About half of US adults are suffering from high blood pressure (or hypertension), and sadly, a good percentage of them are still not aware that they have it. Besides, high blood pressure has little to no symptoms, especially early. Moreover, the risk of blood pressure increases with age, although it may occur in people of all ages due to multiple factors.
In this article, we will briefly discuss high blood pressure and learn about the best herbs for hypertension that you should include in your daily diet to control your blood pressure levels. We will also look at some blood pressure supplements that consist of natural ingredients and herbal extracts that maximize the efficacy of lowering blood pressure.
The Best Herbal Supplements for High Blood Pressure Overview
Some of the best herbs and plants for reducing blood pressure include garlic, hibiscus, beetroot, hawthorn, and cinnamon. However, taking each of these in high enough doses to improve blood circulation is not easy.
Many herbs are more efficient when combined with others and have synergistic effects. That’s why ‘all-in-one’ natural blood pressure supplements are a more efficient, potent, and cheaper alternative to herbal supplements alone.
Therefore, we recommend taking Heart Sheild to help reduce blood pressure. It includes garlic, hibiscus, beetroot, and hawthorn, among other natural ingredients like magnesium. It’s the best supplement to support your cardiovascular system and fight against BP.
What is High Blood Pressure?
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a common issue in various nations worldwide. The condition affects one’s arteries, as the force of blood pushing against these blood vessels is higher than usual. In high blood pressure, the heart has to exert more effort to pump blood through the arteries to other body parts.
High blood pressure is when the pressure in the blood vessels is 140/90 mmHg or higher. Although this health condition is common among many adults, it can become critical or even life-threatening if not treated on time. Rightly termed the “silent killer,” high blood pressure can cause stroke, heart attack, cardiovascular diseases, and other heart diseases when left untreated.
Some of the risks and causes of high blood pressure are:
- Genetics
- Aging
- Alcohol intake
- A high-salt diet is a risk factor for blood pressure
- Using illegal drugs
- Including trans fats and saturated fats in the diet
- Not having enough fruits and vegetables
- Not doing exercise regularly or being physically inactive
- Being obese or overweight raises blood pressure
- Consuming too much alcohol can increase blood pressure
- Smoking is a high-risk factor as it can increase blood pressure
- Some health conditions, like diabetes or kidney disease, can cause high blood pressure.
Therefore, lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking and drinking, involving in daily exercise, and having a well-balanced and healthier diet, can significantly improve blood pressure levels. However, some people may be advised to take medicines to treat high blood pressure.
What Do the Blood Pressure Numbers Mean?
A blood pressure reading compares two numbers – the first or the upper number is called systolic blood pressure, and the second or the bottom is known as diastolic blood pressure. While systolic pressure is the pressure created in the blood vessels when the heart beats, or contracts, diastolic pressure occurs when the heart rests between beats before beginning the next cycle of blood circulation.
Let’s have a look at the four different readings of blood pressure.
- ‘Normal’: When the blood pressure reading is less than 120/80 mmHg, the person is said to have healthy and normal blood pressure, which is essential for good health.
- Elevated: A person is said to have elevated blood pressure when the systolic blood pressure is between 120 and 129 mmHg, and the diastolic blood pressure is less than 80 mmHg.
- Hypertension (High Blood Pressure) Stage 1: In Stage 1 of hypertension, the person may have a systolic pressure of 140 mmHg or higher and a diastolic pressure of 90 mmHg or higher.
- Hypertension (High Blood Pressure) Stage 2: People with a systolic pressure of more than 180 mmHg and a diastolic pressure of more than 120 mmHg suffer from Stage 2 hypertension. They may need urgent hospitalization as it is a medical emergency, delaying which may turn fatal and affect blood pressure.
You must visit a healthcare professional to check your blood pressure readings. Alternatively, you can purchase a blood pressure measuring kit to check your and your family’s blood pressure levels at home, provided you know how to measure blood pressure correctly.
How to Prevent and Manage High Blood Pressure?
As the saying goes, “Prevention is better than cure.” Preventing high blood pressure can always avoid the need to take medication. Even if you already have hypertension, you can always control and maintain healthy blood pressure levels by adopting healthy lifestyle habits. Controlling and managing blood pressure will improve your quality of life and help you live longer. Healthy blood pressure is ideal for sound health.
