10 Home Remedies for High Blood Pressure

8. Onion Juice

Onions have been cultivated and enjoyed as food for thousands of years, dating back to the ancient Egyptians, who viewed the onion as a symbol of eternal life and were used to treat a variety of ailments like fertility, hair loss, coughs and headaches.

Onions have many health benefits. They’re an allium vegetable that contains a unique combination of flavonoids and other nutrients, as well as sulfuric compounds that give the pungent odor. These sulfuric compounds are thought to lower the levels of cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood, while also improving the function of cell membranes in red blood cells. Onions hold anti-inflammatory properties, including large amounts of quercetin, a flavonoid that supports respiratory health, cardiovascular health and balanced blood pressure. Studies have shown that quercetin is associated with a reduction in risk of coronary heart disease and stroke.

The benefits of onions don’t just stop at the flesh. Raw onion juice is equally beneficial, though it may not sound as appetizing. Onions are healthy whether they’re cooked or raw, but cooking them can decrease the amount of phytonutrients and lessen the benefits. The juice of an onion is a great source of sulfur, which can help improve the circulation of blood and promote healthier levels of blood pressure and cholesterol.

Onion juice can be bought online, but it’s best when made fresh at home. Using a juicer is the quickest, easiest way to do it. Onion juice can be drunk by itself, but if you’re not too keen on that idea (and who would be?) you can add it to smoothies and other juices to mask that strong flavor. Onion juice can also be used as a dressing on salads and vegetables, and in soup.

9. Honey

Honey is a sweet, syrupy liquid with a long history of medicinal use. Honey contains an abundance of nutrients like natural sugars, minerals, vitamins and amino acids. The color and taste differs depending on where the nectar was taken from, and there are more than 300 kinds of honey in the United States alone. Lighter colored honey is generally sweeter and more mild in flavor, while darker honey is stronger and is said to produce better antibacterial and antioxidative power.

There are many health benefits of honey, and as it possesses antiseptic, antioxidant and antibacterial properties, its used as a remedy for things like sore throat, acid reflux, open wounds, burns, allergies, infection and relief from colds and flu. It contains sugars like glucose and fructose, as well as minerals like iron, calcium, phosphate, sodium chlorine, potassium and magnesium. Honey has a slightly acidic pH level, which helps prevent the growth of bacteria.

Honey acts as a natural nerve relaxer, and helps to stabilize blood sugar levels. It can also help those with cardiac problems, stiff muscles, and anxiety. Honey contains tryptophan, which can provide calming effects when absorbed into the bloodstream. In fact, some studies have theorized the use of tryptophan in lowering blood pressure.

It’s easy to incorporate honey into your diet. Use a teaspoon of honey as a replacement for sugar in tea and coffee, spread and enjoy on toast or pancakes, drizzle on top of cereal, mix it in with yogurt, add it to smoothies or drink it with warm water and lemon. Even though honey can provide many health benefits, it’s still a sugar and as such it should be consumed in moderation. Honey shouldn’t be given to infants under one year of age, as it can contain botulinum endospores that, in rare cases, can cause botulism, a severe type of food poisoning.

10. Fenugreek Seeds

Fenugreek is a plant native to southern Europe and Asia and grown in countries all over the world. The entire plant is useful, as the leaves can be dried and used as herbs, the seeds can be ground into spice, and the plant itself can be eaten as a vegetable, much like sprouts or microgreens. Fenugreek is a member of the bean family, and contains many different nutrients, vitamins and minerals.

Fenugreek is a galactagogue and is prescribed in Ayurvedic treatment for nursing mothers who wish to increase their breastmilk supply. It’s also used to reduce menstrual cramps and discomfort, minimize symptoms of menopause, reduce cholesterol and risk of cardiovascular problems, control diabetes, and relieve constipation. Fenugreek can be used to treat wounds, reduce inflammation, relieve gastrointestinal issues, and rid the body of damaging free radicals.

Fenugreek seeds are often used as an ingredient in different meals, and can be roasted and ground into coffee. Fenugreek seeds contain a rich variety of minerals like iron, potassium, calcium, selenium, copper, zinc, manganese and magnesium, and vitamins like niacin, thiamin, folic acid, riboflavin, vitamin C and vitamin A. Fenugreek is high in fiber which helps lower cholesterol levels and regulate blood sugar levels to reduce blood pressure.

Fenugreek seeds can be enjoyed in many different ways such as in salads, garnished on top of meals, crushed and added to curries, or just eaten plain. Side effects of fenugreek are rare, though high doses may result in mild gastrointestinal discomfort. And because fenugreek can have such a strong effect on the female reproductive system, it is not suggested for pregnant women.

If you feel you may be at risk of high blood pressure, it’s important to get yourself checked out by a medical professional. And if you are diagnosed with hypertension, replacing any medication or medical treatment with home remedies is not suggested or recommended. Focusing on making positive lifestyle choices is the best thing you can do to ensure better health and happiness.