Remedies for Low Blood Pressure
1. Drink Water to Raise Low Blood Pressure
Loss of intravascular fluid is one of the main causes of low blood pressure. There is a fluid space in our blood vessels which is made up of blood cells and serum. Serum is made up of water, chemicals, electrolytes etc. When the total volume in the intravascular space, the space inside the blood vessels, decreases, it causes low BP. This is due to dehydration and bleeding (which can occur due to fatal injuries). Dehydration can occur due to lesser supply of fluid to the body, profuse sweating like after heavy exercises or due to weather, heat stroke, vomiting and diarrhea. To raise your low BP, you should drink plenty of water and other fluids like fruit juices, herbal tea, fruits with high water content etc.. This will combat dehydration and increase blood volume.
2. Salt Water for Low Blood Pressure
When you increase the intake of salt, more liquid gets bound in your body and it causes your blood pressure to increase. Taking a glass of water with salt can immediately increase your blood pressure. If you continually suffer from low BP, increase intake of salt in your diet. However, people having heart diseases or kidney problems should consult their doctor before increasing salt in their diet. Pregnant women should also avoid having excessive salt.
Get this:
- Water- 1 glass
- Salt- ½ – 1 tsp
Do this:
- Add salt to the glass of water.
- Mix well.
- Drink it to raise your low BP.
- You may also add some sugar in it to make it an oral rehydration solution.
3. Have Caffeinated Drinks to Raise Low Blood Pressure
Caffeine can almost dramatically increase your blood pressure. The exact causes of this effect of caffeine on blood pressure are still not known but some experts say that caffeine is capable of blocking certain hormone that keeps the arteries widened. Once the arteries narrow down, blood pressure increases. One other theory believes that caffeine works on adrenal gland and helps release more adrenaline which leads to raised blood pressure. Whatever may be the reason, caffeinated drinks can raise your BP. Two to three cups of coffee can raise your systolic pressure by 3-14 mm Hg and the diastolic pressure by 4 to 13 mm Mg. Here is a list of some drinks and beverages that contain caffeine in them.
List of Drinks with Caffeine
- Coffee
- Tea
- Soda (you may add lemon juice with soda and have it)
- Chocolate milk
- Hot cocoa
- Energy drinks
Precaution: Too much of caffeine may pose health risks for you. Experts believe that up to 400 milligrams of caffeine may be safe for healthy adults. Therefore, do not exceed 4 cups of brewed coffee or two energy shot drinks.
4. Licorice to Raise Blood Pressure
Licorice herb has been known to raise blood pressure. The active ingredient in licorice root is glycerrhizin. Glycerrhizin is a sweet tasting compound and is similar to steroid. It can increase the amount of the hormone aldosterone in your body. Aldosterone hormone can retain sodium in your body while eliminating potassium. Sodium, as in salt, can raise your blood pressure. However, because sodium is retained in body, it may also lead to water retention and give rise to health complications due to deficiency of potassium in the body. Therefore, long term use of licorice is not recommended.
Make Licorice Tea to Cure Low Blood Pressure
Get this:
- Licorice herb (dried or powdered)- 1 tsp
- Hot water- 1 cup
Do this:
- Place licorice herb in a pot.
- Pour hot water over it.
- Let steep for 5 minutes.
- Strain and have it.
Precaution: If you are diabetic or a heart patient, consult your doctor before taking licorice.
5. Rosemary to Treat Low Blood Pressure
Rosemary is considered a beneficial herb for those who suffer from low blood pressure. It works by stimulating your central nervous system to improve blood circulation. People in the past had been infusing rosemary in white wine to regulate blood pressure and poor blood circulation along with headache resulting from these conditions. At present times also, people use rosemary ointment to massage their chest and raise blood pressure. You may also make your own rosemary infused oil for the purpose.
How to Make Rosemary Oil to Raise Blood Pressure?
Get this:
- Rosemary leaves (dried)- ¼ cup
- Olive oil- ½ cup
- Jar with lid
Do this:
- Place the rosemary leaves in the jar
- Pour olive oil over it.