For example, having a healthy diet, being physically active, moderate-intensity exercise, taking antihypertensive drugs, and quitting smoking or alcohol can help significantly prevent and manage hypertension and maintain healthy blood pressure. Consult your healthcare professional or dietician for dietary approaches to reduce blood pressure through a well-balanced diet and regular exercise. Besides these healthy lifestyle choices, your doctor may advise you to make medications or supplements to control, manage, and decrease high blood pressure. Have your blood pressure checked regularly. Consider treatment options like adjuvant therapy.
11 Best Herbs for Lowering Blood Pressure
Some herbs and spices benefit hypertensive patients by helping reduce blood pressure. You can add them to your daily diet to improve outcomes. Here are the top herbal ingredients that help people manage and control their heightened blood pressure levels and have a positive impact on the body.
Basil
Basil is rich in antioxidants, especially eugenol, a plant-based antioxidant that helps reduce blood pressure. It acts as a natural calcium channel blocker to lower high blood pressure. As a result, such calcium channel blockers prevent calcium from entering the arteries and the heart cells, allowing the blood vessels to open and relax for smoother blood flow. You can try having a refreshing cup of basil tea every morning to reduce blood pressure levels. It can create a significant difference.
Basil is an alternative medicine in many parts of the world, especially in the native countries of India and Southeast Asia, where basil originated. Apart from eugenol, basil is rich in multiple potent compounds that aid in lowering blood pressure and blood vessel relaxation. To reduce high blood pressure, you can include basil in various meals, such as salads, scrambled eggs, sauces, etc. You can even grow it indoors as a potted plant.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon comes from the inner bark of trees and has been used in traditional medicine for centuries. This aromatic spice has been used to treat heart disease, cardiovascular disease, and other heart conditions, such as reducing hypertension. It can help relax and dilate the blood vessels, thus improving blood circulation and lowering blood pressure.
You can easily incorporate cinnamon into your meals, either by using the spice as a whole or making cinnamon powder. Consuming cinnamon can be a wise choice as it helps lower blood pressure significantly. Studies have shown that it has the potential to minimize 6.2 mmHg of systolic pressure and 3.9 mmHg of diastolic pressure. The outcomes might be better and positively impact if you consume cinnamon continuously for at least 12 weeks.
Garlic
Garlic contains an essential sulfur compound called allicin, which can boost blood flow and aid in blood vessel relaxation. The food is also rich in healing compounds supporting heart health and lowering high blood pressure. Including garlic in your daily diet can be a great alternative to blood pressure medications, as it can substantially reduce blood pressure levels.
Parsley
Parsley is one of the top, well-known herbal remedies popularly used in European, American, and Middle Eastern cuisine. The herb has excellent medicinal properties and comprises multiple compounds, including dietary carotenoids (which help reduce BP levels) and vitamin C (a rich antioxidant). According to human studies, a high dosage of carotenoids has potential benefits since it can significantly reduce blood pressure and bad cholesterol LDL.
Including parsley in your daily diet can improve your systolic and diastolic blood pressure through nitric oxide synthesis. The herb can also prevent calcium from entering the arteries and heart, thus acting as a calcium channel blocker. Furthermore, as a calcium channel blocker, parsley is known for dilating and relaxing the blood vessels.
Celery Seeds
Celery seeds are one of the herbal supplements packed with vital nutrients, including magnesium, iron, calcium, fiber, and manganese. It is a versatile spice that helps lower blood pressure by decreasing the upper and lower numbers in a blood pressure reading. Besides, celery seeds are a rich source of dietary fiber and angiotensin-converting enzyme, directly linked to reducing blood pressure. These spices or herbal supplements also act as natural calcium channel blockers.
Hibiscus
Hibiscus sabdariffa has a beneficial compound that offers a diuretic effect on one’s blood pressure levels. Hibiscus is a rich source of antioxidants, and it helps reduce the growth of cancer cells and bacteria. Furthermore, hibiscus can promote weight loss and support heart and liver health. It helps prevent heart failure and has a significant effect on blood pressure.
