Five must-have herbs for healing your body and mind

Mental health and physical health are so closely intertwined that properly addressing the ailments identified in one often requires also addressing potentially unidentified ailments in the other. In many cases, the most effective way to restore optimal health to both body and mind is to supplement with adaptogenic and other herbs that help balance both systems simultaneously and naturally, without causing harmful side-effects. Here are five must-have herbs that may be exactly what your body needs to achieve optimal mental and physical health:

1) Turmeric. Turmeric, the primary active component of which is curcumin, is one of the most clinically studied herbs today that contains powerful mind-body healing capacities. A common healing herb in both traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurvedic medicine, turmeric possesses a unique ability to ease and even cure systemic inflammation, which is a common cause of many chronic health conditions and autoimmune disorders that plague people today.

Because of its natural ability to normalize various bodily processes commonly aggravated by stress and other life factors, turmeric is considered to be one of the most powerful adaptogenic herbs that helps promote systemic balance and facilitate the healthy metabolism and assimilation of nutrients. By counteracting these disease-causing physical, chemical, and biological stressors, turmeric can effectively heal and protect against illnesses that affect both mind and body.

2) Ginger. Often under-appreciated because of its relative commonality as a food, ginger is another powerful healing herb that has been used the world over to prevent and heal diseases of all kinds. Some of ginger’s many benefits include its ability to settle a nervous or upset stomach, which for some people can lead to persistent mental anguish and disruption of other bodily functions. Raw ginger has long been consumed for its general calming effect, which can help promote general healing while staving off disease.

Ginger helps specifically improve digestion by aiding in the breakdown of proteins and fats, which in turn helps prevent gas, food buildup, and other negative conditions that can decrease immune function and trigger disease. Supplementing with ginger can also help lower blood pressure, ease morning sickness, and lower bad cholesterol levels.

3) Aloe vera. Like ginger, aloe vera possesses an incredible ability to ease nausea, improve digestion, cleanse the colon and digestive tract, and maintain healthy elimination and bowel function. Consuming aloe vera can also help ease inflammation and improve the oxygenation of blood, two benefits that for many people can make all the difference in promoting lasting health.

There are so many benefits to consuming aloe vera, in fact, that simply adding the gel or juice of this powerful, succulent plant into your daily dietary regimen can effectively remedy a whole host of physical and mental illnesses, including cardiovascular disease, arthritis, kidney stones, ulcers, high blood pressure, nutrient deficiencies, constipation, diabetes, candida and other yeast infections, skin disorders, and cancer.

4) Tea tree oil. Typically used topically to heal various skin conditions and infections, tea tree oil is considered by many to be “nature’s miracle healer.” A highly-versatile, all-purpose healing oil, tea tree oil, which comes from the Melaleuca tree, is an exceptionally powerful antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antiviral, curative, bactericidal, fungicidal, insecticidal, stimulating, and sudorific herb capable of treating many different physical and mental ailments.

Drinking Melaleuca tea, for instance, especially when blended with other beneficial herbs like rosemary, passion flower, hibiscus, and ginseng, can help calm and soothe the nerves while providing sustained energy and motivation. Adding a few drops of tea tree oil to a diffuser by itself or with other essential oils can also help clear the lungs and airways of harmful buildup, promote alertness, and boost general feelings of health and well-being.

5) Holy basil. Another powerful adaptogenic herb, holy basil is known to help elevate mood and spirit while calming the mind. Like ginseng and licorice, holy basil is said to enhance the mind-body-spirit connection by addressing the underlying health conditions afflicting each of these important human systems. Besides generally relieving stress and boosting immunity, holy basil helps fight chronic inflammation, boost energy levels, promote clarity of mind and thought, and improve digestion.

Known more commonly as tulsi, holy basil is also recognized for its ability to fight various allergies and allergy symptoms, which often lead to feelings of “brain fog” and mental incapacity. Individuals that supplement with holy basil, particularly in conjunction with other adaptogenic herbs, have found that they are able to breathe better, digest food better, think better, and generally feel better, regardless of their particular health conditions.

