Ten home remedies to help regulate high blood pressure

Also known as hypertension, high blood pressure is a common health problem among many people.

If a person has high blood pressure, it means that the walls of the arteries are receiving too much pressure on a constant basis. High blood pressure occurs when the pressure of blood in the arteries is elevated.

Even though there is no identifiable cause for essential high blood pressure, there is strong evidence linking some risk factors such as obesity, kidney diseases, excessive consumption of salt, genetic factors and even stress.

Depending on several factors such as its severity, associated risks of developing stroke or cardiovascular disease etc, the doctor will advise on the way forward which in most instances may include a lifestyle change and medication.

Associated with a few or even no symptoms, the damage can still be detected and once it has been identified you have it, it is important to take the appropriate measures.

Uncontrolled high blood pressure increases risk of serious health problems such as heart attack and stroke.

Good news is, there are a few simple ways you can help control your hypertension at home.

Lemon is a great remedy for hypertension as it softens bloods vessels and makes them flexible such that they are not rigid. This helps keep the blood pressure low. The high amounts of Vitamin B found in lemons also helps prevent heart failure.  This is why you should take lemons regularly. Taking a glass of lemon juice mixed with warm water every morning on an empty stomach is also very healthy for you.

Cayenne pepper is a great remedy for anyone experiencing mild hypertension. It helps prevent the blood platelets from clumping up and accumulating in the blood vessels. This helps ensure that the blood flows smoothly. You can take cayenne pepper in vegetable salads, fruits salads or add a pinch to your soups. 

This is one of the most effective ways of regulating high blood pressure. Take two teaspoons of fenugreek seeds and boil them for 2-3 minutes. After this strain out the water and crush the seeds to a fine paste. Eat a tablespoon of this paste each morning on an empty stomach and in the evening too.  Doing this for two to three months will give you effective results.

Garlic helps control your cholesterol levels whether eaten raw or cooked. When crushed, garlic releases hydrogen sulfide that helps in decreasing the pressure of the heart and promotes a healthy flow of blood. Whenever you experience hypertension, eat 1-2 slightly crushed cloves regularly. Alternatively, mix 5-6 drops of garlic juice with 4 teaspoons of water and take this twice a day.

Honey soothes your blood vessels which helps reduce the pressure from the heart leading to the lowering of high blood pressure. Take at least two teaspoons of honey per day, especially early in the morning on an empty stomach. Alternatively, mix the honey with basil juice and also take it on an empty stomach regularly for great results.

Eating one or two bananas daily will help control your high blood pressure. This is because of its high potassium content. Bananas also help your cholesterol levels as it has very low sodium levels.

If you are suffering from hypertension it is very important that you stay well hydrated. Make sure to drink coconut water as well as regular water. It is tasty, nutritious and helps lower and control hypertension levels. Take coconut water regularly for the best results. You can also opt to cook using coconut oil instead of regular cooking oil.

Eating celery regularly can help regulate your high blood pressure. This is because it contains high levels of 3-N-butylphthalide, a phytochemical that helps control high blood pressure. It also helps reduce stress hormones that lead to high blood pressure.

For this remedy, crush dried watermelon seeds and add a cup of boiled water. Let it sit for an hour before straining the seeds. Take 4 tablespoons of this water regularly. Watermelon seeds contain ‘cucurbocitrin’, a compound that widens blood capillaries and improves the functioning of the kidneys. It also helps with arthritis as it reduces blood pressure.

Eating one medium-sized raw onion daily will help lower your blood pressure. Alternatively, mix ½ teaspoon of onion juice with ½ teaspoon of honey.  Take this twice a day and you should notice some improvement with 1-2 weeks.