Hibiscus tea is an excellent way to include this herb in your daily diet. This herbal tea can aid in weight loss and management, reduce blood pressure, and prevent bacterial growth. Hibiscus tea is also beneficial for people with high blood pressure, as it can significantly lessen systolic and diastolic blood pressure. It has a significant effect on blood pressure.
Ginger
Ginger is a versatile food and is a popular ingredient in alternative medicine. It is widely used as a spice and has been known for its medicinal properties for centuries. Ginger can support heart health, improve circulation, lower blood pressure, prevent pressure on artery walls, and reduce cholesterol. You can include ginger in your daily diet (such as through meals or beverages) or take ginger supplements under guidance from your doctor to stop hypertension.
Olive Leaf Extract
Olive leaf extract can support heart health and treat cardiovascular diseases. It can reduce blood pressure and borderline hypertension and lower blood sugar levels. Olive leaf extract can also improve cholesterol levels and minimize the risks of weight gain.
Researchers have found a high effectiveness of consuming 1,000 mg of olive leaf extract daily. The dosage is equivalent to a prescription blood pressure pill to lower blood pressure. However, people with certain health conditions, such as kidney disease, consult your doctor before taking this.
Thyme
Thyme is another effective herb for lowering high blood pressure. This flavorful herb comprises a medicinal compound called rosmarinic acid, which helps reduce inflammation, boost blood flow, and lower blood pressure and blood sugar levels. The compound acts as an ACE (Angiotensin-converting enzyme) inhibitor that relaxes the blood vessels by preventing the formulation of angiotensin 2 (a substance responsible for narrowing blood vessels), placebo group, and lowering high blood pressure.
You can also consume thyme extract to minimize certain factors resulting in heart disease. These factors include total cholesterol, bad LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides. Moreover, human studies have shown that rosmarinic acid may help reduce systolic blood pressure.
Cardamom
Cardamom is a delicious and flavourful spice loaded with antioxidants. Its medicinal components act as a natural calcium channel blocker and have a diuretic effect (which increases urine flow), too. That’s why cardamom plays a significant role in controlling and managing blood pressure levels.
You can easily incorporate this intense spice in its raw form into your everyday cooking or baking. Besides, you can consume cardamom extracts or supplements after consulting with your doctor.
Hawthorn
Hawthorn is a flowering shrub or tree in the rose family. It has excellent medicinal properties and is known to minimize the risk of heart disease while controlling cholesterol levels and high blood pressure. Studies have proven that hawthorn helps improve coronary artery blood flow and circulation.
Beetroot Juice
We have saved the best for last. Beetroot juice or beetroot powder is one of the best solutions for lowering blood pressure. Beetroot juice is rich in nitrates that boost nitric oxide production in the body. Nitric oxide (NO) acts as a vasodilator that plays a critical role in maintaining and regulating the homeostatic levels in the body. Since NO controls the vascular tone, it can regulate and manage blood pressure.
Beetroot extract, taken as beetroot juice or in other supplementation, can help minimize systolic and diastolic blood pressure. It is also a rich source of antioxidants, which prevent free radical damage at the cellular level. Beetroot extract can also lower inflammation while controlling blood pressure.
The Top 4 Supplements to Lower Blood Pressure
Apart from the above natural herbs and plant extracts, you can add blood pressure supplements to your daily diet to lower blood pressure significantly and improve your quality of life. We recommend the following dietary supplements for improved blood pressure and blood flow.
- Heart Sheild – Highly Recommended
- HumanN SuperBeets Beetroot Powder – Recommended
- Heart Beets
- Red Tonik
Let’s learn about these products’ benefits, ingredients, pros, and cons.
Heart Sheild
Heart Sheild is an all-inclusive supplement containing beetroot extract to support cardiovascular health and lower blood pressure. Although the product is relatively new in the market, it has gained immense popularity for its high efficacy and positive results. Besides, Heart Sheild can fight poor circulation, reduce the risks of CVDs, and prevent health complications.
This beetroot supplement is well-known for minimizing blood pressure and improving blood vessel health. It also supports the immune system and maintains optimal artery and vein health.
Ingredients
Heart Sheild stands out from its competitors because of its unique 4:1 beetroot extract formulation, which ensures higher nitric oxide production in the body. Nitric oxide, as mentioned earlier, is a vital component that acts as a natural vasodilator that regulates blood circulation. It also helps to dilate and relax the blood vessels, thus lowering blood pressure. As a result, the supply of nutrients and oxygen increases, as the oxygenated blood can efficiently flow to all the body’s organs and tissues.