Source: http://www.naturalnews.com/041085_healing_herbs_holy_basil_healthy_mind.html

Source: Five must-have herbs for healing your body and mind

Chinese herbal medicine is twice as effective for infertility as conventional Western drug therapy

In a review published in the December issue of the journal Complementary Therapies in Medicine, women receiving Chinese herbal medicine treatments were twice as likely to get pregnant within a four-month period than those receiving conventional Western medical fertility drug treatment or IVF. The findings also suggested that the quality of the menstrual cycle – a key component in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) diagnosis — appears to be crucial to the successful treatment of female infertility. Infertility is generally defined as an inability to conceive after a year or more of regular sexual activity without using birth control.

There is a long recorded history of Chinese herbs being used in the treatment of infertility. In fact, records indicating herbal treatment of infertility and miscarriage date back to 200 A.D., including mention of formulas that are still used for those same purposes today. The first book devoted solely to gynecology and obstetrics, “The Complete Book of Effective Prescriptions for Diseases of Women,” was published in 1237 A.D.

Alternative TCM treatments have become increasingly popular in Western countries as more and more couples find out firsthand how effective and safe they are. It is with good reason that more than a quarter of the world’s population regularly uses Chinese medicine as part of their health care regimen and that TCM is the only form of classical medicine that is regularly used outside of its country of origin.

Study methodology

The study examined abstracts in English of studies investigating infertility, menstrual health and TCM. Researchers then did meta-analyses of (non)randomised controlled trials (RCTs) or cohort studies and compared clinical pregnancy rates achieved with Chinese herbal medicine versus Western medicine drug treatment (IVF). In addition, they collected common TCM pattern diagnosis in infertility in relation to the quality of the menstrual cycle and associated symptoms. Eight RCTs, 13 cohort studies, three case series and six case studies involving a total of 1851 women with infertility were included in the systematic review.

Results

The results showed a 3.5 greater likelihood of achieving a pregnancy with Chinese herbal medicine therapy over a four-month period compared with Western medicine drug therapy alone. Average pregnancy rates were 60 ± 12.5% (60%) for Chinese herbal medicine compared with 32 ± 10% (32%) using Western medicine drug therapy. Meta-analysis of selected cohort studies showed a mean clinical pregnancy rate of 50 percent using TCM compared with 30 percent for IVF.

Why choose TCM over conventional fertility treatments?

While health is said to be the common goal of both TCM as well as conventional medicine, their ideas on the etiology of disease, disease in itself and the process used to recover and maintain wellness are decidedly different. The Western medicine physician learns that disease should be cured by prescribing medicine or using invasive and often dangerous surgical intervention. The physician trained in TCM, however, focuses on healing the patient not by treating the disease but rather by treating the whole person, taking into account the various combined attributes of an individual that account for that individual’s state of health. According to the tenets of TCM, a person is much more than their pathology; treating the pathology may produce desired results, yet, they are usually temporary.

For female infertility, the key therapeutic factors in TCM are focused on re-establishing balance and reducing stress while regulating hormones and menstruation. TCM recognizes that many cases of infertility stem from a problem that may be more functional than structural. In contrast, Western medicine treatment techniques like IVF are not only invasive and expensive but are often stressful for the patients, and stress is not conducive to the achievement of a healthy pregnancy.

Fertility management has been extensively studied and well-developed in Chinese medicine. Doctors in modern China have reported up to a 70% success rate in treating both female and male infertility with herbs, and the results of large scale clinical trials are reported in Chinese medical journals. Hundreds of different herbs are used frequently in the treatment of infertility, often given in complex formulas comprised of multiple ingredients. Herbal medicine is often used in combination with acupuncture, massage, diet and lifestyle modifications for treating fertility. TCM fertility techniques are relatively non-invasive and can often offer a better success rate for significantly less cost.

Source: http://www.naturalnews.com/035436_Chinese_medicine_infertility_treatment.html

Source: Chinese herbal medicine is twice as effective for infertility as conventional Western drug therapy

Miracle herbal supplement proven to aid victims of cancer treatments

Big Pharma’s drugs have failed miserably in helping female cancer survivors deal with quality of life problems that can linger for years after chemo and radiation treatments are finished. But now there’s help on the horizon — and it’s all natural and appears to be free of side effects. Study results just presented at the 2011 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) annual meeting in Chicago revealed a natural combination of nutrients and phytochemicals were healthy for female cancer survivors across the board with a wide variety of problems.

Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center scientists were looking for a way to help women cancer survivors who often suffer from sexual problems following their chemo and other mainstream medical therapies. So the researchers tested a natural nutritional supplement (which has been marketed for the last decade to boost all around well-being and balance hormones); the supplement had already been shown in a small study conducted at Stanford University to improve sexual function.

