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Health Remedies - Essential Hypertension |
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Hypertension (high blood pressure), is a medical condition in which the blood pressure is chronically elevated. 90-95% of high blood pressure cases have no identifiable cause. This type of high blood pressure, called essential hypertension or primary hypertension. It tends to develop gradually over many years. Normal blood pressure is below 120/80; blood pressure between 120/80 and 139/89 is called “pre-hypertension”, and a blood pressure of 140/90 or above is considered high blood pressure. The top number is systolic pressure, the pressure in the arteries as the heart contracts and pumps blood into the arteries and the bottom number is diastolic pressure, which represents the pressure in the arteries as the heart relaxes after the contraction. Most people with high blood pressure have no signs or symptoms, even if blood pressure readings reach dangerously high levels. Few people may have dizzy spells, blurred vision or dull headaches at later stages of high blood pressure. Hence it is desirable to to have a regular check-up, especially after 50 years of age. Uncontrolled hypertension increases the risk of serious health problems, including heart attack, kidney damage and stroke. Hence it can be a "silent killer" if untreated. |
Useful
herbs |
Achillea millefolium |
For various maladies of the major organs and systems throughout the body, abscesses, atony, backache, hemorrhages (including those of the lungs), bruises, burns, cancer, colic, common cold, condyloma, cough, as a depurative agent, in fever,hypertension, menorrhagia, amenorrhoea, haemorrhoids with bloody discharge, atonic gastric and intestinal dyspepsia and leucorrhoea. |
Achyranthes bidentata |
In the treatment of aching back and knees and pain of the lower limbs (roots); to treat hypertension, back pains, urine in the blood, menstrual pain, bleeding, lowers blood cholesterol levels and so is used in the treatment of atherosclerosis(herb); toothache, indigestion and asthma (root juice); for pyorrhoea (stem) |
Alisma plantago-aquatica |
Helps to treat renal calculus, cystitis, dysentery and epilepsy (dried leaves); for hydrophobia, to lower blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar levels, oliguria, oedema, nephritis, acute diarrhoea and fatty liver (roots); for leprosy, to bruises and swellings (fresh leaves); to promote conception (whole plant). |
Annona muricata |
For haematuria and urethritis (ripe fruit juice); to alleviate eczema and other skin afflictions and rheumatism (leaves); as an antidote for poisoning (bark); for all types of cancer, high blood pressure. |
Aristolochia contorta |
In the treatment of cancer, coughs, inflammation of the respiratory organs, haemorrhoids and hypertension (fruit); in the treatment of acute and serious infections such as TB, rabies, hepatitis, liver cirrhosis and infantile pneumonia (root) |
Aristolochia debilis |
In the treatment of asthma and various other chest complaints, haemorrhoids and hypertension (fruit and capsule); in the treatment of snakebite, gastric disorders involving bloating, and is clinically effective against hypertension (root) |
Bixa orellana |
As a topical antiseptic for ear, eye, and skin infections, for digestive problems, prostate and urinary infections, hypertension and high cholesterol levels (leaves); to tone, balance, and strengthen liver function and for hepatitis and liver inflammation/pain, high cholesterol, skin care and skin anti-aging, sinusitis, constipation, relieves stomachaches and asthma (seeds); in healing of minor wounds and burns, prevents scaring and blisters (pulp and oil); treatment of jaundice, diabetes, influenza, dysentry, venereal diseases (root). |
Blumea balsamifera |
Diarrhea, cholera and body swellings due to beri-beri and rheumatism (leaf); angina, chest troubles, headache, dropsy and hypertension and as a tranquilizer (leaf extract). |
Bridelia retusa |
On wounds (bark); as a contraceptive, in hypertension and diarrhea (stem bark decoction). |
Bryonia dioica |
In the treatment of various inflammatory conditions, bronchial complaints, asthma, intestinal ulcers, hypertension and arthritis (root) |
