I take high blood pressure medication for blood pressure. 157/86. Have tried several medications but can't seem to get it down to where I would like it to be. I would like to try something natural to take with the medicine, to see if it would help lower it. I'm not over weight, I'm very active, & have tried the diet thing. I'm wondering about a herb or something like that.
I was once told Valerian root extract works for mild high blood pressure. Havent tried it for extended periods of time, but it does seem to have a calming effect.
There is at least one proprietary herbal med for high BP available on the net. It contains a mixture of herbs that are acknowledged as hiaving the appropriate properties. In addition if you go to a reputable herbalist they will make you something up. But I would be wary about mixing your meds with these without the knowledge and consent of both parties concerned.
Be aware also that there is a range of types of meds available and if one isn't working get your doc to try another. Remember high BP can be genetic, its not necessarily lifestyle.
I recommend that anyone with high BP try a low carbohydrate diet such as that recommended in the book "Protein Power" by Dr. Eades. It works by fixing the root cause of the high BP (high insulin levels).
I am a definite non believer in low carb diets. I don't believe generally they have any bearing on BP and I certainly don't believe all this bunkum going around about high insulin levels etc etc etc at the moment. I have tried them to lose body fat and help fat burning on two occasions and each time vowed I'd never do it again. They bring me to my knees within 18 hours. NEVER AGAIN!!!!
HOWEVER I must say I know individuals who can go on them and not suffer as I did - both athletes and non athletes. I know some who maintain they HAVE had positive results from them. So all I can say is try it. Horses for course, YMMV etc etc. Eating low glycemic index carbs won't hurt anyone. Eating high protein possibly won't either but I really have doubts about the long term effects (and financial cost BTW) of eating low carbs for extended periods.
