Ayurvedic Treatment for Hypertension: Types, Causes & Remedies

Ayurvedic Treatment for Hypertension: Hypertension is defined as blood pressure above 140/90 and is considered severe if the pressure is above 180/120. Hypertension or high blood pressure is a health condition which make force against your artery walls. This force is so high and causes heart problems or disease. A person’s blood pressure depends on blood pumped by the heart and also on blood flow resistance in the arteries. In one line “Your blood pressure will rise in proportion to the amount of blood your heart pumps and the smaller your arteries are.

High blood pressure often has no symptoms. But some of the symptoms you can feel such as headaches, nosebleeds, or difficulty in breathing. Sometimes Hypertension patients don’t get any symptoms, even if it is reached a dangerous level that could be fatal. Over time, if untreated, it can cause health conditions, such as heart disease and stroke. Ayurveda treatment helps to keep blood pressure under control. Let’s see how Ayurveda treatment for hypertension helps to control Hypertension.

Ayurveda View about Hypertension/ Ayurveda Approach to Hypertension/ Ayurvedic Treatment for Hypertension

Hypertension, also known as Raktagata Vata in Ayurveda, is one of the most common health conditions. The pressure of the blood in the arteries is high enough to cause heart disease. According to Ayurveda, high blood pressure occurs when the Vata dosha, which governs the nervous system, becomes imbalanced and disturbs the balance of other doshas in the body.

Types of Hypertension

Before knowing about ayurvedic treatment for Hypertension, or high blood pressure we must know its types. It is a common medical condition characterized by elevated blood pressure levels. There are several types and categories of hypertension, which are classified based on various factors, including the underlying cause and the age of onset. The two primary categories of hypertension are:

Types of Hypertension
1. Primary Hypertension
2. Secondary Hypertension

Primary (Essential)

Hypertension: This is the most common type of hypertension, accounting for about 90-95% of all cases. Primary hypertension has no identifiable underlying cause and typically develops gradually over time. It is often related to a combination of genetic, lifestyle, and environmental factors. Risk factors for primary hypertension include a family history of high blood pressure, obesity, a diet high in sodium, physical inactivity, and stress.

Secondary

Hypertension: Secondary hypertension is caused by an underlying medical condition or medication. It accounts for about 5-10% of all hypertension cases. Various factors can lead to secondary hypertension, including:

Kidney problems: Conditions such as chronic kidney disease, renal artery stenosis, or polycystic kidney disease can affect blood pressure regulation.

Hormonal disorders: Conditions like primary aldosteronism (excess aldosterone production), Cushing’s syndrome, and thyroid disorders can lead to secondary hypertension.

Medications: Certain medications, such as oral contraceptives, decongestants, and corticosteroids, can cause elevated blood pressure as a side effect.

Adrenal gland tumors: Tumors in the adrenal glands can lead to the overproduction of hormones that raise blood pressure.

Sleep apnea: Obstructive sleep apnea can contribute to hypertension, especially if left untreated.

Coarctation of the aorta: This is a congenital heart defect where the aorta narrows, leading to increased blood pressure in the upper body.

Pregnancy-induced hypertension: Conditions like preeclampsia and gestational hypertension can occur during pregnancy and may resolve after childbirth.

Causes and Symptoms of Hypertension 

Higher blood pressure is caused when more blood is pumped by the heart in narrow streets. While not having any particular symptoms, some of the high blood pressure symptoms could include shortness of breath, headaches, or nosebleeds. In some cases, even when the blood pressure reaches life-threatening levels, it can be asymptomatic. Ayurveda, the ancient science, helps stabilize blood pressure as well as keep your heart healthy.

