This is long, and also be sure to read the post on the Aromatherapy general info, but here ya go:
AROAMTHERAPY FOR HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE:
--symptoms and causes: blood pressure rises as a result of an increase in resistance to the flow of blood in both large and small blood vessels. About 90% of people with hypertension have no obvious underlying cause, which is called essential hypertension. Possible causes can b prolonged stress, smoking, alcohol, a sedentary lifestyle, and obesity. For the other 10%, a definite cause is found, which is called secondary hypertension. Specific causes can be disorders of the adrenal glands or kidneys, a complication of pregnancy, or a type of congenital heart defect. Severe hypertension may sometimes cause shortness of breath, giddiness, and visual disturbances.
--recommended essential oils:
1.) Bergamot: sedative yet uplifting character, which is excellent for anxiety, depression, and treating nervous tension. (phototoxic—keep out of the sun when using)
2.) Neroli: rather hypnotic and euphoric; will soothe emotional states and relieve chronic anxiety, depression, and stress.
3.) Ylang ylang: excellent oil for excitable conditions, regulating adrenaline flow and relaxing nervous system; eases feelings of panic, anxiety, and fear. (phototoxic—keep out of the sun when using; avoid use with skin sensitivity)
Synergistic blend:
2 drops bergamot
1 drop neroli
3 drops ylang ylang
Massage carrier base:
15 ml (1/2 fl. oz.) sunflower oil
Methods of use:
Bathing
Full body massage
Vaporizing
Personal perfume
Other useful essential oils:
Roman chamomile (avoid during pregnancy), frankincense, lavendar (avoid during pregnancy), sweet marjoram (avoid during pregnancy), and rose otto
**CAUTION: The following oils are absolutely contraindicated for high blood pressure: hyssop, rosemary, common sage, and red thyme!! Always seek professional help for high blood pressure. Using aromatherapy and self-help remedies may be beneficial for mild cases, but do not replace long-term blood pressure medication with aromatherapy remedies without first consulting your doctor.
HERBAL REMEDIES FOR HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE:
Your heart is an engineering marvel, and when all goes well, there is just enough pressure inside the arteries to maintain a steady flow of blood. But such pressure can be affected by exercise, stress, diet, and hormones, as well as by blood loss from menstruation or severe injury. To keep the system working correctly in the face of constantly changing conditions, the heart makes continual adjustments. Chronically high blood pressure, or hypertension, is one of the most common of all diseases. The problem: it’s symptomless. It can hang around for decades without giving any clues that a person has it, so regular doctor visits are vital to your health! However, blood pressure readings can vary by 20-60 points even throughout the course of a day. AND many people notice that their blood pressure increases significantly at the doctor’s office, a phenomenon called white-coat syndrome.
Doing the Blood-Pressure Numbers:
Blood pressure is measures in terms of how much the arteries contract (systolic pressure—the upper reading, or number) and dilate (diastolic pressure—the lower reading, or number). Although a reading or 140/90 has been designated as the upper limit of normal for the American population, comparative studies of other populations suggests even these figures may be too high. Instead of waiting until your blood pressure reaches an arbitrary limit, the best strategy would be to keep an eye on your barometer of health on a regular basis. Begin intervention on a number of areas—diet, exercise, and natural remedies—when reading regularly exceed 120/80. Blood pressure should be checked yearly if normal, and four times a year if it is EVER found to be elevated. You can also purchase a home unit to evaluate your levels at home if you are concerned or have a risk, OR you can check your levels for free at a pharmacy when you are out shopping.
A Salty Debate:
It used to be a sure thing that you’d be told to pass up the salt if you had HBP. More current research, however, has shown that reducing sodium help lower BP for less than 1/2 of those who try it. One the other hand, MOST people DO eat far too much sodium in their diets. A daily average of 2-3 tsp is the average intake. Most people would benefit from a reduction in sodium intake, regardless of their BP levels, by about 1 tsp. A simple way to do so would be to stop adding extra salt to foods, OR avoid processed foods and cook more homemade meals, which would allow a person to regulate his or her own salt intake.
First Things First:
Drugs to lower BP are among the most frequent reasons a doctor writes a prescription. Although these drugs are usually effective, their value is diminished by side effects such as fatigue and depression. They also impair your ability to exercise AND enjoy sex. And they’re expensive. So if you’ve been newly diagnosed with HBP, it’s natural to ask your doctor if you can avoid having to take such drugs by making some changes in your lifestyle. Fortunately, because SO many Americans suffer from HBP, a great deal of research has been done on ways to fight the disorder. Stress management techniques that have been proven to help include meditation, biofeedback, and regular aerobic exercise. Losing weight and decreasing alcohol consumption may also have a big impact. Some people, especially those with Type II diabetes, find that restricting carbs may dramatically lower their BP.
