Garlic as a Blood Pressure Herbal Remedy

Believed to be one of the more effective supplements available for hypertension and high blood pressure, garlic and garlic powder supplements have been shown to possibly reduce both systolic and diastolic blood pressure in significant amounts. Long considered a heart-healthy food, garlic reacts with red blood cells to produce hydrogen sulfide and can protect the heart against damaging cells. The compound acts as an artery and blood vessel relaxant allowing blood to flow more easily through less restricted vessels.

While garlic has long been praised for its heart benefits and its effectiveness as a blood pressure herbal remedy, like many supplements it is not without its own list of warnings. While adding garlic to your diet has few side effects, when it is taken in supplement form it acts as a natural blood thinner. This can cause reactions in patients who are taking prescription blood thinners as well as aspirin, vitamin E, and ginko. It is also advised that garlic supplements not be taken in the weeks leading up to surgery.

When beginning a new supplement or herbal remedy, it is always important to speak with your doctor about any side effects you may experience and to make sure you are healthy enough to begin home treatment.