In today’s world, sedentary lifestyles and unhealthy diets are the root causes of hypertension. They are creating toxins, which narrow down the blood pressure, leading to hypertension. So it’s equally important to change lifestyle and diet to control Hypertension. Here will discuss how Ayurvedic Treatment for Hypertension helps to control Hypertension with Ayurveda

Ayurvedic herbs for Hypertension / Ayurvedic Medicines for Hypertension / Ayurvedic Treatment for Hypertension 

There are several Herbs available but some most effective herbs for ayurvedic treatment for Hypertension. These herbs are listed below:

1) Amalaki: Amalaki or Indian gooseberry is a ubiquitous herbal food in Indian cuisine which is also a great natural remedy for hypertension.

2) Arjuna: Arjuna bark extracts consumed in the form of powders and decoctions, do wonders to get relief from hypertension.

3) Sarpagandha: Sarpagandha is a powerful plant that contains a treasure of phytonutrients, and specific alkaloids with antihypertensive and sedative qualities.

4) Punarnava: Punarnava is a natural diuretic, which facilitates blood circulation in the renal tract and ensures a healthy blood supply to the kidneys.

5) Tulsi: Tulsi is a wonderful Ayurvedic herb that lowers high blood pressure and effectively corrects signs of hypertension such as headaches and fatigue.

6 ) Garlic: Garlic helps lower blood pressure because it is a natural anticoagulant and lowers cholesterol levels.

7) Ashwagandha: Stress is the main cause of hypertension and there is no better remedy than Ashwagandha to calm the mind.

8) Triphala: its anti-inflammatory properties reduce the strain on the blood vessels and help to control hypertension.

Ayurvedic Remedies For Hypertension

There are several remedies that you can make your own in your house to treat hypertension. Some of the Ayurvedic Remedies For Hypertension are listed below:

Ayurvedic Remedies For Hypertension  Benefits
Moong Dal Soup In Moong Daal Soup add some cumin, cilantro, and a pinch of turmeric. Moong dal assists in lowering hypertension.
Honey water It also helps to treat hypertension. To make it, take hot water in a cup, add 8-10 drops of apple cider vinegar, and one tablespoon of honey in it. This honey water helps to regulate blood pressure. Drink it early in the morning on an empty stomach.
Cucumber Raita It also helps to control hypertension because it is a good diuretic.
Watermelon with a Pinch of cardamom and coriander It is a mild diuretic and regulates hypertension.

Panchakarma treatment for Hypertension / Ayurveda Treatment for Hypertension 

Ayurvedic treatment for Hypertension includes Panchakarma an ancient Ayurvedic therapy that aims to detoxify and rejuvenate the body. While it can be beneficial for various health conditions, including hypertension (high blood pressure).

Virechana Treatment: This is a Panchakarma therapy that involves controlled purgation to eliminate excess Pitta dosha (one of the three Ayurvedic doshas) from the body. It can help in detoxification and reducing inflammation, which may contribute to hypertension.

Nasya: Nasya involves the administration of herbal oils or medications through the nasal passages. It can be used to balance the doshas and improve respiratory functions. While not a direct treatment for hypertension, it can contribute to overall well-being.

 Shirodhara / Takradhara: Shirodhara is a therapy in which a continuous stream of warm oil is poured onto the forehead. It can help calm the nervous system, reduce stress, and promote relaxation. Stress management is essential in hypertension control.

Abhyanga: Abhyanga is a full-body oil massage that can help relax the body, improve circulation, and reduce stress. Regular Abhyanga may contribute to better blood pressure control when combined with other therapies and lifestyle changes.

How Does Panchakarma Treatment Help to Treat Hypertension?

Panchakarma is an Ayurvedic therapy that focuses on detoxification and rejuvenation of the body. While it may not directly treat hypertension (high blood pressure), it can contribute to an overall improvement in your health and well-being, which in turn may help manage hypertension.

Stress Reduction: Stress is a significant contributor to high blood pressure. Panchakarma therapies like Shirodhara (warm oil pouring on the forehead), Abhyanga (full-body oil massage), Takradhara, and meditation can promote relaxation, reduce stress, and calm the nervous system. Stress reduction is a key component of hypertension management.

