Savory Herbs for High Blood Pressure
Tasty and Good for You

Let's look at some savory herbs for high blood pressure. I've broken them down for you into those that directly lower blood pressure and those that don't.

Why should we bother with those that don't? Think "salt substitutes." Because salt raises blood pressure in many people, herbs used to replace salt help keep blood pressure down.

Herbs should be part of anyone's normal blood pressure diet.

Some of the following herbs for high blood pressure are also vegetables.

Celery and celery seeds - Lowers blood pressure through diuretic effect (eliminates excess water). One class of blood pressure drugs is named diuretics. Celery is also an excellent weight loss food. Four stalks a day may lower your blood pressure.

Cumin - Another diuretic used directly as a spice. Cumin is the main ingredient in chili powder.

Horseradish - A diuretic and a warming spice. Warming spices help disperse blood more evenly in the body, which may promote lower blood pressure.

Onion - A diuretic. A great flavor enhancer, which has a similar, but milder, effect as garlic. In one trial using onion oil, a dramatic reduction of blood pressure occurred.

Star Anise - Also a diuretic. Has a distinctive flavor, which some people do not like.

Garlic - The king of blood pressure lowering herbs. In one trial, people ate one clove of fresh garlic a day for 12 weeks, which caused a significant lowering of blood pressure and cholesterol. One expert says we need three cloves a day. Dry garlic may not be as good as fresh. A great flavor enhancer in cooking and salads.

Ginger - Known as a warming spice for its ability to disperse blood throughout the body, it seemingly reduces blood clots and cholesterol as well as lower blood pressure.

Other warming spices are nutmeg, cinnamon, allspice, black pepper and cayenne pepper.

Dandelion - In the Spring and early Summer in the Temperate Zone, this common weed grows. The young leaves can be picked and used in salads or eaten boiled as a mess of greens. It helps to lower high blood pressure.

Parsley - My mother used to make me eat it. Parley contains an oil that curbs high blood pressure. Use it in salads or as a garnish.

Saffron - Contains the chemical crocetin that lowers blood pressure. Also, it lowers cholesterol and dissolves some clots. It is a prized spice for some Middle Eastern dishes, but is very expensive.

Basel - A popular kitchen herb that lowers cholesterol and stress-related high blood pressure. It protects the heart and blood vessels and thins the blood somewhat.

Other herbs for high blood pressure include fennel, fenugreek, ginseng, yarrow root, oregano, and tarragon.

You might think "what's left over?" There are many spices to flavor food other than salt.

It's too bad that a little salt enhances the flavor of food. The salt and pepper shakers were a fixture on my family's table as I was growing up. I must have eaten a literal ton of salt over the years.

I'm trying to use more salt substitutes, but I must confess that my hand sneaks to the salt shaker more often than it should. Bad hand!

Fortunately, flavor enhancement has been made a bit easier with the commercial salt substitutes on the market.

Here are some savory herbs you can use:

paprika, cloves, bay leaves, sage, cilantro, coriander, marjoram, mace, sesame seeds, poppy seeds, and thyme.

Or, you can just buy the commercial salt substitutes.

Savory herbs for high blood pressure are great additions to your normal blood pressure diet.

Always have some around the house.

However, herbs are just one addition to your normal blood pressure program. There are many other things you can do.

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