Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against walls of the arteries as the heart pumps blood around one’s body. Also known as hypertension, high blood pressure tends to occur when the force is very high. The force can also damage one’s blood vessels and your heart. This force of blood pushing against the walls of your arteries is measured in millimeters of mercury. High blood pressure is very common in older adults and one can typically see no symptoms. Following are the chances of having high blood pressure-
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One’s age- One is more likely to get high blood pressure as they get older.
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Hereditary.
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Having an unhealthy diet- One is likely to have a high blood pressure when they consume a diet that is high in salt.
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Being overweight.
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Smoking.
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Feeling stressed.
Following are the types of blood pressure one can suffer from-
1. Systolic pressure- The strong force of blood when the heart pumps blood out into the arteries.
2. Normal blood pressure- It is generally considered to be below 120/80 mmHg.
3. Diastolic pressure- The force of blood when the heart is at rest between beats.
4. Hypertension- It is typically defined as 130/80 mmHg.
What are the causes of high blood pressure?
Following are some of the causes of high blood pressure-
1. Lifestyle factors.
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Lack of exercise- Regular exercise helps regulate blood pressure.
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Unhealthy diet- It is a diet which is high in sodium and low in potassium.
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Being obese- Excess weight puts a strain on the heart.
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High stress levels- Chronic stress leads to elevated blood pressure.
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Smoking- It tends to damage blood vessels and also increases the risk of heart diseases.
2. Underlying medical conditions.
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Thyroid disorder- Imbalances in thyroid hormones affect blood pressure.
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Adrenal disorders- One can stumble across situations in which conditions affect adrenal glands which produce hormones that regulate blood pressure.
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Sleep apnea- In these conditions one interrupts during sleep and it can contribute to hypertension.
3. Other risk factors.
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Age- It is a no-brainer that the risk of high blood pressure increases with age.
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Family history- Having a family history of hypertension increases one’s chances of risk.
What are the ayurvedic medicines for blood pressure control?
Herb / Medicine | Key Benefit | Best For |
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Sarpagandha | Reduces BP, calms nerves | Stress-related high BP, anxiety |
Mukta Vati | Balances BP, improves sleep | Mild-moderate hypertension |
Jatamansi | Relieves anxiety, lowers stress BP | Nervous tension, insomnia, BP spikes |
Punarnava | Diuretic, kidney & liver support | Water retention, inflammation, puffy face |
Brahmi | Mind-calming, memory-boosting | Chronic stress, cognitive strain |
We all are no strangers to the fact that Ayurveda offers several natural remedies and herbs that help manage high blood pressure by targeting its root causes like poor digestion, imbalance in dosha and stress. Following are the ayurvedic medicines for high blood pressure control-
1. Sarpagandha.
This herb is a synergistic combination of five herbs that ensures a sustained control of high blood pressure and it is highly effective in managing stress and anxiety. Sarpagandha is the herb that relaxes the blood vessels and regulates nerve function in the muscles and this also facilitates the circulation of blood through the heart passages. According to Ayurveda, an aggravated Vata dosha disturbs the nervous system and this leads to insomnia. The drug calms the nervous system owing to its Nidrajanak nature. One should take the drug cautiously as it causes drowsiness.
2. Mukta Vati.
Mukta Vati is the herbal supplement used for managing hypertension. It is the most well-known ayurvedic formulation used for managing hypertension and high blood pressure. This remedy is known for their stress-reducing, cardio-protective and calming properties. The best part about this drug is it is a non-habit forming drug and it is used for treating mild to moderate hypertension when linked to stress, anxiety and poor lifestyle.
The drug which is one of the most beneficial ayurvedic medicine for blood pressure control is the most effective when-
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Blood pressure spikes are stress-related.
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When one is looking to reduce dependency on allopathic medication under supervision.
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If one is experiencing insomnia or irritability.
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3. Jatamansi for bp control.
Also known as Spikenard, it is a revered herb in Ayurveda for calming one’s mind and nervous system. The drug is a natural nerve and it is a stress reliever. It also plays a key role in calming the brain and reducing anxiety. Two of the main triggers for high BP are mental over-activity and stress. The drug helps regulate blood pressure by smoothening the nervous system. It also supports deeper and more restorative sleep which results in lower morning BP spikes.
Jatamansi is the drug that pacifies both doshas and this makes it suitable for people who experience BP elevation. The antioxidants in the drug help protect blood vessels and also reduce oxidative stress. One should be careful while consuming the drug as it may cause mild drowsiness.
4. Punarnava.
This powerful ayurvedic herb is used for its kidney-supporting, anti-inflammatory and diuretic properties. The drug plays a supportive role in managing high blood pressure and it helps in kidney imbalance and fluid retention. It also helps the body eliminate excess fluids and sodium and it is used for people swelling or puffiness. The herb also improves renal filtration and it is vital in impaired kidneys. The drug reduces inflammation in blood vessels and kidneys and it can contribute to improved vascular function. One should avoid using the drug during pregnancy unless prescribed. It is also recommended to avoid taking the drug during low BP and severe dehydration. The drug also revitalizes and cleans the liver. When the liver is unable to perform well, it leads to an imbalance of Vata-Kapha doshas and taking punarnava helps to correct the function of the liver by removing toxins from the liver cells. Owing to its Deepan properties, the drug helps improve digestive fire and it also reduces the burden of liver.
One should take 1-2 teaspoons of Punarnava juice and add the same quantity of water to it. It is recommended to have it once or twice a day before taking meals.
4. Brahmi.
It is one of the most important Medhya Rasayanas. It is also used for enhancing cognitive function. It supports nervous system balance and reduces stress. The drug’s ability to calm the mind makes it powerful in managing high blood pressure.