High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)

Introduction:

Hypertension literally means a greater than normal tension or tone, whereby the blood pressure is higher than 140 mm systolic and 90 Diastolic, recorded on three separate occasions over several weeks. According to Taber's Medical Dictionary, it is one of the major causes or risk for heart failure, stroke, peripheral vascular disease, kidney failure and retinopathy.

This disorder can either be hereditary or acquired through lifestyle factors. High blood pressure is worsened by poor kidney function, poor hormone balance, mineral deficiencies (especially calcium), obesity, athero and arterio-scleroses, stress and high cholesterol levels. The Autonomic Nervous System, kidneys, brain and adrenal glands all have a role in the homeostatic management of blood pressure and can be very much helped by good living practices.

Refer to angina for more information.

Nutritional Advice:

Eat sensibly, cut out tea, coffee, salt, alcohol, sugar, chocolate, fats (and cigarettes).

Avoid hot cooked spices, use instead the cool spices like cumin and turmeric or add to the food after cooking, and occasionally take large amounts of garlic, with cool herbs like thyme, chives, marjoram, coriander, basil and mint.

Good internal oils to use are rich in Omega 3, 6 & 9 and found in the form of linseed oil or Hemp capsules. Also use plenty of olive oil.

Search out potassium-rich foods; a key one is Apple Cider Vinegar - use in salads on potatoes in stews or simply drink 2 tablespoons mixed with 2 tablespoons of Apple Juice daily. Also bananas, dried fruit, nectarines, melons, potatoes (with skins), broccoli, pumpkins, you can also make potassium broth.

If your high blood pressure is known to be emotionally based then relax, breathe and consider 'Talking Therapies'.

Herb Quality:

A large proportion of our herbs are grown in English soils, harvested using bio-chemistry analysis and many but not always, processed fresh, which heightens their remedial properties. The majority are grown organically and or sustainably wild-crafted. All manufacturing is carried out using licensed good manufacturing practice.

DO NOT MIX HERBAL MEDICINE AND GP PRESCRIBED MEDICATION WITHOUT THE PRIOR KNOWLEDGE OF YOUR GP OR PRACTIONER

Natural Healing:

Exercise, hydrotherapy and or massage are vital for increasing circulation, and meditation helps to relieve stress.