The Wake Forest research team conducted a double-blind, placebo controlled study and found the all-natural supplement didn’t measurably improve sexual function in the cancer patients. But imagine the scientists’ surprise when the results of the study were analyzed. They found the herbal/vitamin blend produced incredible results in other areas of the women’s lives — reducing pain, relieving insomnia, stopping nausea and boosting energy.

The Wake Forest research, funded by the National Cancer Institute, used a supplement sold as ArginMax for Women which is made from a proprietary blend of L-arginine, ginseng, ginkgo, and 14 vitamins and minerals. Many of these natural ingredients have long been used in traditional medicine to boost energy and circulation and optimize hormonal balance.

For the study, scientists at the Comprehensive Cancer Center at Wake Forest Baptist, the Derrick L. Davis Forsyth Regional Cancer Center, and multiple other cancer centers across the country recruited 186 female cancer survivors who were at least six months past their last treatment for any type of malignancy. The trial was strictly controlled so that neither the research subjects nor the investigators knew who was receiving the supplement and who was being given a placebo pill.

At the start of the study and again at four weeks, eight weeks and 12 weeks after taking the supplement or placebo, all the women completed two standardized questionnaires that measured sexual function and quality of life. Dubbed the FACT-G questionnaire, it measures overall quality of life and has been used in research of all cancer types to evaluate physical, emotional, social and functional well-being.

Amazingly, every single cancer survivor who took the herbal/vitamin supplement was found to have a dramatic boost in measures of overall quality of life.

“The group taking the supplements experienced significant improvement in overall quality of life, particularly physical well-being,” Kathryn M. Greven, M.D., a radiation oncologist at Wake Forest Baptist and the lead investigator on the study, said in a statement to the media.

“Bothersome symptoms such as lack of energy, pain, nausea, and sleeplessness were all improved, as were measures of functional well-being, for example the ability to perform normal activities at home or work. Simply, they reported a greater enjoyment of life, without any additional side effects from the supplement.”

Edward G. Shaw, M.D., M.A., an oncologist as well as counselor and principal investigator for Wake Forest Baptist’s Community Clinical Oncology Program Research Base, was a co-researcher on the study. In the press statement, he noted that cancer survivors can suffer from persistent inflammation (also called chronic oxidative stress) for years after chemo, radiation and other mainstream medical cancer treatments. The result can be lingering fatigue that greatly reduces the quality of life. Dr. Shaw hypothesized that the herbal and vitamin ingredients in the supplement used for the study counteract this process.

“Beyond managing individual symptoms as they appear, the medical community has not been able to offer cancer patients more global symptom relief. This research is empowering for the community of cancer survivors,” he noted. “It is very exciting that we’ve found something that has the potential to affect and improve quality of life for female cancer survivors.”

Source: http://www.naturalnews.com/032627_cancer_survivors_medicinal_herbs.html

Source: Miracle herbal supplement proven to aid victims of cancer treatments

Six medicinal herbs and spices that melt stress away

Many stress and anxiety symptoms are similar: Tension, emotional instability, loss of focus, heart palpitations and breathing problems are some. Many often resort to smoking, alcohol consumption, comfort food binging, or heavy recreational drug use (not to be confused with medicinal marijuana).

The major difference is that stressful causal situations are usually known: Hostile work environments, deadline pressures, relationship issues, or money problems.

Simply removing the stressful situation or circumstances, leaving them behind, or just doing something to correct the condition allows one to return to a more relaxed sense of being.

Anxiety differs from stress because it’s an overarching, vague sense of disaster that may consume someone’s life force chronically, even though there is no obvious and immediate causal factor.

Anxiety disorder includes a nagging dread of an unknown future, general phobias, or post traumatic stress despite even apparently pleasant current circumstances. In today’s upside down world, this is understandable.

Continual stress or anxiety builds up cortisone, which leads to a hormonal imbalance that results in serious health issues or chronic fatigue from depleted adrenals. Handling stress better or overcoming anxiety through exercise and/or meditation are becoming more popular.

Nevertheless, the question remains what to do when stress or anxiety inhibits even those fruitful activities? The usual pharmaceutical prescriptions and over the counter (OTC) remedies open a Pandora’s box of undesirable physical and mental side effects, including exacerbating the conditions that were treated.

There are better choices, all natural and mostly without side effects. Keep in mind that the effects from herbal remedies, though effective, are not always as immediate as pharmaceutical medicines.