Buddleja asiatica |
In skin diseases and as an abortifacient (flower); lowers blood pressure (leaf). |
Cardiospermum halicacabum |
Pain and rheumatism (plant paste); earache, rheumatism, as a poultice on swellings (leaf), lowers blood pressure, to treat stomach diseases, rat-poisoning, snake-poisoning, cough with fever, scrotal enlargement, alopecia, anaemia and jaundice. |
Carissa congesta |
Bile problems (unripe fruit); remittent fever, diarrhea, oral inflammation and earache (leaf decoction); as antiscorbutic and remedy for biliousness (ripe fruit); for itches and to lower blood pressure (roots). |
Castanopsis indica |
Headache (leaf paste); Lowers blood pressure (50% EtOH stem bark extract). |
Cecropia pachystachya |
For asthma, upper respiratory problems (coughs, bronchitis, COPD, emphysema, pulmonary sarcoidosis), high blood pressure and Parkinson's disease. |
Celosia argentea |
In blood diseases, mouth sores, diarrhea, cataracts and hypertension (seed); on scorpion sting (leaf paste); in blood- dysentery, spitting of blood, menorrhagia and as a parasiticide in trichomonas infection (flowers); in bloody stool, haemorrhoid bleeding, uterine bleeding, leucorrhoea (flower & seed) |
Chrysanthemum indicum |
Gonorrhea, to treat eye ailments, in the treatment of migraine (leaves); to treat furuncle, scrofula, deep-rooted boils, inflammation of the throat, eyes and cervix, eczema, itchiness of the skin and hypertension (flowers) |
Cocculus pendulus |
As a tonic and for controlling intermittent fever (root); for treatment of nose bleeding and high blood pressure (leaves) |
Conyza stricta |
As an antifungal agent; lowers blood pressure (50% EtOH plant extract). |
Coptis deltoidea |
In the treatment of diarrhoea, acute enteritis, dysentery, insomnia, fidgets, delirium due to high fever, inflammation of the mouth and tongue, leukaemia, conjunctivitis and otitis media, increases the phagocytosis of white blood cells on Staphylococcus aureus, is antihypertensive by dilating the coronary artery and blood vessels of the internal viscera, relaxes the smooth muscles of the blood vessels and excites the smooth muscles of the uterus, bronchi, stomach, intestines and urinary bladder (root). |
Cornus officinalis |
To reduce heavy menstrual bleeding and unusually active secretions including copious sweating, excessive urine, spermatorrhoea and premature ejaculation (herb); for the treatment of arthritis, fever and a wide range of other ailments (fruit); for allergy, backache, cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure, menorrhagia, nephrosis, night sweats, vertigo. |
Crataegus songarica |
As a cardiotonic (fruit); in the treatment of weak heart combined with high blood pressure (flower and fruit). |
Cymbopogon citratus |
Colds, cough, as a depurative agent, indigestion, elephantiasis, fever, headache, hypertension, leprosy, malaria, mouth sores, neuritis, painful menstruation, pneumonia, rheumatism, ringworm, sprains, toothache, gingivitis, pyorrhea, for cleaning teeth. A fomentation of leaves is good for immediate relief of colds. It makes human bodies healthy, with its carminative and anticholeric properties. Chinese use the grass to treat colds, headache, intestinal problems, eczema and reduce high blood pressure. |
Digitalis lutea |
For heart complaints (plant); in the treatment of a weakened or failing heart, increasing the strength of contraction, slowing and steadying the heart rate and lowering blood pressure by strongly stimulating the flow of urine - which reduces overall blood volume (leaves) |
Dioscorea opposita |
Promotes urination, lower blood sugar, lower blood pressure, antibiotic, anti aging, improves digestive system, in treating the symptoms associated with diabetes, and chronic wheezing and coughing. |
Diospyros kaki |
In the treatment of constipation and haemorrhoids, to treat diarrhoea, bronchial complaints, hypertension (fruit); to treat coughs and hiccups (peduncle) |
Elaeocarpus sphaericus |
Its fruits are considered as sour, thermogenic, appetizer and sedative which are useful in coughs, neuralgia, bronchitis, cephalalgia, anorexia, manic conditions, stimulating the heart and brain conditions. Its fruit-stones are considered sweet, cooling emollient, cerebral sedative, expectorant, liver tonic and febrifuge and are used in epileptic fits, manic conditions, melancholia, mental disorders, convulsions, insomnia, cephalalgia, hepatopathy, hypertension, bronchitis and fever. |
