By Leen Randell
Updated: Nov 13, 2024
10 Best Herbal Teas For Hypertension
Herbal teas for hypertension are plant-based infusions that help alleviate the symptoms of high blood pressure by promoting relaxation, reducing stress, and improving cardiovascular health.
The best herbal teas for hypertension include Lavandula angustifolia, Valeriana officinalis, Ginkgo biloba, Crataegus monogyna, Rauvolfia serpentina, Passiflora incarnata, Hibiscus sabdariffa, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Vitex agnus-castus, and Ziziphus jujuba.
If left untreated, hypertension can lead to heart disease, stroke, and kidney damage, significantly impacting one's quality of life, causing fatigue, shortness of breath, and frequent headaches, ultimately limiting daily activities and independence.
1. Lavandula angustifolia
Lavandula angustifolia teas helps with hypertension because of its unique combination of bioactive compounds, including flavonoids, terpenes, and phenolic acids.
These compounds work synergistically to relax blood vessels, reduce blood pressure, and improve cardiovascular health. The tea's calming effects also help to alleviate stress and anxiety, which are common contributors to high blood pressure. Additionally, the tea's antioxidant properties help to protect against oxidative stress, further supporting its potential benefits for hypertension management.
This herbal tea has been traditionally used for its medicinal properties.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Lavandula angustifolia teas that help with hypertension.
- Linalool: This terpene helps to reduce blood pressure by promoting relaxation and reducing stress, which in turn decreases the heart rate and blood pressure.
- Luteolin: This flavonoid has a vasodilatory effect, which means it helps to widen blood vessels and improve blood flow, thereby reducing blood pressure.
- Apigenin: This flavonoid has a similar vasodilatory effect to luteolin, helping to reduce blood pressure by improving blood flow and reducing vascular resistance.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Lavandula angustifolia used to make teas for hypertension.
- Leaves: Lavandula angustifolia leaves are used to make teas for hypertension because of their high concentration of antioxidants and flavonoids, which have been shown to help lower blood pressure.
- Flowers: Lavandula angustifolia flowers are used to make teas for hypertension because of their calming effects, which can help reduce stress and anxiety, contributing to lower blood pressure.
- Stems: Lavandula angustifolia stems are used to make teas for hypertension because they contain a compound called linalool, which has been shown to have a relaxing effect on blood vessels and help lower blood pressure.
2. Valeriana officinalis
Valeriana officinalis teas helps with hypertension because it promotes relaxation and reduces stress, which are major contributors to high blood pressure.
The tea's sedative properties calm the nervous system, leading to a decrease in cortisol levels and a subsequent drop in blood pressure. Additionally, valerian root has been shown to have vasodilatory effects, causing blood vessels to dilate and improve circulation, further contributing to a decrease in blood pressure and relief from hypertension symptoms.
Regular consumption may help maintain healthy blood pressure levels.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Valeriana officinalis teas that help with hypertension.
- Valerenic acids: They help with hypertension by acting as vasodilators, relaxing blood vessels and reducing blood pressure.
- Valeranone: It helps with hypertension by inhibiting calcium channels, which in turn reduces the heart rate and blood pressure.
- Lactones: They help with hypertension by modulating the cardiovascular system, reducing stress and anxiety, and promoting relaxation, ultimately lowering blood pressure.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Valeriana officinalis used to make teas for hypertension.
- Roots: Valeriana officinalis roots are the most commonly used part to make teas for hypertension due to their high content of valerenic acid, a compound that helps to relax the muscles and lower blood pressure.
- Leaves: Valeriana officinalis leaves are sometimes used to make teas for hypertension, as they also contain valerenic acid and other bioactive compounds that can help to calm the nervous system and reduce blood pressure.
- Roots (again): Valeriana officinalis roots are the most widely recognized and used part to make teas for hypertension, and are often considered the gold standard for valerian root tea, which is traditionally used to help alleviate anxiety and hypertension.