Eight Ways to Fight HBP
Here are 8 more tips for lowering HBP and reducing or preventing a dependence on BP drugs:
1.) Eat fewer calories. Lowering your body weight if it’s too high is one KEY way to lower your BP.
2.) Avoid refined carbs such as white flour and sugar, white potatoes (especially French fries), and sugar-sweetened soft drinks. All of these supply “empty” calories, meaning they’re unusually bereft of nutrients, AND they lead to weight gain. They also fill you up, so that you have no room left for healthy foods.
3.) Don’t drink more than ONE 8-oz. glass of bear, OR 4 oz. of wine, OR 1 oz. hard liquor per day. Higher amounts of alcohol are known blood pressure boosters.
4.) Eat high-fiber foods such as flaxseed meal and other whole grains and vegetables. In addition to boosting dietary fiber, these foods contain nutrients that lower BP. And fiber makes you feel full, which helps you lose weight if you need to.
5.) Eat deep-sea fish that are rich in EFA’s, such as salmon, cod, mackerel, and tuna. The omega-3 fatty acids in fish tend to relax artery walls, reducing BP. They also make blood thinner and less likely to clot.
6.) Emphasize foods high in magnesium, potassium, and calcium. On the list? Nuts and seeds, green leafy veggies, legums, whole grains, tofu, bananas, oranges, apples, avocados, and melons.
7.) Stop smoking. Cigarette smoking raises your BP by constricting arteries. It also damages heart muscle and other tissues by decreasing the amount of oxygen they get.
8.) Engage in regular aerobic exercise for 30-40 min 3-4 times a week. Such exercise has been shown to lower BP and prevent heart attacks.
Mineral “Magic”:
One of the deadliest consequences of HBP is stroke. But it is also the one with a proven dietary therapy. The DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) study, performed at four medical centers and sponsored by the NIH, showed the people who ate foods rich in potassium, magnesium, and fiber, had a lower incidence of stroke.
Herbal remedies:
1.) Hawthorn (Crataegus spp.). The leaves, flowers, and berries of this tree have a well-deserved reputation as general tonics for the cardiovascular system. It is perhaps the best-known botanical medicine used in the treatment of mild HBP. A hawthorn extract is commonly used by herbalists for improving heart function and treating congestive heart failure, irregular heartbeats, and angina. It is a rich source of oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs) and antioxidant bioflavonoids, both of which nourish the tissues of the heart and the blood vessels. Hawthorn lowers blood pressure by relaxing and dilating artery walls. Since it can take weeks or even months to work, it should NEVER be used by itself for significantly high BP (above 160/100). But it is ideal for use in the early stages of HBP. Typical dosage: 150-1500mg powdered standardized extract (10-18% OPCs or 1.8% vitexin-4’-rhamnoside).
2.) Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum). This mushroom is prized in Japan and China, where its rejuvenating qualities have been known for over 4000 years. It not only lowers BP, but it reduces “bad” LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, another type of blood fat. It also reduces the tendency of blood platelets to accumulate, thus making blood less likely to clot and provoke heart attacks and strokes. Since the raw mushroom is woody and inedible, the traditional method of preparing it is the make a tea by simmering it for a long time in water. But it is also available in powdered form. Typical dosage: 1000-1900mg caps per day; OR 50-75mg in concentrated caps 3 times per day.
3.) Garlic (Allium sativum). This common seasoning has been used as a medicine in many cultures for over 3000 years. It is known to lower blood pressure and cholesterol, treat infections, and prevent cancer. The sure-fire way to lower BP with garlic is to eat 1-3 raw or lightly cooked cloves every day. If you can’t handle the garlic breath that results, or you suffer from heartburn or an easily irritated stomach, garlic is available in other forms. Typical dosage: 1-3 standardized tabs (guaranteed to provide at least 4000mcg allicin each) per day.
4.) Coleus (Coleus forskohlii). Though it is little-known in the US, it is extensively used in India as an extract, forskolin, to treat a number of conditions, including HBP and asthma. It is shown to increase the concentration of a chemical found in smooth muscles, which relaxes them, dilating the walls of arteries. It also appears to help heart muscles work more efficiently. Since the root contains only small amounts of the active ingredient, it is VERY important to use a concentrated extract. Typical dosage: 50mg 3-4 times per day.
5.) Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale). The leave of this weed are a great home remedy for fluid retention. By gently increasing urine flow, it helps lower BP as well. In very high doses, it can have a diuretic effect. Advantages are two-fold: It doesn’t appear to cause potassium loss (as rx diuretics may) and almost any can find fresh dandelion greens to throw into a salad or make into a juice or tea at the right time of year. However, be sure to avoid chemically-treated weeds! Typical dosage: 2-6 cups tea per day (simmer 1-2 tsp dried leaves in 1 cup water 5 min); OR 1-2 dropperfuls tincture up to 3 times per day; OR 500mg cap 3-4 times per day.
Hope this helps! *hugs*
Jen 
