Controlling High Blood Pressure With Herbal Teas

High blood pressure is often called a silent killer. It affects around 30 percent of people, and it may not produce any symptoms. Many people who have high blood pressure do not realize that they have it. High blood pressure can lead to strokes and heart attacks.

Fortunately, you can keep your blood pressure under control with herbal teas. Below is a list of ways that herbal tea can help keep your blood pressure under control:

Diuretic Properties

Diuretics, which are medications that help the body get rid of excess fluid, are often recommended to people who suffer from high blood pressure. Diuretics not only help the body get rid of fluid, but they also encourage the body to excrete sodium. Excessive sodium can lead to high blood pressure. Herbal teas have been shown to have diuretic properties.

Herbal Teas Have Anthocyanins

Anthocyanins are a group of antioxidants that block angiotensin-converting enzyme. This is an enzyme that causes the blood vessels to constrict. If the blood vessels constrict, then the blood pressure will rise. There are medications that block angiotensin-converting enzyme. However, herbal teas can lower your blood pressure without the unwanted side effects of these medications.

What Does The Research Say?

There have been studies done to confirm that herbal teas are effective for lowering blood pressure. In 2004, there was a study by a team of researchers. The researchers asked the subjects to take either Captopril, which is a blood pressure medication, or drink hibiscus tea daily for four weeks. The results of the study showed that both groups were able to lower their blood pressure by 11 percent. Therefore, herbal teas can be just as effective for lowering blood pressure as medication.