3. Ginkgo biloba
Ginkgo biloba teas helps with hypertension because it contains flavonoids and terpenoids that have a positive impact on blood vessels, causing them to relax and dilate.
This relaxation of blood vessels reduces blood pressure by allowing blood to flow more freely. Additionally, ginkgo biloba's antioxidant properties help to reduce inflammation in the blood vessels, further contributing to its blood pressure-lowering effects.
Regular consumption of ginkgo biloba tea may also help to improve cardiovascular health and overall well-being.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Ginkgo biloba teas that help with hypertension.
- Flavonoids: They help lower blood pressure by reducing inflammation in blood vessels and improving blood flow, thereby relaxing the blood vessels and reducing the pressure.
- Terpenoids: They have antioxidant properties that help protect the blood vessels from damage caused by free radicals, which can contribute to high blood pressure.
- Bilobalide: It has a vasodilatory effect, which means it helps to widen the blood vessels and improve blood flow, reducing the pressure on the blood vessels and lowering blood pressure.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Ginkgo biloba used to make teas for hypertension.
- Leaves: The leaves of Ginkgo biloba are used to make teas due to their high content of flavonoids and terpenoids, which help in reducing blood pressure and improving cardiovascular health.
- Seeds: Ginkgo biloba seeds are also used in teas, as they contain flavonoids and terpenoids that may help to relax blood vessels and reduce blood pressure.
- Buds: The buds of Ginkgo biloba are used in teas to harness their flavonoid and terpenoid content, which may aid in improving blood flow and lowering blood pressure.
4. Crataegus monogyna
Crataegus monogyna teas helps with hypertension because it is rich in flavonoids and polyphenols, which are known to improve cardiovascular health and lower blood pressure.
The hawthorn extracts in this tea have been found to reduce peripheral resistance and improve blood vessel function, allowing for better blood flow and reduced pressure. Additionally, the tea's antioxidant properties help to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, contributing to its potential benefits in managing hypertension and promoting overall cardiovascular well-being.
This natural approach may support healthy blood pressure regulation.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Crataegus monogyna teas that help with hypertension.
- Phenolic acids: These compounds help lower blood pressure by inhibiting the sympathetic nervous system, which reduces the release of stress hormones that can lead to high blood pressure.
- Flavonoids: Flavonoids, particularly quercetin and kaempferol, have antioxidant and vasodilatory properties that help relax blood vessels, improve blood flow, and reduce blood pressure.
- Triterpenes: Triterpenes, including ursolic acid, have a protective effect on blood vessels, reducing inflammation and oxidative stress, and contributing to the overall reduction of blood pressure.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Crataegus monogyna used to make teas for hypertension.
- Leaves: Crataegus monogyna leaves are used to make teas for hypertension due to their antioxidant and flavonoid content, which can help to improve cardiovascular health.
- Fruits: The fruits of Crataegus monogyna, also known as hawthorn berries, are used to make teas for hypertension due to their high content of flavonoids, which can help to lower blood pressure and improve cardiovascular function.
- Buds: Crataegus monogyna buds are used to make teas for hypertension due to their high content of flavonoids and oligomeric proanthocyanidin complexes (OPCs), which can help to improve cardiovascular health and lower blood pressure.
5. Rauvolfia serpentina
Rauvolfia serpentina teas helps with hypertension because it contains a group of alkaloids called rauvolfine and serpentine, which have been shown to have a significant impact on blood pressure regulation.
These alkaloids work by inhibiting the production of neurotransmitters that stimulate the heart and blood vessels, leading to a decrease in blood pressure.
Additionally, Rauvolfia serpentina teas have been found to improve the function of blood vessels, allowing them to relax and widen, further reducing blood pressure and alleviating symptoms of hypertension.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Rauvolfia serpentina teas that help with hypertension.
- Alkaloids: These compounds help with hypertension by decreasing the heart rate and dilating blood vessels, thus reducing blood pressure.
- Stylopine: This compound has a vasodilatory effect, which helps to relax blood vessels and reduce blood pressure.
