Is There A Natural Cure For Low Blood Pressure?
Rudolf Weiss, the German herbalist, has some interesting ideas
on low blood pressure. He describes it as being simply an aspect
of a more deep seated problem. He also believes that when people
have low blood pressure but no symptoms, that it does not
require treatment. I do not suggest that this should replace
your doctor's advice though! But I find it interesting, as a
possible complementary treatment option, to consider his view
that low blood pressure is the product of a weak circulation. As
such, gentle herbs that support circulation may be a useful
adjunct to whatever other therapy is suggested.
He stresses the underlying factor of a regulatory imbalance. And
he suggests herbs like rosemary, that have a tonic effect, would
be a useful support. Particularly in times of mental or physical
stress, or after surgery, or some other illness that may have
weakened the body, like the flu. He does say that treatment
should only be for a limited time. He makes the point that life
insurance statistics indicate that people with hypotension on
average live longer than people with blood pressure in the
normal range. (Weiss, p185)
Rosemary is quite a diverse herb. It is used effectively for
headaches, particularly migraine. The herbalist Michael Tierra
writes that many headaches are caused by stomach problems, and
that the volatile oils in rosemary have a very beneficial and
calming effect on the stomach. Rosemary also contains salicylic
acid, which is the precursor of aspirin. Though being in plant
form it doesn't have the long term side effects.
Rosemary is excellent for the circulation, and is often
prescribed by herbalists for circulatory weakness (Fisher &
Painter). The active constituents known as the flavanoids are
heart and blood vessel tonics. So, as well as hypotension,
rosemary is suggested for poor circulation, hypertensive
headaches, and arrhythmias.
Externally, rosemary spirit is used for rheumatic problems
(Weiss). It can also be massaged into the heart area.
Another active constituent of rosemary is rosemarinic acid,
which is a phenolic acid. Rosemarinic acid has an
anti-inflammatory effect. A study found that a rosemarinic
preparation was effective in treating allergic asthma. It has
also been found to suppress synovitis in mice. Synovitis is an
inflammation of the lining of the joints, with swelling, which
is quite painful. It is involved in rheumatoid arthritis.
Rosemarinic acid can also prevent the activation of prostacyclin
and complement, which leads to hypotension (Fisher & Painter).
Overall, this suggests that scientific research supports the
herbalist's uses of rosemary for hypotension, poor circulation,
and rheumatic problems such as rheumatoid arthritis. One problem
has been that products which contained rosemary had quite low
concentrations, although some supplement manufacturers have
begun to make a very concentrated rosemary product.
Concentrations of rosemarinic acid in these range from 5% to
70%. And given that rosemarinic acid is an incredibly powerful
antioxidant as well, this would make it a good choice for
preventing heart disease.
References: 1.
http://www.nutraingredients.com/news/ng.asp?id=64356
2. C Fisher & G Painter, Materia Medica Of Western Herbs For The
Southern Hemisphere
3. R Weiss, Herbal Medicine
4. M Tierra, Planetary Herbology