Natural Remedies for Lowering Blood Pressure

High blood pressure, also called hypertension, is an incredibly common condition, and millions worldwide take pharmaceutical drugs to treat it. While you should always consult with your health care practitioner before changing any treatment plans, two natural remedies to consider are garlic (or other alliums) and hibiscus.

Various studies reported in the Indian Journal of Nutrition and Dietetics concluded that both onions and garlic in the diet lowered blood cholesterol levels. Studies in Germany and in the United States have produced similar results. Cholesterol builds up in fatty plaques on the artery walls, and so it is believed to be a major factor in the onset of heart disease. Anything that reduces high cholesterol levels helps to keep the heart healthy.

Recent studies show that hibiscus tea can lower blood pressure as effectively as some standard hypertension drugs can. Hibiscus is widely consumed around the world as a ruby-colored, lemony beverage (it’s the main ingredient in Red Zinger tea). Hibiscus is safe and, unlike most blood pressure drugs, rarely causes side effects.

For more on these remedies, read Lower Blood Pressure Naturally with Garlic and Lower Blood Pressure Naturally with Hibiscus Tea.

An added bonus about these two remedies? Garlic and hibiscus plants can be grown in much of the United States, so you can actually grow your own blood pressure medicine. For advice on how to do so, check out Growing Garlic and How to Grow Hibiscus.

Photo by Alison Rogers

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Donna H.

5:34AM PDT on May 9, 2012

Thanks for the info.

send a green star

Sue M.

1:17AM PDT on May 5, 2012

thanks

Nimue P.

6:42PM PDT on Apr 22, 2012

Garlic is good for everything :)

Ron B.

4:40PM PDT on Apr 22, 2012

Interesting article. I already take garlic and will be giving hibiscus tea a try as well.

Emma S.

1:31PM PDT on Mar 22, 2012

Garlic's brilliant - lowers blood pressure and keeps you away from dull films about self-pitying teenage vampires!

Ana P M.

7:58AM PST on Jan 24, 2012

Gonna try it for sure!

Nancy G.

5:51PM PST on Dec 29, 2011

Gary C.

11:07AM PST on Dec 23, 2011

Noted , Thankyou....

Mandi A.

6:11AM PST on Dec 22, 2011

Thank you

Tila G.

3:11AM PST on Dec 17, 2011

I've been hypertensive for the longest time in my life and I've known so many natural remedies for it. But no doctor would allow to stop taking the medications they give.For one who is already so used to the medications, it becomes fearsome to stop but, I truly wish I could because I feel that there are side effects from the medications I take. I wonder if it will make sense to take natural remedies at the same time keep on taking Dr's prescriptions.