By Leen Randell
Updated: Jul 03, 2024
10 Best Herbal Tinctures For Hypertension
Herbal tinctures for hypertension are concentrated liquid extracts made from plants, herbs, and botanicals that have been traditionally used to help manage high blood pressure.
These tinctures work by dilating blood vessels, reducing blood vessel stiffness, and improving circulation, which can help lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease. Examples of herbal tinctures that can help with hypertension include hawthorn, garlic, and celery seed.
By taking these tinctures regularly, individuals may experience improved overall health, reduced medication usage, and an enhanced quality of life, allowing them to lead more active and stress-free lives.
The following article describes in detail the most important tinctures for hypertension, including medicinal properties, parts of herbs to use, and recipes for preparations.
- 1. Lithospermum officinale
- 2. Avena sativa
- 3. Tilia platyphyllos
- 4. Crataegus monogyna
- 5. Ruscus aculeatus
- 6. Cinnamomum verum
- 7. Matricaria chamomilla
- 8. Vaccinium myrtillus
- 9. Glycyrrhiza glabra
- 10. Valeriana officinalis
- What is the best combination of herbal tinctures to use for hypertension?
- What ailments similar to hypertension are treated with herbal tinctures?
1. Lithospermum officinale
Gromwell tinctures helps with hypertension because it has a natural ability to relax and dilate blood vessels, allowing for improved blood flow and reduced blood pressure.
The herb's flavonoids and phenolic acids work synergistically to enhance nitric oxide production, which further aids in vasodilation and hypertension management. Additionally, gromwell's anti-inflammatory properties help reduce inflammation in the cardiovascular system, a common contributor to high blood pressure.
By addressing these underlying factors, herbal gromwell tinctures can provide a natural and effective means of managing hypertension.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Lithospermum officinale tinctures that help with hypertension.
- Lithospermic acid: Lithospermic acid has been shown to possess vasodilatory properties, which can help lower blood pressure by relaxing and widening blood vessels.
- Alkaloids: Alkaloids from Lithospermum officinale may exhibit vasodilatory and antioxidant activities, contributing to a decrease in blood pressure and improved cardiovascular health.
- Flavonoids: Flavonoids in Lithospermum officinale have been reported to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and vasodilatory effects, which may help mitigate hypertension and associated cardiovascular risks.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of gromwell used to make tinctures for hypertension.
- Leaves: Used due to their bioactive compounds, particularly flavonoids and alkaloids, which have vasodilatory effects.
- Flowers: Utilized for their flavonoids and saponins, which may help in reducing blood pressure by exerting a calming effect on the cardiovascular system.
- Roots: Employed for their alkaloids and other bioactive compounds, which may contribute to vasodilation and a subsequent decrease in blood pressure.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic gromwell for hypertension.
- Harvest a sufficient quantity of fresh lithospermum officinale flowers and leaves for the tincture.
- Combine the harvested material with a 50-100 parts ratio of 70-80 proof vodka in a clean glass container.
- Store the mixture in a cool dark place for 2-6 weeks to allow for maceration.
- Strain the mixture through a cheesecloth or a coffee filter into another clean glass container.
- Bottle the tincture and label it with the date and ingredients used for future reference.
2. Avena sativa
Oats tinctures helps with hypertension because they contain beta-glucans, which help to reduce inflammation in blood vessels and improve blood flow.
This natural compound also has a soothing effect on the cardiovascular system, lowering blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels and increasing oxygen supply to the body's tissues. Additionally, oat tinctures have been shown to reduce stress hormones, such as cortisol, which can contribute to high blood pressure.
As a result, regular use of herbal oats tincture may help to support healthy blood pressure levels and promote overall cardiovascular well-being.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Avena sativa tinctures that help with hypertension.
- Avenacoside: It may help with hypertension by acting as a vasodilator, allowing blood vessels to relax and improve blood flow.
- Gamma-aminobutyric acid: It may help with hypertension by reducing sympathetic nervous system activity, which can lower blood pressure and heart rate.
- Ferulic acid: It may help with hypertension by exerting antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, which can help mitigate blood vessel damage and reduce blood pressure.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of oats used to make tinctures for hypertension.
- Seeds: Avena sativa seeds are often used to make tinctures for hypertension due to their high saponin content, which is believed to have vasodilatory effects.
- Roots: The roots of Avena sativa contain saponins and other compounds that may help lower blood pressure and reduce hypertension.
- Leaves: Avena sativa leaves are used to make tinctures for hypertension due to their flavonoid and phenolic content, which may help relax blood vessels and improve cardiovascular health.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic oats for hypertension.
- Harvest fresh avena sativa roots and stems when they are in bloom and dry them immediately.
- Chop the dried avena sativa into small pieces weighing 250 grams for a standard tincture batch.
- Combine the chopped avena sativa with 750 milliliters of 80% ethanol in a clean glass jar.
- Allow the mixture to macerate in a cool dark place for 2 to 6 weeks shaking daily.
- Strain the liquid through a cheesecloth or coffee filter and discard the solids then store the tincture.
3. Tilia platyphyllos
Broad-leaved lime tinctures helps with hypertension because its unique composition of flavonoids, phenolic acids, and saponins provides a multifaceted approach to reducing blood pressure.
The flavonoids in broad-leaved lime tinctures have been shown to relax blood vessels, improving circulation and decreasing peripheral resistance. Meanwhile, the phenolic acids help to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, which can contribute to hypertension.
Additionally, the saponins in the tincture may also help to lower cholesterol levels and improve overall cardiovascular health.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Tilia platyphyllos tinctures that help with hypertension.
