1. What is high blood pressure?
High blood pressure refers to abnormally high pressure exerted by the blood on the artery walls. This pressure can cause long-term damage to blood vessels, the heart, kidneys, and brain. It is measured using two values:
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Systolic pressure : maximum pressure when the heart contracts.
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Diastolic pressure : minimum pressure when the heart relaxes.
Hypertension is generally defined as a level of 130/80 mmHg , although thresholds vary slightly depending on medical recommendations. When left uncontrolled, this condition significantly increases the risk of developing cardiovascular disease , stroke , kidney failure , and cognitive impairment.
2. What are the causes of hypertension?
The causes of high blood pressure are often multiple and intertwined. We generally distinguish:
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Hereditary or genetic factors : family history of hypertension.
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An unbalanced lifestyle : too much salt in your diet, a sedentary lifestyle, excess weight.
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Chronic stress : it stimulates the production of adrenaline and cortisol, increasing pressure.
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Excessive consumption of alcohol , tobacco or caffeine .
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Insufficient physical activity .
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Certain chronic illnesses : diabetes, sleep apnea, kidney or hormonal disorders.
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Certain medications (corticosteroids, oral contraceptives, etc.) can also be a cause.
Identifying and correcting these causes is essential for sustainable treatment of hypertension.
3. Why regulate hypertension?
Maintaining stable blood pressure is essential for:
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Protect the heart and prevent heart failure.
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Preserve the arteries , kidneys and brain.
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Reduce the risk of stroke or heart attack.
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Improve quality of life by reducing fatigue, headaches and dizziness.
Treating hypertension is crucial to maintaining cardiovascular health, reducing the risk of serious complications, and improving overall quality of life.
Reduction of the risk of cardiovascular diseases
Hypertension is one of the major risk factors for cardiovascular diseases such as heart attacks, strokes, heart failure, coronary artery disease, etc.
By controlling blood pressure, the risk of developing these serious diseases is significantly reduced.
Prevention of organ damage
Untreated hypertension can damage blood vessels, the heart, brain, kidneys, and other vital organs.
This can lead to kidney failure, blood vessel damage (atherosclerosis), an enlarged heart, vision problems, and other serious complications.
Improving quality of life
When blood pressure is controlled, symptoms related to hypertension such as headaches, fatigue, dizziness, and blurred vision can be reduced, improving overall quality of life.
Increased life expectancy
Studies have shown that treating hypertension can contribute to an increase in life expectancy by reducing the risk of premature death from cardiovascular disease.
Certain medicinal plants act gently to support this balance. When used regularly, they can effectively support the recommended preventive measures .
4. What are the best herbal teas for lowering blood pressure?
There are several herbal teas that are known for their beneficial properties for cardiovascular health and blood pressure regulation. Diuretic herbs are the best herbs for high blood pressure.
Here are some that are often recommended:
Hibiscus tea
Hibiscus is rich in anthocyanins , which promote vasodilation and help reduce pressure in the arteries. It also has a natural diuretic effect that limits water retention.
Clinical studies confirm its action: 2 to 3 cups per day for several weeks allows a moderate but significant reduction in blood pressure in people with mild to moderate hypertension.
Taste: tangy, floral, refreshing.
Discover all the benefits of hibiscus tea and our organic Hibiscus Flower infusion .
Olive leaf tea
Olive leaves , rich in oleuropein, act on peripheral vasodilation . They help reduce tension by promoting better circulation and reducing vascular resistance.
Boil 30g of leaves in 1L of water, simmer for 10 minutes. Drink in several cups throughout the day.
Taste: sweet, slightly bitter, herbal notes.
Hawthorn tea
Known for its benefits to the heart , hawthorn helps regulate blood pressure and heart rate. It is also a sedative, useful for nervous hypertensives.
Infuse 1 to 2 teaspoons of flowers or leaves in a cup of simmering water for 10 to 15 minutes.
Taste: floral, slightly fruity.
Green tea
Green tea contains catechins , powerful antioxidants that protect blood vessels and regulate blood pressure. It promotes better circulation and can be a good alternative to coffee for hypertensive patients.
Discover our organic green tea from Japan .
Valerian tea
Known for its relaxing effect , valerian can be useful in cases of tension linked to chronic stress . It promotes relaxation and helps reduce nervous pressure on the cardiovascular system.
Taste: earthy, woody, herbaceous.
Passionflower tea
Soothing and mildly sedative, passionflower supports hypertensive individuals suffering from anxiety. It is often recommended in the evening to improve sleep and regulate stress.
Taste: sweet, floral.
Try our organic Fantasma passionflower infusion .
5. Other natural remedies to lower blood pressure
In addition to herbal teas, certain simple gestures and grandmother's remedies help to naturally reduce tension:
Consume garlic
Garlic is often cited for its cardiovascular health benefits. Some suggest eating raw garlic daily or adding it to your diet in supplement form.
Consume parsley
Parsley is considered a diuretic and can help eliminate excess sodium from the body, which can help lower blood pressure. It can be consumed fresh in dishes or as parsley tea.
Reduce all stress
Stress management can help lower blood pressure. Relaxation techniques such as meditation, yoga, deep breathing, and engaging in enjoyable activities can be helpful.
Watch your diet and exercise
Maintaining a healthy weight, not adding excessive salt to your food ( see our article on the best slimming herbal tea here ), limiting your alcohol consumption ( see our article on Dry January here ) , limiting your coffee consumption ( see our article on what to replace coffee with in the morning here ) and exercising regularly (gentle sport, yoga, walking, etc.) are also important elements for controlling blood pressure.