- Now place the jar at a location where it will be in sun like on a window sill.
- Let it be there in sun for 2 days.
- Strain the oil and massage your chest with this oil.
6. Motherwort to Cure Low Blood Pressure
Motherwort herb contains such compounds as alkaloids, flavonoids, caffeic acid, and tannins among others. Caffeic acid is however not related to caffeine. It is an antioxidant which is also an anti-fatigue component. This herb is considered good for heart and nerves and it cures heart palpitations which indicates fast or irregular heart beats. It actually cures weakened heart. Motherwort is also a mild sedative and an anti-spasmodic. This herb is said to be detrimental for those suffering from high blood pressure. Both, infusion and tincture of motherwort can be used. You can also make motherwort tea.
How to Make Motherwort Tea?
Get this:
- Motherwort herb- 1 tbsp
- Boiling water- 1 cup
Do this:
- Place the herb in a pot.
- Pour boiling water over it.
- Cover and let it steep for about 15 minutes.
- Strain and have this tea.
7. Hawthorn to Regulate Blood Pressure
There are some herbs that can raise as well as lower blood pressure. Their main function, in fact, is to regulate blood pressure. Hawthorn is one of such herbs. It is used for both, high as well as low blood pressure patients. Hawthorn contains such antioxidants as oligomeric procyandins (OPCs) and quercetin. These antioxidants may counter the damage from free radicals that give rise to heart disease. OPCs in this herb may help in strengthening circulation by dilating blood vessels, improving blood flow and protecting your blood vessels from damage. Many studies have shown that hawthorn helps improve symptoms of heart failure. Heart failure is a condition where heart becomes unable to pump enough blood to the organs of the body, a situation similar to low blood pressure but at decreased levels.
How to Make Hawthorn Tea?
Get this:
- Howthorn berries – 1 tsp
- Boiling water- 1 cup
Do this:
- Place the howthorn berries in a pot.
- Pour boiling water over them.
- Cover and let steep for about 10 minutes.
- Strain and have this tea.
- You can even use howthorn leaves and flowers to make this tea.
8. Ginger for Regulating Blood Pressure
Ginger is yet another herb which is used both for high as well as low blood pressure. Ginger contains various beneficial compounds including certain powerful antioxidants and plant chemicals including gingerol, shogaol, and zingerone. It has anti-clotting, anti-spasmodic, anti-inflammatory, and various other useful properties. It stimulates circulation and increases blood flow which seems to be the reason why it can regulate blood pressure so effectively.
How to make Ginger Tea for Blood Circulation?
Get this:
- Ginger (grated)- 2 tsp
- Boiling water- 1 cup
Do this:
- Place the grated ginger in a pot.
- Pour boiling water over it.
- Cover and steep fro 10 minutes.
- Strain and drink this ginger tea.
9. Ginseng for Normal Blood Pressure
Ginseng has been used by Chinese medicine for various health conditions. It is sometimes referred to as adaptogen, a substance which helps body to cope with mental or physical stress. Ginseng contains antioxidants that help you get rid of free radicals. Free radicals lead to heart disease and various other conditions. While some studies are still being done to find out the exact effect of ginseng on blood pressure, many experts believe that like ginger, it can also help both high as well as low blood pressure.
How to Make Ginseng Tea?
Get this:
- Ginseng root (sliced)- 1-2 tbsp
- Boiling water- 1 cup
Do this:
- Place the ginseng root in a pot.
- Pour boiling water over it.
- Let it steep for 15-20 minutes.
- Strain and drink this tea.
10. Siberian Ginseng to Raise Low Blood Pressure
Siberian ginseng is different from Asian or American (Panax) ginseng. However, it is also an adaptogen which strengthens body and increases general resistance to stress. It is also used for heart conditions and high blood pressure as well as low blood pressure. It can also be taken by making tea just like you make with ginseng. It is, however, always recommended to consult your physician before taking any herb for blood pressure.