- Reserpine: This compound helps with hypertension by blocking the reabsorption of catecholamines in the kidneys, resulting in decreased sodium reabsorption and a subsequent decrease in blood pressure.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Rauvolfia serpentina used to make teas for hypertension.
- Leaves: The leaves of Rauvolfia serpentina are used to make teas for hypertension because they contain a high concentration of the active alkaloids responsible for its medicinal properties.
- Roots: The roots are used because they are rich in alkaloids, specifically serpentine and ajmaline, which help in reducing blood pressure.
- Barks: The barks of Rauvolfia serpentina are also used due to their high content of active alkaloids that help in managing hypertension by reducing heart rate and blood pressure.
6. Passiflora incarnata
Passiflora incarnata teas helps with hypertension because it contains flavonoids and other bioactive compounds that have vasodilatory properties, causing blood vessels to relax and widen.
This leads to a decrease in blood pressure and improved circulation. The tea's sedative effects also help reduce stress and anxiety, which are common contributors to hypertension.
By promoting relaxation and reducing blood vessel constriction, Passiflora incarnata teas can help alleviate hypertension and improve overall cardiovascular health, making it a potentially valuable complementary remedy.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Passiflora incarnata teas that help with hypertension.
- Isoorientin: Isoorientin is a flavonoid glycoside that helps with hypertension by acting as an antioxidant and reducing oxidative stress, thereby improving cardiovascular health.
- Passifloric acid: Passifloric acid is a flavonoid that helps with hypertension by reducing inflammation and inhibiting the release of histamine, a compound that can increase blood pressure.
- Isovitexin: Isovitexin is a flavonoid glycoside that helps with hypertension by exhibiting vasodilatory properties, relaxing blood vessels and improving blood flow, which in turn reduces blood pressure.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Passiflora incarnata used to make teas for hypertension.
- Leaves: They contain flavonoids and other active compounds that help to relax blood vessels and reduce blood pressure.
- Fruits: They are rich in potassium, which can help to balance sodium levels in the body and lower blood pressure.
- Roots: They contain a variety of bioactive compounds, including flavonoids and alkaloids, that have been shown to have a hypotensive effect.
7. Hibiscus sabdariffa
Hibiscus sabdariffa teas helps with hypertension because it is rich in anthocyanins and other bioactive compounds that have potent vasodilatory and antioxidant properties.
The tea has been shown to lower systolic blood pressure by reducing the levels of renin and aldosterone, hormones that regulate blood pressure.
Regular consumption of hibiscus tea has also been linked to improved endothelial function, reduced inflammation, and increased nitric oxide production, all of which contribute to its blood pressure-lowering effects and overall cardiovascular health benefits.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Hibiscus sabdariffa teas that help with hypertension.
- Anthocyanins: These powerful antioxidants help lower blood pressure by reducing vascular resistance and improving blood flow, which in turn decreases the workload on the heart.
- Quercetin: A flavonoid that acts as a vasodilator, quercetin helps relax blood vessels, reducing blood pressure by decreasing peripheral resistance and improving blood flow.
- Vitexin: A flavonoid glycoside, vitexin has been shown to inhibit the activity of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), which is involved in regulating blood pressure, thereby contributing to the lowering of blood pressure.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Hibiscus sabdariffa used to make teas for hypertension.
- Flowers: Used to make teas for hypertension due to their high content of anthocyanins and other flavonoids that help reduce blood pressure.
- Leaves: Used to make teas for hypertension due to their ability to lower blood pressure and prevent cardiovascular diseases through flavonoids and other compounds.
- Stems: Used to make teas for hypertension due to their high content of flavonoids, particularly kaempferol, that help relax blood vessels and reduce blood pressure.
8. Glycyrrhiza glabra
Glycyrrhiza glabra teas helps with hypertension because it contains licorice root extract, which has been shown to have a direct effect on blood vessels, causing them to relax and dilate.
This helps to reduce blood pressure by increasing the diameter of blood vessels and allowing blood to flow more easily. Additionally, the tea's flavonoids and polyphenols help to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, which are often associated with high blood pressure.
