Herbs for high blood pressure can be more effective than prescription medications when used as an adjunct to lifestyle changes, a healthy diet, and exercise. Herbs for high blood pressure are hypotensive herbs which naturally strengthen the heart, support the kidneys and urinary system, reduce inflammation, and reduce muscle spasms. They bring what is unbalanced back into balance gently and naturally. Always speak to your natural health professional about your personal needs.
Herbs for high blood pressure/hypertension
30% of the English, 29% of Americans, and 20% of Canadians have a blood pressure above 140/90 or hypertension. Blood pressure is the force of the blood pushing against the walls of the arteries, carrying blood throughout the body. The heart beats at 60 to 70 times per minute and with each pulse it pushes blood through the arteries. Blood pressure is highest when the heart contracts to pump the blood. When the heart muscles relax the blood pressure falls. The top number of the blood pressure ratio is the pressure of the heart contracting (systolic pressure) and the bottom number is the pressure of the heart relaxing (diastolic pressure).
Blood pressure changes with the normal activities of life. It naturally goes up during exertion and lowers during rest. It is only when blood pressure remains high over a period of time that a diagnosis of high blood pressure is made.
Health effects of high blood pressure
If untreated, high blood pressure can lead to serious health consequences such as damage to the arterial walls, heart attack, stroke, kidney damage, and damage to the heart. While pharmaceutical treatment of high blood pressure focuses on the symptoms, herbal remedies for high blood pressure provide a tonic to support the body and increase the efficiency of the heart and blood circulation.
Herbs for high blood pressure
Several herbs for high blood pressure are used synergistically. David Hoffman (Medical Herbalism, 304) recommends Hawthorn (Crataegus spp.), Linden (Tilia platyphyllod), Yarrow (Achillea millefolium), Cramp bark or High Bush Cranberry (Vibernum opulus, aka V. tilobum), and Valerian (Valeriana officinalis). Herbs for lowering high blood pressure need to provide not just the lowering of the blood pressure, but also a tonic to the heart, a diuretic, an antispasmodic, a vascular tonic, and a relaxant.
Hawthorn
I love hawthorn. I have a Black Hawthorn (Crataegus douglasii) growing outside my kitchen window. The flowers, berries, and inner bark can all be used medicinally, but beware the thorns. The black hawthorn has 2 inch thorns on its branches. In fact the size of the thorns is one way to tell the difference between black hawthorn and Columbian hawthorn, before the berries ripen and reveal the type. Columbian hawthorns (C. columbiana) have dark scarlet berries, while black hawthorns have, wait for it, blue-black berries. We have both black and Columbian hawthorn growing wild at Joybilee Farm. We can sometimes even harvest the berries, if we can get to them before the cedar waxwings.
Hawthorn is a hardy, shrubby tree that grows in damp places on the edges of streams and meadows. It prefers low to middle elevations. We are at 2,700 feet and are in zone 3. We had to protect the bark from my female llamas because they like to nibble at it in early summer, when they are close to birth. The inner bark of hawthorn can be used in place of the commercial cramp bark, another Viburnum species. Hawthorn reduces spasms – both uterine and heart.
Hawthorn is the heart medicine of choice in situations where the heart is in need of a tonic. Those who are feeling “broken hearted” can also benefit from its gentle healing. It takes a while to fully take effect but its effects are permanent and curative. It reduces blood pressure, tones and strengthens the pulse, the heart, and the vascular system, and is a diuretic. The darker purple-black native haws (C. Douglasii) are also rich in antioxidants, good for heart health.
Linden
The linden does everything the hawthorn does and is also a relaxant, and an antispasmodic. The linden tree is a large, leafy tree native to North America. It is also called basswood or lime tree. The small leafed linden’s (Tilia cordata) heart shaped leaves are suggestive of its use as a heart tonic. It’s the leaves and flowers that are used in herbal medicine. You may find it growing in your neighborhood if you live in hardiness zones 3 to 7.
Yarrow
The yarrow flowers and leaves reduce blood pressure, act as a diuretic and vascular tonic, strengthen the lungs, support the liver, reduce spasms, and increase blood flow. Yarrow grows wild all around me. It is a hardy perennial well worth growing for its multitudinous medicinal uses. According to Rosemary Gladstar, the wild plants are stronger medicinally than their tamer, more flamboyant sisters, however, if you don’t have wild yarrow growing around you but do have colorful yarrow in your garden, use what you have.
