps keep blood pressure under control. Changes in diet are also essential, and some foods help regulate blood pressure, such as: potassium, calcium, and magnesium, which are minerals that help regulate the contraction of blood vessels and the heart.

What needs to be drastically reduced or eliminated is salt consumption. The WHO (World Health Organization) recommends consuming no more than 5 grams of salt per day, which is equivalent to one teaspoon. It’s important to highlight and remember that some foods may go unnoticed for their salt content, like bread, ready-made seasonings which are extremely unhealthy, canned meats, and processed foods.

Changing your habits, quitting smoking and avoiding excessive alcohol, and trying to get a good night’s sleep are all essential for a better quality of life. Don’t forget the moments of relaxation and fun, which are very important to live well and reduce day-to-day stress.

Natural Treatment for High Blood Pressure

Some natural recipes promise to help in the treatment of high blood pressure, as they are considered excellent antihypertensive agents. Even though various studies have proven their effectiveness, none of these natural treatments should be used to replace prescription medication or without your doctor’s knowledge.

Herbal teas and juices are completely natural and, in most cases, made with plants and herbs that can also be consumed as dietary supplements, such as garlic, olive leaf extract, or valerian.

Garlic Water

Garlic is a great ally to help keep cardiovascular health working well, due to its antioxidant properties that protect blood vessels. For this reason, including garlic in your diet is recommended, in addition to, of course, adding fantastic flavor to meals.

But in the form of garlic water, it is an excellent ally to help control blood pressure, as it stimulates the production of nitric acid, which is a vasodilating substance that improves blood circulation and reduces the pressure on the heart.

Preparation Method

Using just 1 raw peeled garlic clove and 100 ml of water, let the garlic soak in the glass of water for 6 to 8 hours. This can be overnight while you sleep, as you should drink this water first thing in the morning on an empty stomach. You can also prepare garlic water with 1 liter of water and a whole head of garlic, and drink it throughout the day.

Olive Leaf Tea

Olive leaves are considered one of the best natural remedies for high blood pressure, as they have a blood pressure regulating effect due to their polyphenols, which can lower and control blood pressure without causing hypotension, even if consumed in excess. Besides its blood pressure regulating effect, it has a calming effect that helps control ongoing anxiety.

In addition to the tea, there is the option of olive leaf extract, which can be easily found in natural food stores as capsules and can be taken in maximum doses of 500 mg, twice a day, always after meals.

How to Prepare the Tea

With just 2 tablespoons of chopped olive leaves and 500 ml of boiling water, let it steep for 5 to 10 minutes. After this period, strain and let it cool. Ideally, you should drink 3 to 4 cups of this tea per day.

Hibiscus Tea

Hibiscus is a plant that has become popular for its weight-loss effects. However, it is less known for other properties, including reducing blood pressure. This is thanks to its content of anthocyanins, which are flavonoids that help regulate high blood pressure. For better results, it is recommended to use the petals of darker-colored flowers, as the darker they are, the more anthocyanins they contain and the better the effect.

How to Prepare

In a cup of boiling water, place 1 to 2 grams of hibiscus petals, cover, and let it sit until cooled enough to drink. Strain and drink 1 or 2 times per day, with an average interval of 8 hours between cups. Hibiscus doesn’t taste very pleasant, so if you can’t take it on its own, you can add a spoonful of honey or sweetener to taste.
There are other recipe options or natural remedies for high blood pressure, such as horsetail tea, mangaba tea, valerian tea, and blueberry juice. Each has its own preparation method, ease of consumption, and accessibility. See which fits your budget, needs, and of course, your taste.

Photo: mohamed_hassan