Heart Sheild comprises 13 natural ingredients used appropriately for higher efficacy. The unique blend of all these key components is well-balanced to improve energy levels, reduce mild hypertension, lower inflammation, and promote heart and blood vessel health.
Apart from the vital ingredient of beetroot extract, Heart Sheild includes a potent formulation of essential vitamins, including B2, B6, C, and D. Other significant ingredients of this blood flow supplement are ginger extract, magnesium ascorbate, garlic powder, folate, hibiscus, olive leaf, hawthorn, green tea, and Coenzyme Q10.
Hawthorn and hibiscus form a potent formulation that can help maintain healthy blood pressure and support healthy blood flow, alleviate the risks of heart disease or cardiac arrest, and prevent blood clots. Hibiscus also has excellent anti-inflammatory properties and helps regulate blood pressure levels.
Pros
- Improves blood flow
- Regulates and lowers blood pressure
- Completely natural
- Unique 4:1 beetroot extract formula
- Reduces the risks of cardiovascular disease and peripheral heart disease
- Improves artery and vein health
- It prevents poor circulation and helps to smooth muscle.
- Boosts nitric oxide production
Cons
- Relatively new in the market
- One can purchase only through their official website.
Summary
Heart Sheild is an effective blood flow supplement that can alleviate the risks of CVDs and promote heart health. Its unique 4:1 formula of beetroot extract ensures sufficient nitric oxide production in your body to improve blood flow. This makes the product rich in nitrates, which helps prevent blood clots, improve circulation, and lower blood pressure.
Furthermore, Heart Sheild, being a 3-capsule all-comprehensive supplement, can eliminate the need to consume other supplements, as it is loaded with health benefits. It contains all the vital components to boost blood flow and cardiovascular health. It is an excellent option for people with hypertension who wish to lead a healthier life.
HumanN SuperBeets Beetroot Powder
humanN is a reputable brand of dietary supplements and superfoods that has made its mark for maintaining the highest quality. SuperBeets by humanN comes in both capsule and powder format. But since we have already recommended many capsule products in their article, we will discuss the humanN SuperBeets Beetroot Powder, which helps lower blood pressure.
For individuals struggling to regulate their high blood pressure levels and improve their optimal health and well-being, this beetroot powder has essential nutrients that can boost blood flow and promote healthy circulation.
The powder format of beetroot is an easy and tasty way to consume beetroot. You can make a delicious beetroot juice or smoothie in the morning or mix it with your baked savories. This beetroot supplement from humanN comes in two flavors – Black Cherry and Original Apple.
Ingredients
SuperBeets powder from humanN has a potency of 40x the benefits and functions of fresh beets. In other words, every serving of the beetroot powder supplement provides the power of 40 teaspoons of fresh beets to help lower blood pressure.
humanN SuperBeets is considered a natural nitric oxide boosting superfood more effective than standard beet juice. The product has a high concentration of all the essential nutrients. Apart from beetroot, this blood flow powder includes magnesium ascorbate, stevia leaf extract, malic acid, etc.
Pros
- Promotes nitric oxide production
- Support healthy BP levels
- Keeps the heart healthy
- It improves blood circulation and helps lower blood pressure
- Boosts energy levels without the use of caffeine
Cons
- The transparency of the ingredients and their doses could have been more transparent.
- Its efficacy in lowering systolic and diastolic blood pressure is yet to be proven.
Summary
The product claims to support nitric oxide production, regularize blood pressure, and promote proper blood circulation. It is an all-natural, non-GMO product that ensures all the ingredients are dosed correctly to maximize its potency. Besides, the beets are used in their natural and fresh form—the product uses no fermented beets.
The SuperBeets beetroot powder is science-backed and clinically tested to ensure that it supports overall heart health and reduces blood pressure. Even a single teaspoon of the powder can provide 40 times the functional benefits of fresh beets.
