Managing high blood pressure usually requires a mix of medications and a healthy diet. Certain natural ways to lower blood pressure, such as eating garlic, basil and other herbs, may also work.
High blood pressure, also called hypertension, can often be managed with medication, as well as dietary and lifestyle changes. Some herbs and spices may also help lower blood pressure.
Below are 10 herbs that may help lower blood pressure. Make sure to speak with your healthcare provider before using any of the following herbs.
Cinnamon is an aromatic spice that comes from the inner bark of trees from the Cinnamomum genus.
People have used it for centuries in traditional medicine to treat heart conditions, including high blood pressure.
While it’s not fully understood how cinnamon lowers blood pressure,
A review of 9 studies including 641 participants showed that taking cinnamon reduced systolic and diastolic blood pressure by an average of 6.2 mm Hg and 3.9 mm Hg, respectively. This effect was stronger when people took cinnamon consistently over 12 weeks.
Cinnamon is easy to incorporate into meals. Concentrated cinnamon supplements are another option.
SummaryCinnamon appears to help dilate and relax the blood vessels, which may help lower blood pressure.
Garlic is rich in many compounds, such as allicin, that may benefit your heart.
A review of 12 studies in over 550 people with high blood pressure found that taking garlic reduced systolic and diastolic blood pressure by an average of 8.3 mm Hg and 5.5 mm Hg, respectively. This reduction was similar to the effects of blood pressure medications.
SummaryGarlic contains compounds, such as allicin, that have been shown to help relax blood vessels and aid blood flow. Collectively, these factors may help reduce blood pressure.
Basil (Ocimum basilicum) is a flavorful herb that comes in various forms. It’s popular in alternative medicine because it’s rich in various powerful compounds.
Animal studies suggest basil may help reduce blood pressure. In one study on rats from 2015, rats who were fed a basil diet for 8 weeks saw as much as a 20 mmHg decrease in systolic blood pressure and a 15mmHg decrease in diastolic blood pressure.
More research is needed to investigate whether basil helps lower blood pressure in humans.
Basil is easy to add to a variety of meals, including scrambled eggs, salads, sauces, and more. It can also be grown as a potted plant indoors.
SummaryBasil contains compounds that may help reduce blood pressure, according to animal studies. However, more human research is needed.
Parsley (Petroselinum crispum) is a popular herb in American, European, and Middle Eastern cuisine. It’s native to the Mediterranean and has an impressive nutritional profile.
Parsley contains a variety of compounds, such as vitamin C and dietary carotenoids, that may reduce blood pressure.
In a cross-sectional study of 17,398 adults, researchers found that a high dose of carotenoids had a positive impact on blood pressure. Benefits were seen in adults who consumed 100ug/mg of carotenoids a day.
Animal studies have shown that parsley reduced both systolic and diastolic blood pressure by acting like a calcium channel blocker, a type of medication that helps relax and dilate blood vessels.
However, there’s limited human research on parsley and blood pressure. More research in this area is needed to better understand its effects.
SummaryParsley contains a variety of compounds, such as dietary carotenoids, that may help lower blood pressure. However, more human research is needed to confirm these effects.
Celery seeds (Apium graveolens) are a versatile spice that’s packed with various nutrients, such as:
- iron
- magnesium
- manganese
- calcium
- fiber
Some research suggests celery seeds may help lower blood pressure.
One small study of 52 participants examined the effects of celery seed extract on blood pressure. During the 4-week study, half of the participants were given 1.34 grams of celery seed extract a day. The other half were given placebo capsules. Researchers noted a decrease in systolic and diastolic blood pressure in the celery group. No changes were observed in the placebo group.
In addition, celery seed is a good source of dietary fiber, which has been linked to lower blood pressure.
Despite some promising results, research is limited on the effects of celery seed on blood pressure. Scientists need to conduct more human research in this area.
SummarySome research suggests celery seeds may reduce blood pressure. This herb may be effective thanks to its fiber and action as a natural calcium channel blocker. More studies are needed.
Thyme is a flavorful herb packed with numerous healthy compounds. Rosmarinic acid is one such compound.
Results from am animal
There’s limited human research on thyme and blood pressure. Scientists need to do more research to investigate these effects in humans.
SummaryThyme contains powerful compounds, such as rosmarinic acid, that appear to help relax blood vessels in animal studies. However, researchers need to do more studies in humans.
Ginger is incredibly versatile and a staple in alternative medicine.
People have used it for centuries to improve
Human studies have shown that taking ginger supplements
Ginger is flavorful and easy to incorporate into your diet with meals. Alternatively, you can purchase ginger supplements online. These are more concentrated.
SummaryGinger appears to lower blood pressure in human studies.
Cardamom is an aromatic spice with a slightly sweet, intense flavor. It’s packed with various antioxidants that
A
Cardamom is simple to incorporate into your cooking or baking. Alternatively, you could take a cardamom supplement or extract under the guidance of your healthcare provider.
SummaryResearch suggests cardamom may help lower blood pressure. More human studies are needed.
People have
Its scientific name is Uncaria rhynchophylla, and it’s also called Gou-Teng or Chotoko.
However, do not confuse it with cat’s claw (Uncaria tomentosa). Despite its similar name and appearance, this plant has a different origin and different chemical properties.
Chinese cat’s claw contains several compounds, such as hirsutine and rhynchophylline. These compounds
Taking Chinese cat’s claw extract or its compounds may help reduce blood pressure and aid blood flow. However, human studies are still limited in this area.
You can purchase Chinese cat’s claw at select health food stores or online.
SummaryChinese cat’s claw contains compounds that may help blood vessels relax. More human studies are needed.
Bacopa monnieri is an herb that grows in marshy areas in South Asia. Practitioners of Ayurvedic medicine
In
A 12-week human study in 54 healthy adults looked at the effects of Bacopa monnieri on memory, anxiety, depression, and blood pressure.
While the herb improved most mental aspects, it did not affect blood pressure (
Although the findings from animal studies are promising, bacopa monnieri‘s effects on blood pressure in humans are still unclear. Scientists need to do more research on this herb’s effects.
You can buy Bacopa monnieri from health food stores and online. It’s available in several forms, including powder and capsules.
SummaryAnimal research suggests the herb Bacopa monnieri may help blood vessels dilate and relax, lowering blood pressure. However, human research is conflicting and limited.
What is the most effective herb for high blood pressure?
A number of herbs have been shown to help reduce high blood pressure. This includes basil, cardamom, and celery seeds (
What lowers blood pressure the fastest?
While herbal remedies can help lower high blood pressure, medications are more likely to have a faster effect. This includes diuretics, calcium channel blockers, and others. Making lifestyle changes can also help (
Learn more about treatment for high blood pressure.
What can I drink to lower my blood pressure quickly?
Beverages that may help lower your blood pressure include beet juice, tomato juice, tea, and skim milk.
High blood pressure is the most common, preventable risk factor for heart disease. It affects nearly half of all American adults.
The best way to manage high blood pressure is through a combination of the right medications, a healthy diet, regular exercise, and engaging in healthy lifestyle behaviors.
That said, there are several promising herbs and spices you can incorporate into your diet that may help lower your blood pressure.
They include basil, parsley, celery seeds, Chinese cat’s claw, Bacopa monnieri, garlic, thyme, cinnamon, ginger, and cardamom, to name a few.
Keep in mind that many herbs and spices may interact with common blood thinner medications, and many extracts and supplements discussed above lack sufficient safety research.
For this reason, always consult a healthcare provider about what herbs and spices you’re considering incorporating into your diet, and never discontinue a medication without consulting them first.
