With nearly 30% of the world’s adult population having high blood pressure, it is clearly a condition that does not discriminate. Approximately 1.1 billion have hypertension all over the globe. This is not even the scary part; the scary part is you won’t notice any symptoms until it’s too late.
Over-the-counter medicines can provide immediate relief in case of emergencies but they come with side effects. In this case, switching to Ayurveda and taking precautions beforehand is a better choice. If you’re looking for an Ayurvedic Remedy for High Blood Pressure, then keep reading!
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Understanding High Blood Pressure
High Blood Pressure, commonly known as Hypertension is a medical condition where the blood in the body is hitting the arteries with a lot of force consistently. Blood pressure can be determined by two ways, one is by the amount of blood your heart pumps and second, by the resistance of blood flow in the arteries.
The more blood the heart pumps and the narrower the arteries are, the higher your blood pressure. A consistently high force of blood on the walls of arteries puts pressure on the heart and damages the nerves throughout your body.
Some symptoms associated with high blood pressure are headaches, nosebleeds, and shortness of breath. However, you might not see any obvious symptoms even if it reaches a life-threatening stage and that is why it is also referred to as “Silent Killer”.
Types of Hypertension
Primary Hypertension
It is the most common type of hypertension. It develops in your body over time without any identifiable cause. Primary (essential) hypertension is usually associated with certain risks like genetics, age, family history, lifestyle, stress, obesity, poor dietary habits, etc.
Secondary Hypertension
It usually arises from an underlying medical condition like kidney disease, hormonal disorders, or even due to consumption of certain medicines such as contraceptives or corticosteroids.
Classification of Blood Pressure
Normal
If your systolic mm Hg is less than 120 and diastolic mm Hg is less than 80 then your blood pressure is considered normal.
Elevated
If your systolic mm Hg is less than 120-129 and diastolic mm Hg is less than 80 then your blood pressure is elevated.
Hypertension Stage 1
If your systolic mm Hg is 130-139 and diastolic mm Hg is 80-89 then you are on Hypertension Stage 1.
Hypertension Stage 2
If your systolic mm Hg is 140 or higher and diastolic mm Hg is higher than 90 then you are on Hypertension Stage 2.
Hypertensive Crisis
In case your systolic mm Hg is higher than 180 and diastolic mm Hg is 120 or higher then you have a hypertensive crisis.
Symptoms of High Blood Pressure
High Blood Pressure is generally a silent disease and does not show any obvious symptoms but here are some symptoms that could signal high blood pressure or hypertension:
- Experiencing moderate to severe headaches
- Bleeding from nose
- Anxiety
- Shortness of Breath
- Pulsation in the neck area
- Palpitations
- Dizziness
- Chest Pain
Since most people do not show any symptoms of high Blood Pressure, regular monitoring the blood pressure is the most reliable way to see if your blood pressure levels are rising. You can also ask a medical professional to visit your home or get a blood pressure monitor to keep a close eye on your blood pressure levels.
Causes of High Blood Pressure/Hypertension
There are several factors that could contribute to this medical condition, some of these are:
- Genetics
- Age
- Consuming high-fat-content food
- Excess salt intake
- Obesity
- Excessive consumption of alcohol and smoking
- Stress
- Lack of physical activity
- Certain underlying medical conditions
Ayurvedic Remedy for High Blood Pressure at Home
- Tulsi is known as a natural medicine for High Blood Pressure. Simply consume a few Tulsi leaves in the morning.
- Moong dal helps to lower the blood pressure levels. You can make some moong dal soup, and add cilantro, cumin, and a pinch of turmeric to it.
- If you take a cup of freshly squeezed peach juice and add a teaspoon of coriander and a pinch of cardamom to it and drink this solution two times a day, this will help regulate high blood pressure.
- Amla also known as Indian gooseberry helps reduce Hypertension along with various other benefits. You can take Amla juice once a day to lower the bp levels.
- Orange and coconut water when combined together, works wonders for people with high blood pressure levels. Mix Coconut water and orange juice in the ratio of 1:2 and drink one cup of this solution atleast 2 times a day.
- Mix one part of Punarnava, one part of passion flower and two parts of hawthorn berry. Steep half teaspoon of this mixture in a cup of hot water for 5 to 10 minutes. Drink this tea after lunch and dinner to keep blood pressure levels in check.
- Garlic helps in tackling hypertension. It increases the nitric oxide in the body that aids in dilating the blood vessels, thus enabling the blood to flow freely. Hence, lowering the blood pressure. You can add garlic as a seasoning ingredient in your meals.
Also Read Ayurvedic Remedy for Acid Reflux, Indigestion & Bloating | Natural Solutions
Diet and lifestyle changes
- Ayurveda emphasis on the importance of a balanced diet to regulate high blood pressure.
- Reduce the intake of salty, spicy and fried food.
- Try including more fruits and green leafy vegetables in your diet.
- Engage in physical activities like walking, yoga, swimming. They improve blood circulation and helps reduce stress.
- Practice meditation, deep breathing exercises and other relaxation techniques to reduce stress.
- Follow a proper sleeping schedule.
- Eliminate smoking and alcohol consumption.
When to see a Doctor
- If your blood pressure levels are 130/80 or higher i.e. If your systolic mm Hg is 130-139 and diastolic mm Hg is 80-89 and you’re experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above then consult with a doctor.
- If you have hypertensive crisis i.e. your systolic mm Hg is higher than 180 and diastolic mm Hg is 120 or higher then you should immedietly seek medical help.
- If you’ve suddenly started developing chest pain, shortness of breath, change in vision, difficulty speaking, confusion, vomiting, dizziness, numbness or back pain then consult with a doctor.