Cramp bark – High bush Cranberry
Related to the showy snowball bush and black hawthorn, cramp bark reduces spasms and relaxes the nerves, while lowering blood pressure. If you don’t have access to cramp bark, the inner bark of black haw (Viburnum prunifolium) or the inner bark of black hawthorn (Cratageus Douglasii) can be used in its place. The native high bush cranberry, hardy to zone 2, can be found growing in damp, shaded areas throughout the colder regions of North America.
Valerian root
Valerian root is a relaxant and nervine that lowers blood pressure and reduces spasming. But it’s not for everyone. Michael Moore in Medicinal Plants of the Pacific West tells us that “Valerian stimulates digestive function, increases the depth and efficiency of respiration, slows and strengthens the pulse, and sedates the brain. It is a tonic sedative.”(250). However, those who have a lot of adrenaline and cortisone stress in their bodies, with cardiac excess, and a challenging intestinal tract will find valerian accentuates the functions that are already in excess leaving the person with both sedation and physical stimulation. If that’s you – this is not your herb.
Chamomile
Gentler chamomile can be used in place of valerian in this formula for its relaxing and antispasmodic synergy. It is also a mild digestive aid and helps when hypertension is accompanied by indigestion.
Are you ready to study herbs?
I am a student in the Intermediate Herbal Course with the Herbal Academy of New England. Studying herbs has released me to a lifestyle of dancing with plants. While previously I thought of herbs as something I could grow in my garden or forage on my acreage that would substitutes for pharmaceutical medicine, the course reminds me that herbs are food, as well as medicine. Making teas and tinctures and having to wait for the tea to steep or the tincture to macerate reminds me that life is not a rush to the grave. Life is to be savoured and sipped slowly. This subtle change in perspective is healing to my mind because with a short 40 to 60 day growing season, it’s easy to feel stressed and overwhelmed, as if I’m battling for survival with my garden. Studying herbs reminds me that it is not a battle for survival that we are invited to, but rather a dance with life.
Why hypotensive?
If your blood pressure is too high, you need herbs that will lower it in order to bring the body into balance. Hypotensive herbs like hawthorn, linden, yarrow, and cramp bark help to balance the body and bring the blood pressure into normal range.
Print
Herbs for High Blood Pressure
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 weeks
- Total Time: 1008 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 500 to 600 ml 1x
- Category: Tincture
- Method: Infusion
Description
Herbs that help lower blood pressure or normalize blood pressure are combined in an alcohol based tincture for ease of use.
Ingredients
- 1 cup Hawthorn berries, dried
- ½ cup Linden leaves and flowers, dried
- ½ cup Yarrow flowers and leaves, dried
- ½ cup Cramp bark, black haw bark, or black hawthorn bark, dried and chopped
- ½ cup German chamomile flowers
Instructions
- Add the herbs to a 1 quart/litre mason jar. The jar will be 3/4s full. The contents will sift together to fill the jar about ½ full. Fill the jar with vodka or another 100 proof or higher mild tasting liquor.
- Overnight the dried herbs will absorb the alcohol and swell filling the jar almost to the top. Top up with more alcohol to keep the herbs completely covered.
- Allow the menstruum to macerate in the jar for 6 to 8 weeks, shaking the jar daily or as often as you think of it.
- After 6 to 8 weeks strain out the plant material and reserve the liquid. Press the spent herbs to obtain as much tincture as possible. The liquid is the medicinal tincture. The spent plant material can be composted.
- Bottle the liquid tincture dark glass bottles and label with the name of the tincture and the date, plus the dosage. I love the blue glass bottles. They just make me happy.
Notes
Yield 5 x 100ml bottles. 100 doses – enough for a month at full strength.
Hypotensive heart tonic recipe
Yield 750ml tincture
1 cup Hawthorn berries, dried
½ cup Linden leaves and flowers, dried
½ cup Yarrow flowers and leaves, dried
½ cup Cramp bark or Black Hawthorn bark, dried and chopped
½ cup German Chamomile flowers
Method:
Add the herbs to a 1 quart/litre mason jar. The jar will be 3/4s full. The contents will sift together to fill the jar about ½ full. Fill the jar with vodka or another 100 proof or higher mild tasting liquor. Overnight the dried herbs will absorb the alcohol and swell filling the jar almost to the top. Top up with more alcohol to keep the herbs completely covered. Allow menstruum to macerate in the jar for 6 to 8 weeks, shaking the jar daily or as often as you think of it.
