Natural Supplements for Lowering Blood Pressure

Fish Oils

• Fish oils are high in Omega 3 acids and are important fats which enable the heart to stay healthy, as well as help reduce blood pressure. They're believed to decrease platelet aggregation and restrain smooth-muscle cells from growing in the walls of the arteries. For example, fish oils with eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid have proven effective in lowering not only blood pressure, but triglyceride levels as well.
  
  

Coenzyme Q10

• An oil-soluble substance known as Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is produced by the human body and is essential for basic cell functioning. However, the process of aging, as well as some prescription drugs can result in a reduction of CoQ10 levels. Clinical trials, including one published in the 2001 edition of the Southern Medical Journal have found CoQ10 supplements to be effective in treating patients who have a certain form of high blood pressure.
  
  

Garlic Supplements

• Taking garlic supplements is an excellent way to lower blood pressure and defend your body from developing cardiovascular disease. According to a University of Alabama at Birmingham study, garlic is tied to the amount of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) that's made from garlic compounds that react with red blood cells. The study showed garlic consumption activated red blood cells to discharge H2S, leading to blood vessels relaxing. Participants in the study ate an equivalent of two cloves of fresh garlic.
  
  

Stevia

• Stevia (Stevia Rebaudiana) comes from a South American shrub native to Paraguay. Widely used as a calorie-free sweetener, stevia is also effective for lowering blood pressure in that it reduces calcium buildup on the walls of blood vessels. In addition to lowering calcium buildup, stevia helps keep the blood vessel walls flexible.
  
  

Herbal Supplements

• The extract of the dandelion leaf's potent blend of vitamins has a diuretic effect which removes salt and liquid through urination, causing blood vessels to relax. The antioxidant, olive leaf extract, also has some of the same properties as it helps remove plaque buildup, leading to reduced blood pressure. Hawthorn extract is another herb that's been used to support a healthy heart by improving the flexibility of blood vessels and improving heart arteries. Grapeseed extract, an antioxidant rich in polyphenols, is another herbal supplement that's used for lowering blood pressure.
  
  

Misconceptions

• Often herbal supplements are thought to be safe in that they are natural, but this isn't necessarily true. Before taking any herbal supplements, first consult your doctor to make sure you don't take any supplements that could increase or interfere with blood pressure.
  
  

Warning

• Using herbal supplements may increase the need to urinate because of their diuretic effects. Also, be careful not to take too much stevia as this can remove too much calcium, resulting in dangerously low blood pressure.