Euphorbia hirta |
In dysentery (latex), asthma, bronchitis, bruises, catarrh, colic, conjunctivitis, cough, as a depurifying agent, dermatosis, rashes, abnormal growths, fever, flu, fractures (veterinary), gonorrhea, headache, hypertension, indigestion, itching and measles. |
Ferula asafoetida |
Nervine stimulant, digestive agent and a sedative,excellent for asthma, bronchitis, whooping-cough, hysteria,impotency, woman and children's ailments,gastroenteritis, for depressed circulation and intestinal function. For respiratory problems and as a circulatory stimulant, lowering blood pressure and thinning the blood. |
Galium odoratum |
To wounds and cuts, in the treatment of digestive and liver problems. In thrombophlebitis and varicose veins; digestive maladies, insomnia and irritability (related to nervousness) and as a diuretic for those with hypertension. |
Gaultheria fragrantissima |
In rheumatism, neuralgia, sciatica, for gout, stiffness due to old age and as a carminative (essential oil); for coughs, effective against hookworms (leaf juice); lowers blood pressure (50% EtOH aerial part extract). |
Hygrophila auriculata |
As an aphrodisiac and a tonic (seed); in cancer and tubercular fistula (plant); in urogenital disorders (such as spermatorrhea) and impotence, as a uterine sedative for pregnant women and for treating diseases of the blood and biliousness, to treat rheumatism, gonorrhoea, jaundice, anasarca, diarrhoea, dysentery, thirst, urinary calculi and urinary discharges, inflammations, biliousness, diseases of the eyes, pains, high blood pressure, ascites and abdominal troubles, anaemia, constipation and anuria. |
Ixora arborea |
For bites by poisonous snakes, in dysuria and blood pressure (plant); for relieving whooping cough (flowers); for anaemia and general debility (bark decoction) |
Kydia calycina |
In rheumatism, lumbago, body aches and skin diseases and lowers blood pressure (leaf). Leaves are chewed when there is a deficiency of saliva; to treat boils, diabetes and rheumatism (bark). |
Laurus nobilis |
In the treatment of hysteria, amenorrhoea, flatulent colic etc (fruits, leaves); to treat upper respiratory tract disorders and to ease arthritic aches and pains (leaves); to treat sprains, bruises etc (oil from fruit); used to treat anorexia, cancer, candida, colic, dandruff, earache, high Blood Pressure, hysteria, nervousness, rheumatism, uterosis. |
Lonicera japonica |
In dysentery, chronic psoriasis, to reduce blood pressure (plant); acute rheumatoid arthritis, mumps and hepatitis (stems); upper respiratory tract infections (including pneumonia) and dysentery (stem and flowers together); syphilitic skin diseases and tumors, bacterial dysentery, colds, enteritis, pain, swellings etc (flower buds) |
Magnolia grandiflora |
For malaria and rheumatism (bark); for prickly heat itching, for sores and as a steam bath for treating dropsy (decoction); reduces the blood pressure, produces a slight acceleration in respiration but has no action on the heart (plant) |
Mangifera indica |
In rheumatism, diphtheria and diarrhea (bark and flower); diabetes, scalds and burns (leaf); for severe bleeding, catarrh, hemoptysis, external ulcers, toothache and for preventing plaques of the teeth; in cases of diarrhea, chronic dysentery, catarrh of the bladder and chronic urethritis resulting from gonorrhea (dried mango flowers); on cracks in the feet and on scabies, and is used to treat syphilis (resinous gum from the trunk); as vermifuges and as astringents in diarrhea, hemorrhages and bleeding hemorrhoids (kernel decoction and powder); for diarrhea, fever, chest complaints, diabetes, hypertension etc (leaf decoction); scurvy and sthomachache (fruit) |
Morus nigra |
In the treatment of colds, influenza, eye infections and nosebleeds (leaves); to relieve toothache (barks tincture); for urinary incontinence, tinnitus, premature greying of the hair and constipation in the elderly (fruit); asthma, coughs, bronchitis, oedema, hypertension and diabetes (root bark); to expel tape worms (bark) |
