Holistic Herbal: A Safe and Practical Guide to Making and Using Herbal Remedies. David Hoffmann

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      Stress and anxiety play a large part in this condition. Emotional problems, work pressure, and the state of the world (especially the state of the world!) can all contribute to a state of mind that is reflected in the body in a pattern of tension, inflexibility and constriction, a tightening of the whole being, so raising the blood pressure. There is a direct relationship mediated through the nerves, leading to a constriction of the peripheral blood vessels and influencing the heart beat. Relaxation therapy and bodywork techniques such as massage are very valuable in such cases, as they ease up the body. (See section on Relaxation in Nervous System chapter.)

      Dietary factors can also be involved in two ways. When the diet is too rich in fats and carbohydrates, there is a strong chance that some of the extra fat is deposited on the walls of the blood vessels. This atheroma, the fatty deposit, will directly raise the blood pressure. High blood pressure can also be caused by an allergy to certain foods. Whereas sometimes the allergy may be obvious and overt, in many cases it is subclinical and not easy to detect. Such mild reactions often show themselves through an elevation of blood pressure. A common cause is an allergy to dairy products. This can easily be checked by withdrawing all milk products for one to two weeks, and seeing what happens, then reintroducing them and comparing blood pressures as well as any subjective impressions.

      The level of blood pressure in the body is maintained by a complex mechanism. Complex as it is, we can draw valuable conclusions by comparing it to basic hydraulics: if there is an increase of fluid in the system the pressure will go up as through water retention; similarly if the volume decreases by constriction of vessels or ‘furring’ by deposits; or if the force of the pumping goes up if there are heart problems.

      There are a number of herbs that will dilate the peripheral blood vessels, thereby increasing the total volume of the system. Similarly, there are herbs that will help the kidneys to pass more water, thus reducing the amount of fluid in the system. There are others to normalise the activity of the heart, safely decreasing the force with which the blood is pumped through the body. The most important remedies are Buckwheat, Cramp Bark, Garlic, Hawthorn Berries, Lime Blossom, Mistletoe and Yarrow.

      As always, the actual approach to each individual will vary according to their unique needs. As a basic guide, this mixture is effective:

Hawthorn Berries	2 parts
Lime Blossom	2 parts
Yarrow	2 parts
Mistletoe	1 part

      This tea should be drunk three times a day.

      In addition to this, Garlic may be eaten, preferably raw. If there is a lot of tension in the body, one part of Cramp Bark should be included in the mix. If there is much anxiety and stress, include Skullcap and Valerian. When headaches accompany high blood pressure, include one part of Wood Betony in the mixture. CAUTION: Do not use Broom as a diuretic in cases of raised blood pressure.

      By using this mixture over a period of time, blood pressure will return to a normal level. The mixture is safe and does not artificially depress the blood pressure. None of these herbs are able to do that, because they are normalisers and will not lower blood pressure to an inappropriate level.

       Low blood pressure

      When the blood pressure drops below the individual’s normal level, it can cause as much distress as when heightened. Apart from being directly related to organic problems, there is often an association with debility and exhaustion.

      The herbal approach to such a problem combines help for physical and nervous exhaustion with remedies that tone up the circulatory system and return the blood pressure to a normal level. Depending on the cause, different herbs are appropriate. Where stress and nervous exhaustion are involved, the nervine tonics should be used, most important in this case being Oats, otherwise either Kola or Skullcap, depending on the individual need. Bitters such as Gentian and Wormwood should be considered to help activate the digestive process with a strengthening effect. A basic mixture: