5 Natural Ways to Beat High Blood Pressure

3 minutes

Last update: 25 March, 2022

High blood pressure (also known as hypertension) is a dangerous condition and one that can lead to a heart attack, stroke, vascular dementia or an embolism. There are simple steps you can take to lower your blood pressure naturally.

Many people do not know they have hypertension as the disease typically presents without any symptoms and the first you might know about the ailment is having your blood pressure taken with a GP. However, some people do experience symptoms such as:

palpitations
persistent headaches
sweats
blurred or double vision
rapid pulse
dizziness
nosebleeds

Around 30% of the UK population has a high blood pressure but most do not know it. Left untreated a high blood pressure can lead to heart disease and kidney damage.

1. Garlic

Beat high blood pressure with garlic — Lower blood pressure with garlic

Experts have long recommended eating garlic as a natural remedy for hypertension. This extraordinary superfood is packed with vitamins C, B6, manganese and selenium. It is also a powerful antioxidant. Garlic helps reduce cholesterol and has been found to help keep the arteries from clogging up. Just one clove of garlic a day would be enough to benefit from its properties.

2. Dark chocolate

beat high blood pressure with dark chocolate — Chocolate contains flavonoids

Chocolate contains flavonoids which are essential to good heart health. A study conducted at the University of Cologne, Germany, showed that dark chocolate had positive effects on lowering blood pressure. It is recommended that small doses of dark chocolate with a high cocoa content are included in your diet.

3. Parsley and lemon

beat high blood pressure with Parsley and Lemon — Parsley and lemon in a juice has a diuretic effect.

Making a smoothie or a shake made with one whole lemon, including its peel, along with parsley has a positive diuretic effect. When we urinate, our bodies are eliminating those elements from our diet which can elevate the blood pressure. Parsley is also rich in vitamin K, which prevents calcium build-up and folic acid which is vital for a healthy heart. Specialists suggest that one glass of lemon and parsley in the morning at breakfast time would be enough to benefit from this effect.

4. Oatmeal

Oatmeal to lower blood pressure — Contains soluble fibre

Oatmeal is a great source of soluble fibre which can reduce the amount of low-density lipoproteins (LDL), or ‘bad’ cholesterol, in your body. LDL’s are one of the main contributors to high blood pressure.

As well as helping to control blood sugar and cholesterol levels, oatmeal has been proven to lower blood pressure. Eating just one bowl a day will provide you with these great benefits.

5. Lavender, marjoram and jojoba

An oil to massage the chest before bed — An oil to massage into the chest before bed

Aromatherapists recommend using a topical massage oil to help lower blood pressure. Starting with 20 ml of jojoba oil, add ten drops of both lavender and marjoram essential oil. Massage directly on to the chest before sleep.

To avoid hypertension you should also reduce your intake of salt, include potassium-rich foods in your diet and avoid stress. Moderate levels of a low impact exercise will also help.