Musa paradisiaca |
Blood disorders (stem juice and root); in dysentery and diarrhea,promotes the healing of intestinal lesion in ulcerative colitis (fruit); useful in diabetes, uremia, nephritis, gout, hypertension and cardiac diseases (ripe fruit); for dysentery (flower juice) |
Nelumbo nucifera |
A decoction of the flowers is used in the treatment of premature ejaculation. A decoction of the floral receptacle is used in the treatment of abdominal cramps, bloody discharges etc. The flower stalk is haemostatic. It is used in treating bleeding gastric ulcers, excessive menstruation, post-partum haemorrhage. The stamens are used in treating urinary frequency, premature ejaculation, haemolysis, epistaxis and uterine bleeding. A decoction of the fruit is used in the treatment of agitation, fever, heart complaints etc. The seed is sedative. It is used in the treatment of poor digestion, enteritis, chronic diarrhoea, insomnia, palpitations etc. The plumule and radicle are used to treat thirst in high febrile disease, hypertension, insomnia and restlessness. The root is tonic. The root starch is used in the treatment of diarrhoea, dysentery and a paste is applied to ringworm and other skin ailments. It is also taken internally in the treatment of haemorrhages, excessive menstruation and nosebleeds. The root nodes are used in the treatment of nasal bleeding, haemoptysis, haematuria and functional bleeding of the uterus. The plant is a folk folk remedy for cancer, modern research has isolated certain compounds from the plant that show anticancer activity. Embryos are used for reducing fever, for treating cholera, haemoptysis, spematorrhoea and syphilis. |
Papaver somniferum |
Bruises, sprains, toothache, cancer, tumors of the abdomen, catarrh, colds, conjunctivitis, ophthalmia fever, headache, diarrhea, dysentery, dysmenorrhea, hypertension, insomnia, leprosy, malaria, mania, nausea, stomach ache, neuralgia, whooping cough. It is administered to relieve pain and calm excitement. |
Paullinia cupana |
Arthritis, diarrhea, hangover, headache, migraine, suppressed menstruation, hypertension, fever, migraine, neuralgia, and dysentery. |
Persea macrantha |
For ulcers and wounds (leaf); as an antiasthmatic, antirheumatic and laxative (bark); lowers blood pressure (root). |
Pimenta dioica |
To treat arthrosis, athlete’s foot, bruise, candidiasis, cold, colic, corns, cramps, diabetes, diarrhea, dysmenorrhea, dyspepsia, fatigue, fever, gastric disorders, gingivosis, high blood pressure, mycosis, neuralgia, rheumatism, toothache, vaginosis. |
Piper retrofractum |
For cough, asthma, bronchitis and muscle pains (fruit); Lowers blood pressure (plant). |
Pogostemon benghalensis |
For sterilizing and healing wounds (leaf); bleeding in the uterus (root); Lowers blood pressure (plant). |
Polyalthia longifolia |
Reducing fever (bark). The decoction of the bark is used to treat indigestion, hypertension and fever. It also stimulates respiration. |
Rauvolfia serpentina |
Removing corneal opacity (leaf); central nervous system disorders including various mental problems, anthelmintic, intestinal problems (including dysentery) and lowering blood pressure (root), bile vomiting, blood dysentery, chickenpox, cough, dog-bite, fever, gastric problems, headache, insanity, insomnia, prolapse of rectum, rheumatism / rheumatoid arthritis and spermatorrhoea. |
Rauvolfia tetraphylla |
The roots are hypotensive and sedative. An extract of the plant mixed with castor oil is prescribed as a liniment to treat certain chronic and refractory skin ailments. |
Salacia chinensis |
In venereal diseases and diabetes (root); in amenorrhoea (root decoction); lowers blood pressure (stem extract). |
Sambucus wightiana |
In the treatment of liver and kidney complaints, neuralgia (plant); dropsy (dried root); hypotensive (leaf extract); bronchitis (leaves) |
Scutellaria baicalensis |
Calms the foetus in pregnant women, in the treatment of enteritis, dysentery, diarrhoea, jaundice, chronic hepatitis, urinary tract infections, hypertension, threatened miscarriage, nosebleed and haemorrhage from the lungs or bowel (root) |
Senecio nemorensis |
Used for bleeding, diabetes, high blood pressure, hyperglycemia and odontosis |