After 6 to 8 weeks strain out the plant material and reserve the liquid. The liquid is the medicinal tincture. The spent plant material can be composted.
Bottle the liquid tincture in 2 oz/100 ml. dark glass bottles and label with the name of the tincture and the date, plus the dosage. I love the blue glass bottles. They just make me happy.
Yield 5 x 100ml bottles. 100 doses – enough for a month at full strength.
Adult serving size: 1 tsp up to three times a day for therapeutic use.
My experience with these herbs for high blood pressure
I used powdered hawthorn berries when I made this herbal tincture for high blood pressure the first time. The powdered berries resisted being wetted by the alcohol. In my next batch I will lightly crush whole hawthorn berries rather than powder them.
The tincture is cloudy and needs to be shaken before measuring a teaspoon dose. It has a pleasant flavor and is not overly medicinal tasting. This will help with compliance and no additional flavoring or sweetening is necessary.
If you have high blood pressure
All experienced herbalists will tell you that holistic medicine prescribes for the whole person and the whole lifestyle. Its goal, as the name implies, is wholeness and integration, not simply alleviating symptoms. Thus, herbal remedies for high blood pressure are not simply a substitute for pharmaceutical drugs.
Herbal tinctures alone, are not enough to reduce high blood pressure. A change in lifestyle that includes reducing stress, avoiding excesses of alcohol, tobacco, and caffeine, increasing consumption of potassium and magnesium, regular exercise, adequate sleep, and reducing excess sugars and grains may help to bring your blood pressure back to normal levels, for those whose blood pressure is in the first level of hypertension. For those who have been on hypertensive medication, do not reduce your medication without consulting with your personal medical practitioner.
See also Herbal Capsules for hypertension
Disclaimer: All information offered herein is for educational purposes only. Always do your own research and consult your own trusted medical professional before self-prescribing.
References:
David Hoffman. Medical Herbalism
Michael Moore. Medicinal Plants of the Pacific West
C.P. Lyons. Trees, Shrubs, and Flowers to Know in British Columbia (1952, 1965) (I have the 2nd edition, paperback, 1972. This is my most used, most intuitive, and most favorite botany field guide. Alas it is out of print.)
thanks for information. the link for the hanes course doesn’t seem to work anymore. do you have their new link please?
also I believe when you typed Hypotension, you meant Hypertension which is High blood pressure…..Hypotension is actually low blood pressure. I was looking for information on low blood pressure herbs but noticed that though you typed Hypo…you were talking about high blood pressure but it may mislead someone else but nonetheless, very good info on High blood pressure, thanks.
Hi, I would like to use the herbs for tea, do I just put a teaspoon of each herb into my mug of hot water or what would you suggest?
Thanks for sharing this informative article. Herbal remedies along with a healthful diet and lifestyle are great for someone with high blood pressure.
Great info! My Herbalist recommended the same formula, with the exception of Yarrow which I am willing to add. Thanks slot.
I would like your advice as to buying Hawthorne and the other herbs you recommend in tea or pill form. I am elderly and haven’t any access to herbs to make a mixture of my own. But it is tricky learning what dose to use of Hawthorne or the others in pill form. I have tried hibiscus as tea but it is too strong to use with delicate intestines. Thank you for any help you can advise.
You can find hawthorn tea, usually in the natural food section of your super market. With capsules follow the manufacturers dosage on the label. Capsules will have a standardized doseage.
Could you make a tea from these exact herbs?
Absolutely
Hi There!!
Im curious about your BP Tincture and wondering if this can be taken alongside BP Meds at first (in hopes of weaning off and using only the tincture!) I’m curious about any interactions between herb and pharmaceutical or where I could be directed to check this out if you may know!
I’d like to help someone who is on a statin as well as Atenolol and Losartan (two BP meds) I know you can only provide opinion and your experience with herbs so I’m just looking for recommendations!
thank you!!
I’d suggest working with a clinical herbalist. There is a chance of drug interactions and it can be complicated, once someone is on pharmaceuticals. To reverse high blood pressure naturally involves a lifestyle change that includes a healthy, low sugar diet and exercise.
