By Leen Randell
Updated: Jul 03, 2024
10 Best Herbal Teas For Hypertension
Herbal teas for hypertension are natural beverages made from herbs, plants, and flowers that help lower blood pressure levels.
They work by either reducing the heart's workload, relaxing blood vessels, or removing excess fluids from the body. Examples of herbal teas that help with hypertension include hawthorn, lavender, and chamomile.
These teas improve lives by reducing the risk of heart disease, strokes, and kidney damage, enabling individuals to live healthier and more active lives.
The following article describes in detail the most important teas for hypertension, including medicinal properties, parts of herbs to use, and recipes for preparations.
- 1. Glycyrrhiza glabra
- 2. Lithospermum officinale
- 3. Crataegus monogyna
- 4. Cinnamomum verum
- 5. Echinacea purpurea
- 6. Vaccinium macrocarpon
- 7. Ocimum basilicum
- 8. Matricaria chamomilla
- 9. Hibiscus sabdariffa
- 10. Rosa rugosa
- What is the best combination of herbal teas to use for hypertension?
- What ailments similar to hypertension are treated with herbal teas?
1. Glycyrrhiza glabra
Glycyrrhiza glabra, also known as licorice, teas helps with hypertension because of its unique properties and bioactive compounds.
The tea contains flavonoids and glycyrrhizin, which have been shown to have a vasodilatory effect, causing blood vessels to relax and widen. This reduction in blood pressure is also attributed to the tea's ability to reduce aldosterone levels, a hormone that regulates sodium and water retention.
As a result, herbal Glycyrrhiza glabra teas may help alleviate symptoms of hypertension and promote overall cardiovascular health.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Glycyrrhiza glabra teas that help with hypertension.
- Licorice saponins: Licorice saponins help with hypertension by inhibiting the activity of the enzyme 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, which converts cortisol into its active form, leading to a reduction in blood pressure.
- Flavonoids: Flavonoids, such as quercetin, help with hypertension by relaxing blood vessels and reducing inflammation, leading to a decrease in blood pressure.
- Coumarins: Coumarins, such as scopoletin, help with hypertension by reducing vascular resistance and improving endothelial function, leading to a decrease in blood pressure.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of licorice used to make teas for hypertension.
- Roots: The roots are used due to their high content of glycyrrhizin, a compound that helps lower blood pressure.
- Leaves: The leaves are used for their antioxidant properties, which can help reduce oxidative stress and alleviate hypertension symptoms.
- Barks: The barks are used for their anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce inflammation and contribute to lowering blood pressure.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic licorice for hypertension.
- Harvest 1-2 teaspoons of dried glycyrrhiza glabra roots and rinse them under cold running water.
- Steep the dried roots in 8 ounces of boiling water for 5-7 minutes to release their properties.
- Strain the tea mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a cup to remove the solids.
- Add 1 tablespoon of honey to the tea to sweeten it to taste.
- Serve the tea immediately and drink it while it's still warm to experience its benefits.
2. Lithospermum officinale
Lithospermum officinale, also known as gromwell, teas helps with hypertension because of its natural vasodilatory properties.
The tea contains compounds that help to relax and widen blood vessels, allowing for improved blood flow and reduced blood pressure. The flavonoids and phenolic acids present in Lithospermum officinale may also help to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, contributing to its potential benefits for individuals with hypertension.
Regular consumption of Lithospermum officinale tea may aid in maintaining healthy blood pressure levels.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Lithospermum officinale teas that help with hypertension.
- Lithospermic acid: A phenolic acid known for its vasodilatory properties, helping to lower blood pressure by relaxing blood vessel walls.
- Iridoid glycosides: A class of compounds known for their hypotensive effects, helping to reduce blood pressure by modulating cardiovascular function.
- Alkaloids: Known for their ability to inhibit the sympathetic nervous system, helping to reduce blood pressure by decreasing the force of contraction of the heart.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of gromwell used to make teas for hypertension.
- Leaves: They are used to make teas due to their high content of alkaloids, which have been shown to have a hypotensive effect.
- Roots: The roots contain saponins, which may help in reducing blood pressure.
- Flowers: The flowers are used in teas due to their flavonoid content, which has been reported to possess vasodilatory properties, potentially lowering blood pressure.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic gromwell for hypertension.
