2 Natural Remedies to Lower High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure-also known as “the silent killer”, affects 1 in 3 adult Americans, or roughly 67 million people, and that number only continues to grow.

If you’ve been diagnosed with high blood pressure, you might be worried about taking medication to bring your numbers down.

If you successfully control your blood pressurewith a healthy lifestyle, you might avoid, delay or reduce the need for medication.

Natural Remedies to Lower High Blood Pressure

Ginger-Cardamom Tea

A study done in December of 2009 published in the Indian Journal of Biochemistry & Biophysics gave a group of participants 1 teaspoon of cardamom powder daily for several weeks.

The results showed a significant reduction in blood pressure. Combined with ginger and cinnamon, both warming spices that improve circulation, you can make a lovely tea to help your heart get healthy.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup of water2 teaspoons minced fresh ginger
• 1 teaspoon of cardamom pods
• 1 ½ tablespoons black tea or 1 teabag
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon of cinnamon powder
• 2-3 teaspoons of honey
• Mortar and pestle

Preparation:

Crush the cardamom pods to release the oil-there’s no need to grind them finely. In a pot combine all the ingredients except for the honey. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 6-9 minutes until you get a rich caramel brown color. Stir in honey and then strain into a mug. Drink 1-2 times daily.

Hibiscus Tea

In a new study, drinking three cups of herbal tea containing hibiscus each day can lower high blood pressure.

Diane L. McKay, PhD, of Tufts University in Boston, presented the study of 65 healthy men and women with modestly elevated blood pressure at the American Heart Association (AHA) meeting here.

Overall, drinking hibiscus tea blends lowered systolic blood pressure – the top number in the blood pressure reading – by an average of 7 points.

Ingredients:

• 1-2 teaspoon of dried hibiscus
• 1 cup of fresh, piping hot water
• Honey, lemon (optional)

Preparation:

Bring water to a boil and add the hibiscus and allow it to steep for 5 minutes. Add honey or lemon to taste, and drink 2-3 times daily.