Six herbal remedies for stress and/or anxiety

St. John’s Wort is perhaps the most well known herbal remedy for anxiety or stress. It’s been around for centuries and was widely used during the Renaissance and Victorian periods to relieve mental conditions. One recent study found it was as effective as Prozac for relieving depression.

It is a perennial flowering plant, and its extracts can be found in capsules, tablets, or tinctures.

Kava-Kava or kava root is a South Pacific herb that is very effective for moderate anxiety. Human studies have determined the kava root extracts to be as effective as pharmaceutical benzodiazepine drugs such as Valium and Xanax without side effects.

There is a rumor that kava root causes liver damage. But a 2001 Duke University study that determined kava root’s strong efficacy also concluded it was safe for the liver.

Passion flower is a recognized, powerful nervous system relaxant. It’s popular in the UK, and Germany’s Commission E has approved it for nervous conditions, sleep disorders, and anxiety. It also contains antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. Quite the package.

Tulsi or Holy Basil is another herb with a wide range of powerful health benefits that include relieving stress and anxiety. The monicker Holy Basil was coined by Ayurveda practitioners at least 5,000 years ago.

It is an adaptogenic herb, meaning it helps relieve what needs attention and is able to handle many stressors. It confers a State of Non-specific Increased Resistance (SNIR) that helps the body resist stress. Another great package.

Licorice Root helps the body handle stressful situations, normalize blood sugar levels, and boost your adrenal glands. It is also thought to stimulate cranial and cerebospinal fluid to help calm the mind.

Valerian root, chamomile, and lemon balm teas are often used to help calm restlessness and resolve insomnia. They also have mild anxiety or stress reducing qualities and are very relaxing. They can be used with any of these other herbs listed if there is still a problem getting a good night’s sleep.

Source: http://www.naturalnews.com/037521_medicinal_herbs_chronic_stress_spices.html

Source: Six medicinal herbs and spices that melt stress away

These medicinal herbs make great additions to your herbal medicine or tea cabinet

Medicinal plants and herbs truly do put the “mother” in mother nature. Like good friends, herbs are always there for you to support your body and help put things right when you’re not feeling well. Medicinal herbs in nature can cure many ailments and truly do put effective, punctual and natural healing power right in the palm of your hands. Here are three herbs which can help you take charge of health.

Peppermint (Mentha piperita)

Peppermint is one of the easiest choices to make when selecting herbs for your medicine cabinet or tea shelf. Peppermint, of the family Lamiaceae, is one of the most popular herbs around due to it’s powerful healing properties. Peppermint is high in volatile oils, such as menthol. Volatile oils trigger cells in the body that perceive cold, which is why menthol causes a cooling effect on the skin. Peppermint applied externally can help sooth sore muscles and can be used as a local anesthetic. Peppermint’s oils penetrate deeply to the nerves and muscles to impede stimulation in cells, blocking pain.

When used internally, peppermint acts as an antispasmodic; this makes peppermint ideal for treating digestive ailments such as gas, bloating, diarrhea, or upset stomach. Additionally, uses of the active compounds in peppermint include the following: immunostimulant (immune system stimulant), anti-inflammatory, fungicide, insectifuge (insect repellent), and aldose-reductase inhibitor (substance that prevents eye/nerve damage in diabetics).

Oregon Grape (Mahonia aquifolium)

Oregon grape, of the family Berberidaceae, is a great addition to your herbal medicine cabinet. This is due to the herb’s capabilities as an effective antibiotic and a bitter tonic to improve digestive function. These healing attributes come from the medicinal alkaloid called berberine, which is found concentrated in Oregon Grape’s bright yellow bark.

Berberine works wonderfully as a natural antibiotic because of its ability to reduce bacterial adherence to cell walls. Oregon Grape therefore works effectively against infections of the bowels, throat and urinary tract. Additionally, Oregon Grape contains antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and hypotensive (promoting low blood pressure) compounds.

Gotu Kola (Hydrocotyle Asiatica)

Gotu Kola is a low-growing member of the carrot, or Umbeliferae, family with origins in the tropical swamps of Asia. It has long been used medicinally to strengthen body tissues, heal wounds, improve memory and promote longevity. It is also used culinarily in Asian recipes, such as salads and curries. Gotu Kola has the ability to strengthen blood vessels and regenerate tissues.