Heart Beets
Heart Beets is a close competitor to Heart Sheild and humanN SuperBeets as it is prevalent for its high efficacy in supporting heart health and lowering blood pressure. The supplement improves blood vessel function naturally and optimizes the cardiovascular system. The product comes in a capsule format and includes a powerful blend of beets and other active ingredients.
‘Heart Beets’ can effectively reduce blood pressure, minimize the risk of cardiovascular disease, and enhance blood circulation. This potent blood flow supplement is backed by science; every ingredient is thoughtfully dosed to deliver on its promises.
Ingredients
‘Heart Beets’ contain vital components, including vitamin C, magnesium, and folate, which create a potent formulation that improves blood vessel function. Beetroot extract, hawthorn, and ginger powder also work together to relax blood vessels and prevent stiffened arteries, thus smoothing blood flow.
Beetroot extract is a vital component that boosts NO2 production, enabling plaque breakdown in the arterial walls to carry more oxygen and nutrients from the heart to different body parts. On the other hand, the CoQ10 and vitamin B complex in ‘Heart Beets’ have been linked to promoting a stronger heart and lower risks of cardiovascular diseases.
Pros
- Lowers systolic and diastolic blood pressure
- Lowers the rates of CVDs
- Supports vasodilation and blood vessel health
- Science-backed ingredients
- Regulates blood pressure levels
Cons
- The formula of Heart Beets could have been more transparent
- Exclusively available through their website.
Summary
‘Heart Beets’ can be an excellent choice for individuals willing to reduce the risks of CVDs and boost heart health. The product effectively beats high blood pressure, poor circulation, and CVDs. It works to improve both artery and vein health, thus increasing your optimal cardiovascular health.
Red Tonik
Many consumers love Red Tonik from Human Tonik for its ability to combat and improve blood circulation. It further enhances blood flow and maintains a healthy functioning of the heart and blood vessels. This non-GMO beetroot supplement product is also science-backed and lab-tested.
Human Tonik is a renowned name in the dietary supplements and superfoods segment as it maintains a transparency policy. Therefore, you will have a clear idea about which ingredient is included in what quantities and doses, so you will know what is going into your body.
Ingredients
Red Tonik is made of 13 natural ingredients that are scientifically proven and lab-tested. The product has a robust composition of 4000 mg beetroot, which you can get through fresh beets with your morning drink, such as a smoothie. The rich formulation of beetroot promotes heart health, healthy cardiovascular function, and controlled blood pressure levels.
Besides beetroot extract, other active ingredients of Red Tonik include pomegranate, grape seed extract, raspberries, blueberries, goji, turmeric extract, cranberry, cordyceps, and ginger root extract. The potent blend of these critical components helps boost nitric oxide production to improve blood flow and vessel relaxation.
Pros
- It has a high beetroot content of 4000 mg
- Dilates and relaxes blood vessels
- Great taste
- 100% lab-tested and natural
- Improves blood flow significantly
- Improves blood circulation
- Promotes healthy cardiovascular function
- Has a transparency policy
Cons
- It may seem a bit expensive
- Its efficacy in reducing blood pressure is not clear
- It could have included some vital vitamins
Summary
Unlike blood circulation pills, Red Tonik is an effective beetroot powder supplement. It makes consuming beetroot through drinks, smoothies, or foods easier. Mix it with your favorite morning or evening drink, or include it in your dessert mixes. It is the most fun way to consume beetroot.
Moreover, Red Tonik is a good energy booster – you can instantly feel the energy flowing throughout your cells and tissues. It keeps you going throughout the day while supporting your heart health and circulatory system. However, the manufacturer could have included essential vitamin blends to increase the product’s potency. However, if you want a product that combines taste and health, Red Tonik is the one for you. However, avoid high doses to prevent side effects.
Final Words on The Best Herbal Supplements for High Blood Pressure
We hope the article will help you decide which herbs and supplements to incorporate into your daily diet based on your needs. These herbs and natural supplementation can be a great alternative to prescription pills used to treat high blood pressure.
Even if individual plants, like beetroot, can significantly improve your heart health and blood pressure, they are never as effective as an all-in-one supplement that tackles different areas regarding high blood pressure.
In this case, Heart Sheild offers a unique combination of natural ingredients that improve your heart health and vessel elasticity, lower blood pressure and cholesterol, and improve blood circulation. It’s, without a doubt, the best option.
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