10 Amazing Home Remedies For High Blood Pressure

World Hypertension Day is celebrated on 17th May to raise awareness of the condition and issues surrounding it. Hypertension is a condition called high blood pressure during which the arterial blood pressure raises to high level from the normal level (120/80 mmHg). Common causes or contributing risk factors of hypertension are obesity, genetic factors, excessive drinking, high salt intake, lack of aerobic exercises, stress, birth control pills, pain relievers, kidney disease and adrenal disease. Medication is often prescribed for hypertension. But the following simple natural remedies may also help you control your blood pressure better. In addition to using these natural remedies as part of treatment for high blood pressure, it is essential to follow your doctor's medical and dietary advice and go for regular checkups.

On World Hypertension Day 2017, we share with you the following 10 most effective natural remedies for controlling high blood pressure:

• Banana
  
  Bananas are one fruit that people with high blood pressure can eat regularly to control it. Bananas are a rich source of potassium, which lessens the effect of sodium. So, try to eat one or two bananas daily. Along with bananas, you can try dried apricots, raisins, currants, orange juice, spinach, baked sweet potatoes and cantaloupe.
   
• Celery
  
  The high level of the phytochemical 3-N-butylphthalide present in celery greatly helps control high blood pressure. Phthalides help relax the muscles in and around arterial walls, thereby creating more space and allowing the blood to flow in without difficulty. At the same time, it can help reduce the stress hormones that constrict blood vessels, which contributes to high blood pressure. Try to eat one stalk of celery along with a glass of water daily. If you prefer, you can munch on celery throughout the day.
   
• Coconut Water
  
  People with high blood pressure must keep their bodies well hydrated. It is a good idea to drink eight to 10 glasses of water daily. Coconut water is particularly beneficial for lowering blood pressure. Along with coconut water, you can also use coconut oil when cooking.
   
• Pepper
  
  Those suffering from mild hypertension will benefit from eating cayenne pepper. It helps smooth blood flow by preventing platelets from clumping together and accumulating in the blood. You can add some cayenne pepper to fruit or vegetable salad, or add a pinch to a bowl of soup. Because cayenne pepper is quite spicy, you only need to use a little bit.
   
• Onion Juice
  
  Onions have also been found to lower your blood pressure due to the presence of an antioxidant flavonol called quercetin. Try to eat one medium-sized, raw onion daily. You can also mix one-half teaspoon each of onion juice and honey and take it twice a day for one to two weeks.
   
• Honey
  
  Honey can reduce pressure from the heart and it also has a calming effect on blood vessels, hence helpful in reducing high blood pressure. Try eating two teaspoons of honey on an empty stomach each morning. You can also mix one teaspoon each of honey and ginger juice with two teaspoons of cumin seed powder. Eat it twice a day. Another effective remedy is to mix basil juice and honey in equal amounts and have it on an empty stomach daily.
   
• Garlic
  
  Several studies have demonstrated blood pressure lowering effects of garlic. Both raw and cooked garlic help control high blood pressure and at the same time reduce cholesterol levels. Garlic helps relax blood vessels by stimulating the production of nitric oxide and hydrogen sulfide. Eat one or two crushed garlic cloves daily. You can simply crush them with your hands. Crushing garlic cloves creates hydrogen sulfide, a compound that promotes good blood flow, removes gas and reduces the pressure on the heart. If you do not like eating raw garlic or if it causes a burning sensation, then take it along with a cup of milk.
   
• Fenugreek Seeds
  
  Fenugreek seeds, also known as methi seeds are an effective ingredient for lowering high blood pressure due to their high potassium and dietary fiber content. Boil one to two teaspoons of fenugreek seeds in water for about two minutes, and then strain it. Put the seeds in a blender and mix it into a paste. Eat this paste twice a day, once in the morning on an empty stomach and once in the evening. Follow this remedy for two to three months to notice a significant improvement in your blood pressure level.
   
• Lemons
  
  Lemons help keep blood vessels soft and pliable and by removing any rigidity, high blood pressure will be reduced. In addition, you can help lower your chance of heart failure by consuming lemon juice regularly, due to its vitamin C content. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps neutralize the harmful effects of free radicals.
   
• Watermelon Seeds
  
  Watermelon seeds contain a compound called cucurbocitrin, which helps widen the blood capillaries. At the same time, it also helps improve kidney functioning. This in turn reduces blood pressure levels and also helps a lot with arthritis. Grind equal quantities of dried watermelon seeds and poppy seeds (khus khus). Take one teaspoon of this mixture in the morning on an empty stomach and again in the evening.

In high blood pressure it it important to have regualr check-ups with the doctor who will review your medical history and conduct a physical examination. Your doctor may also recommend routine tests, such as a urine test (urinalysis), blood tests, a cholesterol test and an electrocardiogram - a test that measures your heart's electrical activity.

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