|
Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
Hypertension is one of the major medical problems of the 21st century and characterised by blood pressure over 160/95 mm Hg. Either hereditary or acquired through lifestyle, high blood pressure is worsened by poor kidney function, poor hormone balance, mineral deficiencies, especially calcium, obesity, arthero- and arterioscleroses, stress and high cholesterol levels. Most cases can be brought under control with changes in lifestyle and diet. 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.
Nutrition
Eat sensibly. Cut out tea, coffee, salt, alcohol, sugar, chocolate, fats and cigarettes!
Avoid hot cooked spices, except for cayenne capsules and take large amounts of garlic, with cool herbs like thyme, chives, marjoram, coriander, fennel and cumin.
Good internal oils to use are rich in Omega 3 and found in the form of linseed oil capsules. Also use plenty of extra-virgin olive oil.
Avoid foods rich in sodium – salt in particular, as this upsets the ‘sodium-potassium’ balance in the body – and the kidneys … and in turn, the heart and circulatory system.
Search out potassium-rich foods, e.g. bananas, dried fruit, nectarines, melons, potatoes (with skins), broccoli, pumpkin, you can also make potassium broth.
It is important to note that when compared to non-vegetarians, vegetarians generally have lower blood pressure, and lower incidence of hypertension and other cardiovascular diseases.
Natural Healing
Exercise, hydrotherapy and or massage are vital for increasing circulation.
Meditation and Yoga both help to relieve stress, and lower blood pressure.
If you are overweight … weight reduction reduces blood pressure and should be a primary therapeutic goal for decreasing hypertension in obese and moderately overweight people as well.
Herbs
If your high blood pressure is emotionally related, then relax and breathe. Consider valerian rhizome in the short term, oat straw and skullcap herb in the long term.
Use basic heart herbs - hawthorn leaves, flowers and berries and cayenne pods. If the body is physically tense use cramp bark on it’s own or accompanied by a little lobelia herb or black cohosh.
Good basic herbs are hawthorn, lime tree flowers, eucalyptus and buckwheat to support, elasticate, dilate and clear blockages in the veins and arteries.
Herbal Formulae Suggestions
Hawthorn tincture and cayenne for the heart and circulation
Circulatory Support Formula
Hypertension Formula (please enquire)
Mellow Moments Herb Tea
Metaphysical
High Blood Pressure represents ‘Longstanding emotional problems not solved.’
Affirmation: ‘I joyously release the past. I am at peace.’
|