Siegesbeckia orientalis |
In skin maladies (such as ringworm and sores), urethral diseases (urethritis), as an antiseptic and cardiotonic; to cure ringworm and other parasitic infections, in rheumatism and renal colic (plant); used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, pains and aches in the legs and sides, hypertension, sciatica, weeping dermatitis, scurvy, scrofula, syphilis and mastitis (decoction of the plant). |
Strophanthus sarmentosus |
Used to treat anxiety, atherosclerosis, arthrosis, constipation, diarrhea, fracture, high Blood Pressure, leprosy, rheumatism, scabies, poisonous bites and sores. |
Tabernaemontana divaricata |
As a vermicide and in diarrhea (root powder); eye pressure and corneal inflammation (latex); to treat hypertension, headache, and scabies (roots); as an aphrodisiac, and has a reputation of making women more fertile (bark); ophthalmia (juice from the flowers); to alleviate stomach and rheumatic pains, as well as diarrhoea (decoctions of the bark). |
Taraxacum officinale |
Maladies of the liver, gall bladder, bowel and kidney, as a tonic, diuretic, laxative and for increasing the secretion of gastric juices (root); as a compress in rheumatism and complaints due to uric acid accumulation in joint areas (leaf); used internally in the treatment of gall bladder and urinary disorders, gallstones, jaundice, cirrhosis, dyspepsia with constipation, oedema associated with high blood pressure and heart weakness, chronic joint and skin complaints, gout, eczema and acne (plant); used to remove corns, warts and verrucae, has a specific action on inflammations of the gall bladder and is also believed to remove stones in the liver (latex). |
Tilia cordata |
In maladies associated with chills (such as influenza and catarrh), in the treatment of colds and other ailments where sweating is desirable (flowers); in the treatment of indigestion, hypertension, hardening of the arteries, hysteria, nervous vomiting or palpitation (flower tea); gastric or dyspeptic disturbances, to burns or sore places (wood) |
Valeriana hardwickii |
Rheumatism and low blood pressure, painful menstruation, cramps, hypertension, irritable bowel syndrome, eczema, ulcers and minor injuries |
Valeriana jatamansi |
Substitute for Valeriana dubia, also in eye, spleen and blood diseases, in fever (as a stimulant) and as an expectorant (root), anxiety and emotional disorders such as hysteria, painful menstruation and cramps, hypertension, irritable bowel syndrome etc. It encourages sleep, improve sleep quality and reduce blood pressure. Externally, it is used to treat eczema, ulcers and minor injuries. |
Valeriana officinalis |
Good for emotional problems, such as anxiety and in headaches, insomnia, palpitations etc. Valerian has a remarkable influence on the cerebro-spinal system, and is used as a sedative to the higher nerve centres in conditions ofnervous unrest, St. Vitus's dance, hypochrondriasis, neuralgic pains and the like. The drug allays pain and promotes sleep. It is used for nervous overstrain, as it possesses none of the after-effects produced by narcotics. Oil of Valerian is employed as a popular remedy for cholera, in the form of cholera drops. The juice of the fresh root, under the name of Energetene of Valerian, has of late been recommended as more certain in its effects, and of value as a narcotic in insomnia, and as an anti-convulsant in epilepsy. Having also some slight influence upon the circulation, slowing the heart and increasing its force, it has been used in the treatment of cardiac palpitations. It is also used internally in the treatment of painful menstruation, cramps, hypertension, irritable bowel syndrome etc. Externally, it is used to treat eczema, ulcers and minor injuries. |
Viscum album |
In hypertension (without any reported side effects), ear maladies especially in earache-tearing pains in the ears, and otitis, bleeding in the uterus, as a sedative and emetic (aerial part and leaf); for spleen enlargement and tumors, to lower blood pressure, heart rate, ease anxiety and promote sleep, also relieve panic attacks and headaches, and improves the ability to concentrate (plant); as a cardiotonic (fruit, leaf, wood and bark). |
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