- Harvest 20-30 grams of dried lithospermum officinale flowers from a trusted source.
- Combine the dried flowers with 250 milliliters of boiling water in a large teapot.
- Steep the mixture for 5-7 minutes to allow the active compounds to infuse fully.
- Strain the tea into a cup using a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove solids.
- Serve the tea immediately and enjoy within 30 minutes of preparation time.
3. Crataegus monogyna
Crataegus monogyna, also known as hawthorn, teas helps with hypertension because of its unique combination of bioactive compounds.
The tea contains flavonoids, oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs), and other polyphenols that have been shown to exert a vasodilatory effect, which helps to relax blood vessels and improve blood flow. This action can lower blood pressure by reducing peripheral resistance and cardiac workload.
Additionally, hawthorn's antioxidant properties help to protect against oxidative stress and inflammation, further contributing to its potential benefits in managing hypertension.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Crataegus monogyna teas that help with hypertension.
- Quercetin: This flavonoid helps with hypertension by acting as a vasodilator, causing blood vessels to relax and improve blood flow, thus reducing blood pressure.
- Flavonoids: These polyphenolic compounds help with hypertension by inhibiting the activity of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), a key component in the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system that regulates blood pressure, and also by improving endothelial function.
- Epicatechin: This flavan-3-ol compound helps with hypertension by reducing the activity of ACE, similar to flavonoids, and also by increasing the production of nitric oxide, a potent vasodilator that helps relax blood vessels and improve blood flow.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of hawthorn used to make teas for hypertension.
- Leaves: Leaves are used to make teas for hypertension due to their high content of flavonoids and phenolic acids, which have been shown to have vasodilatory effects and help reduce blood pressure.
- Fruits: Fruits are used to make teas for hypertension due to their high content of flavonoids, specifically quercetin and epicatechin, which have been shown to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects that can help lower blood pressure.
- Buds: Buds are used to make teas for hypertension due to their high content of flavonoids and phenolic acids, which have been shown to have vasodilatory effects and help reduce blood pressure, as well as their antioxidant properties.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic hawthorn for hypertension.
- Harvest fresh leaves and fruits from the tree in late summer or early autumn when they are ripe.
- Dry the harvested leaves and fruits using a low-temperature dehydrator at 40c for 2 hours.
- Steep 2-3 teaspoons of dried leaves and fruits in boiling water for 5-7 minutes to make tea.
- Strain the tea using a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove the solids and enjoy.
- Store the dried leaves and fruits in an airtight container for up to 6 months for later use.
4. Cinnamomum verum
Cinnamomum verum, also known as Ceylon cinnamon, teas helps with hypertension because of its unique properties that aid in regulating blood pressure.
The active compounds in Ceylon cinnamon, such as cinnamaldehyde, have been found to improve blood vessel function and reduce inflammation, which can contribute to high blood pressure.
Additionally, Ceylon cinnamon has been shown to lower the levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol and triglycerides, further contributing to its potential benefits in managing hypertension.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Cinnamomum verum teas that help with hypertension.
- Cinnamaldehyde: Acts as a natural vasodilator, helping to relax blood vessels and reduce blood pressure by blocking the synthesis of endothelin, a potent vasoconstrictor.
- Coumarins: Exhibits antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which help to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in blood vessels, contributing to lower blood pressure.
- Flavonoids: Possess vasodilatory and antioxidant properties, helping to relax blood vessels, reduce blood pressure, and protect against vascular damage caused by high blood pressure.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of ceylon cinnamon used to make teas for hypertension.
- Leaves: The leaves are often used in herbal teas to help lower blood pressure due to their high content of flavonoids and essential oils.
- Barks: The barks of Cinnamomum verum are traditionally used in teas to aid in reducing hypertension due to their cinnamon oil content, which has blood-thinning properties.
- Rhyzomes: The rhyzomes are used in teas for their anti-inflammatory properties, which may help alleviate blood pressure by reducing inflammation in blood vessels.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic ceylon cinnamon for hypertension.
- Harvest 2-3 tablespoons of dried cinnamomum verum bark from a trusted supplier or local herbalist.
- Grind the dried bark into a fine powder using a spice grinder or mortar and pestle for 2 minutes.
