Ayurveda and Dietary Answer for Hypertension

Many people talk about alternative medicines for hypertension such as herbal remedies and Ayurvedic medicine and that is why we are here to see their perspectives toward high blood pressure.  Let’s find out the alternative remedy from one of the important traditional medicines.

High blood pressure is known as Rakta Gata vata in Ayurveda. It can be caused by vitiation of any of the three doshas which are responsible for the circulation of blood. The following are the main precipitating factors for people with different doshas:-

1. Vata type of Hypertension - caused by extreme emotions such as worry, anxiety and stress.

2. Pitta type of Hypertension - caused by negative emotions such as hatred, jealousy and feeling for revenge.

3. Kapha type of Hypertension - caused by problems with the digestive system.

Sarpagandha is the drug of choice in high blood pressure. Not only is this drug used in Ayurvedic medicine, but it is also used in allopathic medicine in the treatment of high blood pressure. In addition, the following herbal preparations are prescribed depending on the doshic cause of high blood pressure:-

a. For Vataja High Blood Pressure, jatamansi and brahmi are prescribed.

b. For Pittaja High Blood Pressure, sarsarapilla and sandalwood are prescribed.

c. For Kaphaja High Blood Pressure, calamus, arjuna, shilajit, guggulu and berberis are prescribed.

Dietary Treatments for High Blood Pressure

A strict dietary regimen is important to seek early treatment from high blood pressure. The following points must be obeyed:-

1. Reduced or totally eliminated salt from the diet. Hot and spicy foods should also be avoided.

2. Use polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats instead of hydrogenated fats. These include oils of sesame, olive, flaxseed, mustard and groundnut. Ghee and butter made from cow's milk are beneficial. Avoid buffalo milk.

3. Indigestion should be taken care of by consuming a good amount of leafy vegetables containing high fibers.

4. Bitter gourd and drumsticks are advantageous vegetables for people suffering from high blood pressure.  Avoid colocasia and take yellow pumpkin to help reduce blood pressure.

5. Bananas, oranges, guavas and apples are good and all kinds of dry fruits including nuts are good for health.

6. Avoid sweets and chocolates.

7. Red meats must be avoided. But white meats, especially fish are beneficial in lowering blood pressure.

I have to admit that I do not fully understand some technical words in Ayurveda but food restriction does make sense and all are alternative treatments for high blood pressure besides current medical line for me.