6 Natural Remedies To Manage High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure or hypertension is a serious condition that leads to heart attacks, strokes, and even death. While there is no cure, taking prescribed medications and making lifestyle changes can enhance your quality of life and reduce your risk of high blood pressure.

# Garlic
Both cooked and raw garlic release hydrogen sulfide and nitric oxide gases that help dilate the arteries, thereby reducing blood pressure.

Also, aged garlic extract can be used as a safe agent for alleviating uncontrolled hypertension, similar to standard medications. Therefore, it can be used effectively in combination with other antihypertensive treatment methods.

One review stated that garlic supplements could be used to manage blood pressure in patients with hypertension, boost the immune system, and regulate cholesterol levels.

# Lemon

Lemons help maintain the flexibility and softness of the blood vessels to ensure proper blood flow at optimum pressure.

The more rigid the blood vessel, the greater the blood pressure due to the tight unyielding space for the blood to flow.

One study showed the positive effect of regular walking and lemon consumption on blood pressure levels.

Another study demonstrated the efficiency of consuming garlic and lemon juice in improving fibrinogen, lipid levels, and blood pressure in patients with hyperlipidemia.

# Watermelon

The vasodilation properties of watermelon have been elucidated. It was found that watermelon supplementation was beneficial for patients with prehypertension.

Watermelon extracts can be used for the reduction of systolic and diastolic numbers in patients with prehypertension and hypertension. However, their cardiac autonomic modulation was not affected.

Daily consumption of watermelon for 4 weeks facilitates reductions in blood pressure, body weight, and cardiovascular risk in overweight and obese participants.

# Black seeds

Nigella sativa, or black seeds, has various health benefits and diverse pharmacological properties that help treat hypertension, cardiac health problems, and even cancer.

A study demonstrated that the use of black seed oil or powder helps in lowering blood pressures without any side effects.

How to use: Consume ½ teaspoon (2.5 mL) of black seed oil twice a day, either directly or by incorporating it in your cooking to better control high blood pressure.

# Flaxseed

It has been suggested that flaxseed may help in the mild reduction of blood pressure. The potency is higher when flaxseed is consumed whole, for more than 12 weeks, especially for lowering diastolic blood pressure.

However, flaxseed, flax lignan complex (FLC), and flax oil cannot be considered as therapeutic agents. Instead, they may be used as adjuncts for the treatment of hypertension.

How to use:

- Include flaxseed in your daily cooking by adding it to dishes, salads, and drinks.
- Consult your doctor about taking a flaxseed supplement, and stick to the prescribed dosage.

# Pomegranate

A study stated that pomegranate juice might reduce systolic blood pressure, inhibit the activity of serum ACE, and offer various benefits on cardiovascular health in general.

Studies also reveal that pomegranate is useful in controlling high blood pressure.

How to use: Daily consumption of pomegranate juice can help prevent or manage hypertension and atherosclerosis.