- Combine 1 teaspoon of the ground cinnamomum verum powder with 1 cup of boiling water in a teapot.
- Steep the mixture for 5-7 minutes to allow the flavors and oils to infuse into the water.
- Strain the tea and discard the solids before serving the hot tea in your favorite cup.
5. Echinacea purpurea
Echinacea purpurea, also known as purple coneflower, teas helps with hypertension because of its unique composition of flavonoids, phenolic acids, and alkylamides.
These bioactive compounds have vasodilatory properties, allowing blood vessels to relax and widen, thereby reducing blood pressure. Additionally, Echinacea purpurea tea has antioxidant properties, which help protect against oxidative stress and inflammation in blood vessels.
This natural remedy has been traditionally used to promote cardiovascular health and may help alleviate hypertension symptoms by promoting overall vascular well-being.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Echinacea purpurea teas that help with hypertension.
- Iridoid glycosides: Iridoid glycosides, particularly echinacoside, may help with hypertension by exerting a mild diuretic effect, which can help reduce blood pressure.
- Phenolic acids: Phenolic acids, such as ferulic acid and sinapic acid, may help with hypertension by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress, which can contribute to high blood pressure.
- Flavonoids: Flavonoids, including kaempferol and quercetin, may help with hypertension by exerting vasodilatory effects, which can help relax blood vessels and improve blood flow.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of purple coneflower used to make teas for hypertension.
- Roots: They are often used due to their high concentration of alkylamides, which are believed to have anti-inflammatory properties.
- Flowers: They are commonly used as they contain phenolic compounds, which can have antioxidant properties and may help reduce inflammation.
- Leaves: They are also used as they contain caffeic acid and its derivatives, which can have potential anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic purple coneflower for hypertension.
- Gather 20-30 grams of dried echinacea purpurea flowers or roots.
- Boil 1 liter of water in a pot for 5-10 minutes to prepare the hot water.
- Steep 1-2 teaspoons of dried echinacea purpurea in the boiling water for 5-7 minutes.
- Strain the tea using a cheesecloth or a fine-mesh sieve to remove the solids.
- Drink the tea immediately or store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
6. Vaccinium macrocarpon
Vaccinium macrocarpon, also known as highbush cranberry, teas helps with hypertension because of its rich content of flavonoids and anthocyanins.
These compounds have been shown to have vasodilatory effects, which help to relax blood vessels and improve blood flow. Additionally, the tea's high levels of potassium and magnesium can help to counterbalance the effects of sodium and promote healthy blood pressure levels. The antioxidant properties of Vaccinium macrocarpon teas may also help to reduce oxidative stress, which can contribute to hypertension.
Regular consumption may help to lower blood pressure and improve overall cardiovascular health.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Vaccinium macrocarpon teas that help with hypertension.
- Anthocyanins: These powerful antioxidants help with hypertension by improving blood vessel function, reducing inflammation, and preventing oxidative stress that contributes to high blood pressure.
- Quercetin: This flavonoid has vasodilatory properties, which help relax blood vessels, reducing blood pressure and improving blood flow, and also has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects that contribute to lowering blood pressure.
- Ellagic acid: This phenolic compound has been shown to have vasodilatory effects, reducing blood pressure by improving blood vessel function and reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease, while also having antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that help prevent oxidative stress and inflammation associated with high blood pressure.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of highbush cranberry used to make teas for hypertension.
- Leaves: They contain flavonoids and anthocyanins that help in reducing blood pressure.
- Fruits: The fruit extracts have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that help in lowering blood pressure.
- Seeds: The seeds contain flavonoids and phenolic acids that help in reducing blood pressure and improving cardiovascular health.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic highbush cranberry for hypertension.
- Harvest 1/4 cup of vaccinium macrocarpon berries in early summer when ripe and fragrant.
- Rinse the berries in cold water to remove dirt and debris from the harvesting process.
- Steep 1 teaspoon of vaccinium macrocarpon berries in 8 ounces of boiling water for 5-7 minutes.
- Strain the tea through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove the solids completely.
- Serve the tea hot or iced within 30 minutes of preparation to preserve the flavor and aroma.