Our bodies’ natural enzymes break down tissues daily as part of the metabolic process. But some people with conditions such as varicose veins or diabetes break down more tissues than usual. Gotu Kola is very effective for normalizing enzyme levels in individuals with these conditions, because it stimulates the body’s collagen-creating fibroblast cells to divide more rapidly.

Gotu Kola is very helpful for treating circulatory conditions; the triterpenes it contains help in treating venous hypertension, diabetes and atherosclerotic plaques. Additionally, Gotu Kola contains anticancer, antibacterial, antioxidant, antispasmodic, antiulcer, antitumor and hypocholesterolemic (reducing cholesterol) compounds.

Source: http://www.naturalnews.com/042414_medicinal_herbs_herbal_medicine_tea.html

Source: These medicinal herbs make great additions to your herbal medicine or tea cabinet

Top five medicinal herbs that help fight influenza

Using herbal medicines to fend off sicknesses is a traditional practice that still lives on today. Experts debate about the effectiveness of these herbs in preventing influenza and other kinds of diseases because of a lack of evidence. On the other hand, others have no doubts about their efficacy. The fact remains that these herbs possess qualities that help the body become strong enough to fight off sickness. It is important; however, to consult properly with a professional before taking any of these herbal medicines.

Garlic

There are certain characteristics of garlic that make it effective at enhancing white blood cells, which is actually the body’s first defense against all sorts of infection and illnesses. There has actually been a research study published about the capabilities of garlic and it was included in the Journal of National Medical Association. The study was initiated by Dr. Tariq Abdullah.

According to Dr. Abdullah, garlic’s efficacy is proven at the onset of the flu. It is taken with honey and chewed in cloves. This way of consuming garlic helps with easy absorption. The fumes from garlic can make their way through the sinuses while swallowing it can be beneficial to the gastrointestinal tract.

Echinacea

This is another popular herbal remedy. It is well regarded for its ability to enhance the immune system. It also has unique properties that can help ease pain and inflammation as per the University of Maryland Medical Center. As a matter of fact, there are supplements now that come from dried Echinacea. There are certain precautions that should be observed; however, with taking this herb especially for individuals who are under immuno-suppressant medication. To avoid risks and reap only the benefits, the advice of a specialist needs to be sought after.

Slippery elm

This herb also has positive effects to the immune system. It specifically works to protect any damaged tissue. Slippery elm can also serve the purpose of protecting the esophagus, stomach, intestine lining and throat. This is achieved by the herb through supplying much needed nutrition.

Elderberry

This is another effective herbal medicine that works great in treating flu cases where the respiratory tract is involved. It helps relieve muscle pain and sore throats and it also works effectively at lowering fever. Elderberry has long been considered as a stimulant for the immune system and its extract should be taken as soon as the first symptoms of sickness are felt.

Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus is quite effective at treating cough. It can also help relieve the common symptoms of cold and flu. The fresh leaves of Eucalyptus can either be used as a tea or gargled to relieve pain in the throat. It can also be applied as an ointment for relief.

There are other medicinal herbs regarded for their ability to help the human body fight off sicknesses such as influenza. But since these herbs may interfere with other medications, individuals are reminded against self-medicating. Health is at stake, so proper consultation with a specialist is critical.

Source: http://www.naturalnews.com/039141_medicinal_herbs_influenza_immune_system.html

Source: Top five medicinal herbs that help fight influenza

7 medicinal herbs and spices that help lower blood pressure

High blood pressure is an epidemic that is currently sweeping across America. The fast lifestyle of fast food, soda and stress is starting to catch up on the average American, so much so that an estimated one in every three Americans has high blood pressure. This puts them at risk of heart disease, stroke and even kidney disease. Moreover, this condition is costing the country 93.5 billion dollars in health care services.

Putting too much faith in the medical establishment to find a cure for your high blood pressure may no longer be advisable in the least. The number of prescription drugs on the market and the cascade of variations suggest that a cure for blood pressure is not in the offing anytime soon.

Despite all the consequences associated with high blood pressure, it is still a condition that is preventable and easily managed. Observing a healthy balanced diet and enjoying an active, healthy lifestyle can help avoid the risk of high blood pressure as well as reduce one that is already elevated.

High blood pressure – A package of woe

There is no one identifiable cause for high blood pressure. A combination of factors like stress, alcohol, smoking, weight and lack of physical activity seem to have to come together to produce this problem, which is further compounded by family history and age.