Thank you for the answer! Will do! Im also curious if using a 40% 80 proof is effective as well. I just crafted this tincture with it. I also have everclear
I always use 40% alcohol in my tinctures. Everclear needs to be diluted to be save and effective in tinctures.
I am just beginning my journey into herbalism (abt 1 year ago) and your site has been so helpful! I have been using tinctures that are already written out. My question is, how do you determine the ratio of different herbs for tinctures? I have not made this recipe as yet, but intend to and will let you know how it turns out. Thank you for all you do and share!
Good question, Rita. Often tinctures are one part of each herb in equal parts. I think practitioners try formulations and then tweak the recipe a few times till it works. There are also standard formularies that offer suggestions on specific herbs and what amounts to use in a remedy. Medical Herbalism by David Hoffman is one such. Many of these have been around for decades.
Have been using herbal healing for years and when the time is right am very interested in partispating in these classes as well.
I’m interested in your recipe for hypertension. I’m not seeing a recommended daily dosage. Can you tell me how much of the tincture should be taken daily? Thank you! Very helpful info.
Is this article about hypertension or hypotension , two very different things. The hook was help for high blood pressure, ( hypertension), the recipe was for low blood pressure, (hypotension)?
Yes, the recipe lowers blood pressure so it is a hypotensive herbal formulation. Used if someone needs to normalize high blood pressure.
Would information on the Herbal Academy. Is there an internet program?
For 40 years I had an acrea of land and made numerous teas . I’m now living in a senior residence with a shaded patio. Also no water for pots. I always wanted to take a courses would it be to difficult under these conditions. If not where would you suggest i apply. Thanks
Is this a typo? ” Allow menstruum to macerate in the jar for 6 to 8 weeks, shaking the jar daily or as often as you think of it.” Do you mean the mixture?
Menstruum is the technical term. It means any solvent used for extracting.
Thank you for all the information you share. I have some questions regarding this tincture and your weight loss capsules that also lowered your blood pressure. Can they be used together or is it too much? Is there a risk of using either of them too long? Can the body build up toxic levels if used daily and long term? Really would appreciate your thoughts on these questions. I am slowly working on the beginner course from HANE. Thank you again.
Hi, Jerry Ideally each person should be seen by a clinical herbalist. The focus of alternative therapies is to help the whole person heal and thrive, not just treat underlying symptoms. Blood pressure is controlled by the kidneys so in a situation where the blood pressure seems high, there may be detoxification going on, a kidney function, or there could be dehydration, inhibiting the kidneys from doing their job. In the issue of excess weight where there is also high blood pressure you could be dealing with insulin resistance, which affects the kidneys, and that is managed with a complete change in diet, removing grains and sugar, increasing raw fruit and vegetables. The herbs in the capsules are food. So there could be allergies or sensitivities. But you won’t toxify from them like you might if you were taking drugs. Your body would tell you if you were taking too much.
The HANES course are the best herbal education I’ve seen. I especially love all the hands on “lab” studies. They are inspiring. The Advanced Herbal course is being released in just a few weeks. I’m looking forward to seeing what they will be doing with that. I spent a good hour this morning catching up on the new articles in the Herbarium.
Thanks for your prompt reply!
What great information! I’ve been on high BP meds for a couple of years now and have never had my condition explained as well as you just did in this article. Dr’s are so quick to dispense drugs but barely sit long enough to remember what they look like much less figure out a solution . I love that this is all natural. I too will sub apple cider vinega, just for it’s greatness. Can’t wait to try! Hope I can find all the ingredients. ..
What I didn’t grow myself I purchased at Mountain Rose Herbs.
This is wonderful information. I am so glad that I found your site, it is very helpful. Thanks.
this is great! I do have one question, what can be used in replace of the alcohol? For personal and religious reasons, I do not consume or use any alcohol.
Thank you
You can use cider vinegar. Just substitute it. And then do it the same way as the recipe says.
I really enjoy reading your herbal posts. I’m hoping to one day take the course from Herbal Academy of Ne w England, but the time is not right in my life right now. In the mean time, I like knowing I can glean from your research and knowledge.
When you get the chance to study herbs, you’ll love the HANES courses. I looked at a few others, too. Some of them are just book learning with no hands on aspect. The HANES course forces you out into the garden or into the woods and has lots of kitchen chemistry. Your homeschoolers would love to study it with you.