7. Ocimum basilicum
Ocimum basilicum, also known as basil, teas helps with hypertension because of its potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
The tea is rich in compounds like eugenol, linalool, and beta-caryophyllene, which have been shown to relax blood vessels and improve blood flow. Regular consumption of basil tea may help reduce blood pressure by mitigating the effects of oxidative stress and inflammation on the cardiovascular system, ultimately promoting overall cardiovascular health and well-being.
This traditional remedy has been used for centuries to alleviate hypertension naturally.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Ocimum basilicum teas that help with hypertension.
- Rosmarinic acid: This phenolic compound helps with hypertension by acting as an antioxidant, reducing oxidative stress, and inhibiting the activity of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), which contributes to blood pressure regulation.
- Oleanolic acid: This triterpenoid has been shown to help with hypertension by inhibiting the activity of ACE, reducing inflammation, and modulating the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS), which plays a crucial role in blood pressure regulation.
- Apigenin: This flavonoid helps with hypertension by acting as a calcium channel blocker, reducing vascular resistance, and modulating the RAAS system, ultimately leading to a decrease in blood pressure.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of basil used to make teas for hypertension.
- Leaves: They are used to make teas for hypertension due to their high content of volatile oils and flavonoids, which have been shown to help lower blood pressure.
- Flowers: They are used to make teas for hypertension due to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce blood pressure and improve cardiovascular health.
- Stems: They are used to make teas for hypertension due to their high content of flavonoids and phenolic acids, which have been shown to have vasodilatory effects and help lower blood pressure.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic basil for hypertension.
- Harvest 20-30 fresh leaves of ocimum basilicum in the early morning to ensure optimal flavor and aroma.
- Wash the harvested leaves with cold water to remove any dirt or impurities from the leaves.
- Chop the clean leaves into small pieces using a sharp knife to release the essential oils.
- Steep 1 teaspoon of the chopped leaves in 8 ounces of boiling water for 5-7 minutes to allow infusion.
- Strain the tea through a fine-mesh sieve to separate the leaves from the liquid tea.
8. Matricaria chamomilla
Matricaria chamomilla, also known as chamomile, teas helps with hypertension because it contains flavonoids and apigenin, which have been shown to relax blood vessels and reduce blood pressure.
The tea's calming effects also help to lower stress levels, a known contributor to hypertension. Additionally, chamomile's anti-inflammatory properties may help to protect against cardiovascular disease. The tea's vasodilatory effects and ability to reduce anxiety make it a potential natural remedy for individuals with hypertension.
Regular consumption may help to promote overall cardiovascular health.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Matricaria chamomilla teas that help with hypertension.
- Apigenin: This flavonoid helps with hypertension by exerting vasodilatory effects and reducing oxidative stress, which can help lower blood pressure.
- Luteolin: As a flavonoid, luteolin helps to reduce hypertension by inhibiting the activity of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), a key component in the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) that regulates blood pressure.
- Apigenin-7-glucoside: This flavonoid glycoside helps to reduce hypertension by exerting antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, which can help protect against cardiovascular disease and lower blood pressure.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of chamomile used to make teas for hypertension.
- Flowers: They are used due to their high content of apigenin, an antioxidant that may help in reducing blood pressure.
- Leaves: They are used due to their apigenin and chamazulene content, which have potential anti-inflammatory and blood pressure regulating effects.
- Seeds: They are used due to their apigenin and other flavonoid content, which may contribute to their potential blood pressure-lowering effects.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic chamomile for hypertension.
- Harvest fresh matricaria chamomilla flowers in the morning after the dew has dried when they are in full bloom.
- Dry the flowers in a single layer using a food dehydrator at 95 degrees fahrenheit for 2 hours.
- Measure out 1 teaspoon of dried matricaria chamomilla flowers for every 8 ounces of boiling water.
- Steep the dried flowers in boiling water for 5-7 minutes to release their active compounds.
- Strain the tea and let it cool to room temperature before serving.
9. Hibiscus sabdariffa
Hibiscus sabdariffa, also known as roselle, teas helps with hypertension because it contains anthocyanins and other flavonoids that have potent antioxidant and vasodilatory properties.
These compounds help to relax blood vessels, improve blood flow, and lower blood pressure by inhibiting the activity of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE).
Regular consumption of hibiscus tea may also help to reduce systolic blood pressure and improve cardiovascular health by promoting the removal of excess fluids and reducing inflammation in the body.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Hibiscus sabdariffa teas that help with hypertension.