Detoxification: Panchakarma therapies, particularly Virechana (controlled purgation) and Basti (medicated enemas), help eliminate accumulated toxins from the body. Removing toxins can improve the functioning of various organs and systems, potentially leading to better blood pressure regulation.

Balancing Doshas: Ayurveda believes that imbalances in the body’s three doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha) can lead to health issues, including hypertension. Panchakarma aims to balance these doshas through individualized treatments, dietary recommendations, and herbal remedies.

Improved Circulation: Some Panchakarma therapies, like Abhyanga and Swedana (herbal steam therapy), can improve blood circulation. Enhanced circulation may have a positive impact on blood pressure regulation.

Ayurveda Treatment for Hypertension  / Can Ayurveda Cure Hypertension?

Detoxification of the body helps the medicines work better towards taking care of the root cause of the disease. It also equally focuses on improving your lifestyle and diet, as these play a vital role in complementing the effect of medicines and sustaining the benefits of the treatment. Also, since Ayurveda focuses on the disease’s actual cause, it reduces the risk of severe health problems and complications arising out of the untreated underlying cause. This gives an upper hand to the patients who complete their Ayurveda treatment, as they have an effectively reduced risk of health complications arising later.

In the first place, Ayurveda uses personalized herbal medicines to balance the aggravated pitta and Vata Dosha. Counseling is also provided for mental relaxation and rejuvenation since the state of mind also plays a vital role in managing hypertension. In the advanced stage, hypertension starts affecting vital organs such as the brain, heart, and kidney. So, the Ayurveda treatment includes:

  • Balancing all the affected Doshas.
  • Strengthening metabolism.
  • Cleansing the body channels.
  • Addressing the involved complications.
  • Effective Panchakarma treatment is also recommended to manage blood pressure in the long run.

Most important findings about Ayurveda Treatment for Hypertension 

  • High BP or hypertension is a condition in which blood presses against the walls of the highways due to increased blood inflow or condensation of the blood vessels.
  • High blood pressure can be caused by a sedentary life, poor salutary habits, or a beginning condition similar to rotundity and diabetes.
  • Ayurvedic Treatment for Hypertension includes ashwagandha, cinnamon, parsley, garlic, gusto, watermelon, etc. which can control high blood pressure.
  • Still, consider taking herbal medications similar to Normact tablets and Parthadyarishtam, If you’re looking for a more effective way to treat high blood pressure.

FAQs

It has no specific symptoms. Still, severe hypertension may be associated with headaches. In utmost cases, it’s the headache that causes hypertension.

Through weight control, physical activity, and avoidance of a high-salt diet from childhood. Incorporating more fruits and vegetables into your diet can lower or protect against the development of hypertension and it can also help improve your health in general.

Primary (essential) hypertension can not be cured. It’s a lifelong condition that can be controlled by following a healthy life and taking the prescribed drug. Only high blood pressure due to another medical condition( secondary hypertension) can be cured, but not always, if the underpinning complaint is resolved.

The increase in blood pressure that occurs after menopause is mainly due to oestrogen deficiency, although other factors also play a role, such as weight gain, unhealthy diet, lack of exercise, etc.

Moderate hypertension may only require a programmed diet and exercise plan. If these measures are not enough, there is a wide range of medications that can also be used. Your doctor will select an appropriate medication and dose. However, you must remember that taking antihypertensive tablets does not mean that you can no longer follow the diet and exercise plan recommended for you.

  1. Ashwagandha: Ashwagandha is an adaptogenic herb that helps the body cope with stress, which can contribute to hypertension.
  2. Brahmi: Brahmi is a calming herb that helps reduce anxiety and stress, which are known contributors to high blood pressure.
  3. Arjuna: Arjuna is a heart tonic that helps improve circulation and lower blood pressure.
  4. Guggulu: Guggulu is a resin that helps lower cholesterol levels and improve blood flow, which can help reduce blood pressure.
  5. Garlic: Garlic is a natural blood thinner that helps reduce blood pressure by improving circulation.

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