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Blood Pressure Shield

High blood pressure is a dangerous health condition that triples the risk of heart attack and is responsible for 60 percent of all strokes. The condition is very common in the developed world; one in three people in the United Kingdom, for example, are considered to suffer from high blood pressure.

Hawthorn

The herb hawthorn is often used by traditional herbal practitioners for high blood pressure.

In a randomized controlled trial conducted by researchers in Reading, UK, 79 patients with type 2 diabetes were randomized to receive either 1200 mg of hawthorn extract a day or placebo for 16 weeks. Medication for high blood pressure was used by 71% of the patients.

At the end of the 16 weeks, patients taking the hawthorn supplement had a significant reduction in mean diastolic blood pressure (2.6 mm Hg). No herb-drug interactions were reported.

Folic acid

Folate is a B vitamin necessary for formation of red blood cells. It may help to lower high blood pressure in some people, possibly by reducing elevated homocysteine levels.

One small study of 24 cigarette smokers found that four weeks of folic acid supplementation significantly lowered blood pressure.

Garlic

In a meta-analysis of seven randomized controlled trials of garlic supplements, three trials showed a significant reduction in systolic blood pressure and four in diastolic blood pressure. Researchers concluded that garlic powder supplement may be of clinical use in patients with mild high blood pressure.

Garlic supplements should only be used under the supervision of a qualified health practitioner. Garlic can thin the blood (reduce the ability of blood to clot) similar to aspirin. Garlic may interact with many drugs and supplements such as the prescription “blood-thinners” drugs such as Coumadin (warfarin) or Trental (pentoxifylline), aspirin, vitamin E, gingko. It is usually recommended that people taking garlic stop in the weeks before and after any type of surgery.

Hibiscus

Researcher Diane McKay and colleagues conducted the study on 65 people between the ages of 30 and 70 whose high blood pressure levels placed them at increased risk of kidney disease, heart attack and stroke. Participants were assigned to drink either hibiscus tea or a placebo three times per day for six weeks.

At the end of the study, blood pressure levels had fallen an average of 7.2 percent in the hibiscus group, compared with only 1.3 percent in the placebo group. Some patients in the hibiscus group actually experienced a 13.2 percent reduction.

“Hibiscus is now the most promising herb for treating blood pressure,” said alternative medicine expert Andrew Weill. “Studies have found that people who drank hibiscus daily for four weeks lowered their diastolic blood pressure by 12 percent — results similar to those for common blood pressure medication.”

Scientists do not know exactly what compounds in hibiscus contribute to its protective effect, but the flowers are known to contain chemicals known as anthocyanins, which have been shown to improve the functioning of blood vessels and strengthen the protein collagen, which helps give structure to cells and tissues, including blood vessels.

Anthocyanins and other components of hibiscus  are also known to function as antioxidants, cleansing the body of dangerous free radicals that can have been linked to heart disease, cancer and the symptoms of aging.

Olive Leaf

People have been using olive leaf medicinally for millennia.

The ancient Egyptians revered the leaves. Ancient Greeks used them to clean wounds, and the original Olympic athletes were crowned with a wreath of olive leaves. The olive leaf is even mentioned in the Bible for its purported healing properties.

So it’s no wonder that scientists today are looking at ways to use olive leaf, specifically for one of modern society’s biggest and sneakiest health problems — high blood pressure.

High blood pressure (hypertension) often develops quietly and without symptoms. Ways to curb it include lifestyle and diet changes — cutting salt and fat and getting the body moving.

An earlier study showed that when rats were given olive leaf extract, their blood pressure dropped.

Now researchers in Germany and Switzerland have looked at how sets of identical human twins with borderline hypertension responded to taking olive leaf extract. Identical twins were used to help keep the data consistent, because genetic differences can make people respond differently to the same treatments.

The extract was obtained from dry olive leaves and put into capsule form.

Two experiments were carried out. One compared twins who took 500 milligrams of olive leaf extract a day at breakfast with a comparison group of their siblings who didn’t. A second compared a group who took 500 milligrams a day to those who took 1,000 milligrams a day. A total of 40 people participated, aged 18 to 60; 28 women and 12 men.

Here are the results:

Those who took the highest daily dosage of olive leaf extract (1,000 milligrams) received the highest benefits — “significantly” lowering their cholesterol and blood pressure when compared to the group that took 500 milligrams.

At the end of the eight-week study, the group that took 1,000 milligrams per day had dropped their systolic blood pressure (the “top” number) by an average of 11 points.

The participants who received 500 milligrams of olive leaf extract dropped their systolic blood pressure by five points, and those who took no supplements saw their blood pressure edge up by two points. Neither one of these changes was felt to be statistically significant.

Researchers, led by lead author Tania Perrinjaquet-Moccetti of Frutarom (a Swiss manufacturer of the olive leaf extract), note that they were not looking for what dosage might be most effective, but rather whether there was a blood pressure lowering effect at all.

The authors also note a “significant” reduction in LDL (“bad”) cholesterol in those twins who took the olive leaf extract, but the specific data regarding these results was not presented in the paper.

The authors call for more investigation into the possible benefits of olive leaf extract on both blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

Uva Ursi

The medicinal use of uva ursi, also known as bearberry, dates back to the 2nd century. The herb is still used for its benefits as a diuretic and astringent. With the extensive phytochemical and nutrient content of uva ursi, it is a sensible option for quite a few ailments. Even though it is generally regarded as safe, the herb is not recommended for pregnant or lactating women, or for children under the age of 12.

Treatment of Urinary Tract Infections

The leaves of the uva ursi plant are often used for the treatment of urinary tract infections because of the herb’s anti-bacterial properties and its herb’s ability to promote the excretion of fluids. The stomach converts uva ursi into an antimicrobial and disinfecting agent. As it leaves the body during urination, the herb can soothe irritation of the mucus membranes, reduce inflammation and fight infection. The diuretic effect of uva ursi can increase the excretion of urine and flush out the bacteria.

Relief from Diarrhea

Because of the tannin content of uva ursi, it is believed to prevent watery stools. It is often used as a binding agent in the treatment of diarrhea.

Remove E. Coli

Uva ursi has an anti-microbial effect against E. coli. This is due to the aglycone hydroquinone that is released from arbutin waste products in alkaline urine. The same antibacterial properties are effective against Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus strains, and candida.

Lower High Blood Pressure

The diuretic action of uva ursi makes it an ideal remedy for high blood pressure. Traditional diuretics are often prescribed as a treatment for hypertension, but they are often the culprits of potassium depletion. Consult with your physician before using uva ursi to reduce high blood pressure to be certain you are getting the most out of your diet.

Alleviate Prostate Disorders

The leaves of the uva ursi plant can be used to make an herbal infusion for drinking. When consumed cool, the diuretic effect can help to relieve prostate issues. Using the fresh herb is ideal for the best results.

Eliminate Diabetic Side Effects

In a study conducted on mice, uva ursi was found to possibly nullify some of the side effects of diabetes such as weight loss. This was accomplished without any changes made to glycemic control.

Other Benefits

Uva ursi also works to strengthen the heart muscle. It is beneficial for spleen and liver disorders, and bladder and kidney infections. It has been used for kidney stones and edema. The herb is beneficial to the uterus and is used to treat painful and heavy menstruation.

We at Flawless Science have combined a proprietary blend of vitamins,minerals,and phytonutrients to naturally assist your body in regulating your blood pressure.