Although it is a condition that if left unattended could gravitate to something worse, high blood pressure is not a disease. Taking proactive measures in preventing heart diseases, stroke and even kidney disease by managing your blood pressure may be the best decision you can make today.

While the idea of drug-free high blood pressure management through the use of herbs and spices has slowly been gaining ground, it is still treated with skepticism by the medical establishment. The reliance on prescription drugs, however, has not in any way shown that high blood pressure could be cured through this manner. There are still reports by patients who are currently using drugs to manage their high blood pressure that their condition has not shown any improvement, nor their quality of life. Instead, they have to deal with side effects and drugs that are expensive to maintain.

Spice up your life

In a published study featured in the Journal of Medicine, it was revealed that common spices can protect from heart disease and the deterioration brought about by aging. In the said study, researchers discovered a connection between the phenol content of certain herbs and spices and their capacity to prevent glycation and formation of AGE compounds that are responsible for premature aging and heart disease.

As a way to manage your blood pressure, herbs and spices are a fantastic way to increase the medicinal value of your food. Below are some herbs and spices you may have been enjoying with no idea as to their value:

1. Garlic – Garlic contains allicin, a substance which has antibacterial, antioxidant, lipid lowering and anti-hypertension properties. In a pilot study made at Clinical Research Center of New Orleans on whether garlic could lower blood pressure, nine patients with severe hypertension were given a garlic preparation containing 1.3 % allicin. Sitting blood pressure fell with a significant decrease in diastolic blood pressure only five to 14 hours after the dose. Moreover, it was proven in a 2009 study that fresh garlic has more potent cardio-protective properties than processed garlic.

2. Cinnamon – Cinnamon not only prevents heart disease, it can also prevent diabetes. The Center for Applied Health Sciences in Ohio conducted a study of 22 subjects, half of which were given a 250mg of water soluble cinnamon daily while the other half were given placebo. It was discovered that those who drank cinnamon had a 13 to 23 percent increase in antioxidants connected with lowering blood sugar levels.

3. Onions – Onions contain quercetin, an antioxidant flavonol found to prevent heart disease and stroke. In a research study published in the Journal of Nutrition, subjects with hypertension experienced a decrease in their blood pressure by 7mmHg systolic and 5 mmHg diastolic as opposed to those who were taking placebo.

4. Olives – This herb is a significant part of the Mediterranean diet, recognized to be one of the healthiest in the world. Oil made from olives has been found to reduce blood pressure. In a study conducted on the importance of olive oil, Dr. L. Aldo Ferrara, Associate Professor at the Frederico II University of Naples in Italy discovered that the daily use of 40 grams of olive oil reduced the dosage of blood pressure medication in hypertensive patients by about 50 percent. Polyphenols in extra-virgin olive oil was credited for the significant reduction of blood pressure.

5. Oregano – This herb contains the compound carvacrol which has been proven to be effective against blood pressure. In a study conducted on animal subjects, by researchers from Eskisehir Osmangazi University in Turkey, carvacrol was found to reduce heart rate, mean arterial pressure as well as the systolic and diastolic blood pressures.

6. Hawthorn - This herb has been traditionally used to treat high blood pressure. In one study conducted in Reading, UK, 79 type-2 diabetic patients were randomized to receive 1200 mg of hawthorn extract while another group received medication for high blood pressure. Results revealed that patients taking hawthorn by the end of the 16th week showed a reduction in their mean diastolic pressure.

7. Cardamom- In one study published in the Indian Journal of Biochemistry and Biophysics, 20 subjects newly diagnosed with primary hypertension were administered 3 g of cardamom powder. After the end of the 3 months, all the subjects experienced feelings of well-being without any side effects. Moreover, the study was able to demonstrate that blood pressure was effectively reduced. It also improved antioxidant status while breaking down blood clots without significantly altering blood lipids and fibrinogen levels.

Taking advantage of the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of spices and herbs is an excellent way to boost your body’s health. Herbs have low calorie content, increase the medicinal value of your food and allow you to use natural forms of lowering blood pressure. Mix them up with your soups, salads, fish and meat and vegetable dishes. It’s a healthier and cheaper alternative to keeping bottles of prescription drugs and synthetic supplements.

Source: http://www.naturalnews.com/035689_medicinal_herbs_spices_blood_pressure.html

Source: 7 medicinal herbs and spices that help lower blood pressure