Hypertension

Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, is a common medical condition seen among patients who have high bad cholesterols. Heredity plays an important factor in hypertension. However, certain factors, such as types of diet and lifestyle, contribute to this condition.

There are two types of hypertension: primary and secondary. Primary hypertension is inherited but is aggravated by obesity, lack of exercise, and excessive alcohol and salt intake. It may have a gradual onset and progress in the long term; it may become a serious condition when there is a sudden onset and rapid progression. In this effect, death is inevitable if not treated immediately.

Blood Pressure

Blood pressure is normally set on the average adult as 120 mmHg (systolic pressure) over 80 mmHg (diastolic pressure). A sphygmomanometer is usually used to measure blood pressure, and beyond the range, especially at 140/90 mmHg, is considered abnormal. Increases in the blood pressure can be classified normal, such as during and after any active exercise. But the baseline should return to normal when at rest.

To combat this preventable disease, you either eat the proper diet or live a stress-free lifestyle. If you are diagnosed to have hypertension, it is imperative to take medications. With the rising costs of hypertensive drugs, herbal alternatives give consumers cheaper means of prevention. Hypertension, when not controlled, can lead to serious diseases such as heart or brain strokes and several cardiac diseases. To ensure that your blood pressure is controlled, you can try the herbal remedies listed below.

Herb Description, Treatment &  Procedures
Ampalaya
(Momordica charantia) Ampalaya, or bitter melon in English, has been proven to be an effective herbal medicine especially in the Philippines. It is also a good source of vitamins A, B, C, iron, folic acid, phosphorus and calcium. It is a known antioxidant, antibacterial and antipyretic for the treatment of most common illnesses. The fruit and leaves of the ampalaya plant are juiced and taken orally to help lower blood pressure.
Garlic
(Allium sativum) Garlic is a powerful antibacterial. It is nature’s antibiotic. However, garlic has other medicinal properties, such as being an antioxidant and an anticoagulant. It lowers bad cholesterol and aids in lowering blood pressure.    Because garlic is good for the heart, eating cooked or raw garlic regularly will maintain good health.
Virgin Coconut Oil
(Cocos nucifera) Virgin coconut oil (VCO) is similar to regular coconut oil since it is rich in lauric acid, an essential fatty acid that is believed to fight viral, bacterial and parasitic pathogens. But VCO is unlike regular coconut oil because of its processing difference. VCO reportedly does not raise bad cholesterol levels, unlike regular coconut oil. Thus, VCO brings more medicinal benefits for the cure of many common illnesses. The benefits include boosting the body’s immune system, regulating blood sugar, lowering viral load of AIDS patients, helping hepatitis C and herpes patients, maintaining healthy thyroid functions, maintaining healthy cholesterol levels and, lastly, healing and nourishing the skin, hair and scalp.    For the control of hypertension, drink VCO in its pure form to maintain healthy cholesterol levels and increase the HDLs in the blood.
Ginger
(Zingiber officinalis) Ginger is considered one of the powerful herbs known for many medicinal and cooking uses. It is effective and safe in the control of hypertension.    Ginger tea, whether from powdered ginger or from ginger extracts added to boiling water, reduces high blood pressure. Drinking several cups a day or chewing raw ginger should do the trick.

Links for Further Hypertension Herbal Study
1.    Philippine Herbal Medicine
2.    http://www.philippineherbalmedicine.org/garlic.htm
3.    http://www.philippineherbalmedicine.org/bayabas.htm
4.    Philippine Herbal Medicine
5.    Stuart Exchange
6.    Stuart Exchange
7.    Stuart Exchange

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