This results in a decrease in blood pressure and improved cardiovascular health.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Glycyrrhiza glabra teas that help with hypertension.
- Triterpenoids: Help with hypertension by inhibiting the activity of the enzyme 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, which is involved in the production of aldosterone, a hormone that increases blood pressure.
- Phenolic acids: Help with hypertension by exerting antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, which can help reduce vascular resistance and improve blood flow.
- Flavonoids: Help with hypertension by relaxing blood vessels and improving endothelial function, which can help reduce blood pressure and improve cardiovascular health.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Glycyrrhiza glabra used to make teas for hypertension.
- Roots: The roots are the primary part used to make teas for hypertension due to their high content of glycyrrhizin, a natural compound that helps to lower blood pressure.
- Leaves: The leaves of Glycyrrhiza glabra contain flavonoids and other bioactive compounds that contribute to their antihypertensive properties and make them suitable for teas.
- Flowers: The flowers of the plant are also used to make teas for hypertension, with their bioactive compounds, including flavonoids and terpenoids, helping to regulate blood pressure.
9. Vitex agnus-castus
Vitex agnus-castus teas helps with hypertension because it has a vasodilatory effect, which helps to relax and widen blood vessels.
This allows for improved blood flow and reduced blood pressure. Additionally, Vitex agnus-castus teas contain flavonoids and phenolic acids that have antioxidant properties, helping to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation that can contribute to high blood pressure.
Regular consumption of Vitex agnus-castus teas may also help to regulate the body's response to stress, promoting overall cardiovascular health and well-being.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Vitex agnus-castus teas that help with hypertension.
- Iridoid glycosides: These compounds have been shown to exhibit vasodilatory properties, which help to relax blood vessels and reduce blood pressure.
- Flavonoids: Flavonoids in Vitex agnus-castus tea have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in the blood vessels, ultimately contributing to lower blood pressure.
- Phenylethanoid glycosides: These compounds may help to regulate the cardiovascular system by inhibiting the activity of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), which is involved in the regulation of blood pressure.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Vitex agnus-castus used to make teas for hypertension.
- Leaves: They are used because they are rich in flavonoids, which may help in reducing blood pressure.
- Flowers: They are used because they contain flavonoids and iridoids, which may help in regulating blood pressure and heart rate.
- Seeds: They are used because they contain flavonoids and other compounds that may help in reducing blood pressure and improving cardiovascular health.
10. Ziziphus jujuba
Ziziphus jujuba teas helps with hypertension because of its rich content of flavonoids and saponins, which have been shown to have vasodilatory properties, relaxing blood vessels and improving circulation.
The tea also contains oligosaccharides, which may help regulate blood pressure by modulating the body's response to stress. Additionally, Ziziphus jujuba has been found to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, further contributing to its potential benefits in managing hypertension and promoting overall cardiovascular health.
Regular consumption may lead to sustained blood pressure reduction.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Ziziphus jujuba teas that help with hypertension.
- Quercetin: This flavonoid helps with hypertension by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress in blood vessels, which in turn improves blood flow and lowers blood pressure.
- Isoorientin: This flavonoid exhibits vasodilatory properties, helping to relax and widen blood vessels, thereby reducing blood pressure and improving cardiovascular health.
- Gallic acid: This phenolic acid helps with hypertension by inhibiting the activity of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), a key component in the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system that regulates blood pressure.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Ziziphus jujuba used to make teas for hypertension.
- Fruits: The fruits of Ziziphus jujuba are commonly used to make teas for hypertension due to their high content of flavonoids and saponins, which have been shown to have anti-hypertensive properties.
- Leaves: Ziziphus jujuba leaves are used in teas for hypertension due to their ability to lower blood pressure through the action of flavonoids and alkaloids.
- Barks: The barks of Ziziphus jujuba are used in teas for hypertension as they contain flavonoids and alkaloids that help to relax blood vessels and reduce blood pressure.