- Anthocyanins: These powerful antioxidants help with hypertension by reducing blood pressure levels, improving cardiovascular function, and decreasing inflammation in blood vessels.
- Flavonoids: These polyphenolic compounds help with hypertension by relaxing blood vessels, reducing vascular resistance, and preventing platelet aggregation, ultimately leading to a decrease in blood pressure.
- Caffeic acid and chlorogenic acid: These phenolic acids help with hypertension by inhibiting the enzyme angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), which contributes to blood pressure regulation, and also reducing oxidative stress and inflammation in the body.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of roselle used to make teas for hypertension.
- Flowers: The flowers are used to make teas for hypertension due to their high content of anthocyanins and other bioactive compounds that help lower blood pressure.
- Leaves: The leaves are used to make teas for hypertension due to their ability to relax blood vessels and improve blood flow, which helps to lower blood pressure.
- Stems: The stems are used to make teas for hypertension due to their high content of flavonoids and other compounds that help to improve cardiovascular health and lower blood pressure.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic roselle for hypertension.
- Harvest 10-20 red calyces from mature hibiscus sabdariffa flowers for a single serving of tea.
- Rinse the harvested calyces in cold water to remove any dirt or debris thoroughly.
- Steep 2-3 teaspoons of the calyces in 1 quart of boiling water for 5-7 minutes.
- Strain the tea mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a heat-resistant container immediately.
- Store the cooled tea in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
10. Rosa rugosa
Rosa rugosa, also known as beach rose, teas helps with hypertension because of its unique combination of flavonoids and phenolic acids.
These compounds have been shown to help relax blood vessels and improve blood flow, reducing blood pressure. Additionally, the tea's antioxidant properties may help to protect against oxidative stress and inflammation, both of which can contribute to high blood pressure.
Regular consumption of Rosa rugosa tea may help to stabilize blood pressure and promote overall cardiovascular health.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Rosa rugosa teas that help with hypertension.
- Flavonoids: They help with hypertension by exerting antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, which contribute to the relaxation of blood vessels and improved blood flow.
- Phenolic acids: They help with hypertension by inhibiting the activity of enzymes involved in the contraction of blood vessels and reducing oxidative stress in the cardiovascular system.
- Rutin: It helps with hypertension by stabilizing the blood vessel walls, preventing their constriction, and improving blood flow, which can help lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of beach rose used to make teas for hypertension.
- Leaves: They are used due to their high content of flavonoids and phenolic acids, which exhibit antioxidant and vasodilating properties.
- Roots: They are used because of their rich content of iridoids, which have been shown to have a relaxing effect on blood vessels and help lower blood pressure.
- Buds: They are used for their high concentration of flavonoids and phenolic acids, which contribute to their vasodilating and antioxidant effects, beneficial for hypertension management.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic beach rose for hypertension.
- Choose 30g of dried rosa rugosa flowers and leaves for each liter of tea.
- Boil 1 liter of water in a pot for 5 minutes at high heat.
- Steep the rosa rugosa flowers and leaves in boiling water for 10 minutes.
- Strain the tea through a cheesecloth or a fine-mesh sieve into a large cup.
- Serve the tea warm or at room temperature within 30 minutes of preparation.
What is the best combination of herbal teas to use for hypertension?
The best combination of herbal teas that help with hypertension is a blend of Hibiscus, Lavender, and Passionflower.
Hibiscus tea has been shown to lower blood pressure by reducing sodium levels and relaxing blood vessels. Lavender tea calms the nervous system, reducing stress and anxiety that can contribute to hypertension. Meanwhile, Passionflower tea helps to regulate heart rate and blood pressure.
Drinking a combination of these teas can promote relaxation, reduce blood pressure, and support overall cardiovascular health.
What ailments similar to hypertension are treated with herbal teas?
Ailments similar to hypertension/teas.html">hypertension/teas.html">hypertension that are treated with herbal teas are conditions such as hypotension, low blood pressure, and cardiovascular issues like angina and arrhythmia.
Herbs like Ginkgo biloba, Hawthorn, and Ginger are used to improve circulation, reduce blood pressure, and prevent platelet aggregation.
These teas can help alleviate symptoms of palpitations, dizziness, and shortness of breath associated with these conditions.