- Flavonoids: These plant compounds help with hypertension by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation in blood vessels, which in turn causes them to relax and widen, thereby lowering blood pressure.
- Rosmarinic acid: This antioxidant compound has been shown to inhibit the production of endothelin-1, a potent vasoconstrictor that can contribute to high blood pressure, thus helping to reduce blood pressure.
- Tiliaflavanone: This compound has been found to have a vasodilatory effect, causing blood vessels to widen and reducing blood pressure, as well as having anti-inflammatory properties to reduce oxidative stress.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of broad-leaved lime used to make tinctures for hypertension.
- Leaves: They are used due to their high content of flavonoids and terpenoids, which help to relax blood vessels and reduce blood pressure.
- Buds: They are used because they contain flavonoids and other compounds that help to reduce inflammation and improve cardiovascular health.
- Barks: They are used due to their rich content of flavonoids and saponins, which help to lower blood pressure and improve blood vessel function.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic broad-leaved lime for hypertension.
- Gather 250g of dried tilia platyphyllos leaves and flowers and clean them thoroughly with a soft brush.
- Combine the cleaned plant material with 750ml of 45% ethanol in a clean glass container.
- Steep the plant material in the ethanol mixture for 2 weeks in a cool dark place.
- Strain the mixture through a cheesecloth or a coffee filter into another clean container.
- Store the resulting tincture in a cool dark place for 4 weeks to mature before use.
4. Crataegus monogyna
Hawthorn tinctures helps with hypertension because it is a natural vasodilator that relaxes blood vessels, reducing blood pressure and improving circulation.
The bioactive compounds in hawthorn, such as flavonoids and oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs), have been shown to increase nitric oxide production, leading to improved endothelial function and reduced blood vessel stiffness.
This natural approach can help alleviate hypertension symptoms without the need for pharmaceutical medications, providing a gentle and effective way to support cardiovascular health.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Crataegus monogyna tinctures that help with hypertension.
- Flavonoids: These compounds help with hypertension by exerting vasodilatory effects, improving blood vessel function, and reducing blood pressure through their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Triterpenoids: These compounds contribute to the antihypertensive effects by modulating the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) and reducing vascular resistance, resulting in lowered blood pressure.
- Phenolic acids: These compounds help with hypertension by inhibiting the sympathetic nervous system and vasopressin, thereby reducing blood pressure and promoting vasodilation.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of hawthorn used to make tinctures for hypertension.
- Fruits: They are rich in flavonoids and other bioactive compounds that help in lowering blood pressure and reducing cardiovascular risk.
- Leaves: They contain flavonoids and other polyphenolic compounds that contribute to their potential antihypertensive effects.
- Buds: They are rich in flavonoids and other bioactive compounds that may help in reducing blood pressure and improving cardiovascular health.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic hawthorn for hypertension.
- Harvest 100g of fresh crataegus monogyna leaves and flowers in the early morning to capture optimal potency.
- Dry the harvested plant material in a warm dark place for 2-4 weeks to preserve its properties.
- Chop 50g of dried crataegus monogyna material into small pieces to increase surface area for extraction.
- Steep the chopped plant material in 500ml of 35% ethanol in a glass container for 2-3 weeks.
- Strain the liquid through cheesecloth and store the resulting tincture in a dark glass bottle away from heat.
5. Ruscus aculeatus
Dog holly tinctures helps with hypertension because they contain a unique combination of bioactive compounds that have a potent effect on blood pressure regulation.
The tannins, flavonoids, and alkaloids present in dog holly work synergistically to dilate blood vessels, improve blood flow, and reduce peripheral resistance, thereby lowering systolic and diastolic blood pressure.
This natural approach can help alleviate the symptoms of hypertension, reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease and improving overall canine health and wellbeing.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Ruscus aculeatus tinctures that help with hypertension.
- Saponins: These triterpenoid glycosides have vasorelaxant and vasodilatory effects, helping to lower blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels and improving circulation.
- Flavonoids: These polyphenolic compounds have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help mitigate the oxidative stress and inflammation associated with hypertension.
- Steroidal saponins: These compounds have a direct vasodilatory effect, causing blood vessels to dilate and reducing peripheral resistance, which can help lower blood pressure.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of dog holly used to make tinctures for hypertension.
- Leaves: They are used to make tinctures for hypertension due to their reported vasodilatory and cardio-protective properties.
- Roots: They are used to make tinctures for hypertension due to their reported ability to lower blood pressure and improve cardiovascular health.
- Barks: They are used to make tinctures for hypertension due to their reported vasodilatory and antioxidant properties that can help regulate blood pressure.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic dog holly for hypertension.
- Gather 50 grams of fresh ruscus aculeatus roots and stems and clean them thoroughly with water.
- Chop the roots and stems into small pieces and place them in a 1000 milliliter glass jar.
- Combine 60% ethanol with 40% distilled water in a 750 milliliter glass bottle to create the solvent.
- Pour the solvent over the chopped roots and stems in the jar and seal it tightly for 14 days.
- Strain the liquid through cheesecloth into another glass bottle and discard the solids after 2 weeks of steeping.
6. Cinnamomum verum
Ceylon cinnamon tinctures helps with hypertension because it has natural blood pressure-lowering properties.
The cinnamaldehyde compound present in Ceylon cinnamon tinctures is responsible for its vasodilatory effects, which help to widen blood vessels and reduce blood pressure. Additionally, the tincture's antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds work together to improve blood vessel function and reduce inflammation, further contributing to its hypotensive effects.
Regular use of herbal Ceylon cinnamon tinctures may help individuals with hypertension maintain healthy blood pressure levels.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Cinnamomum verum tinctures that help with hypertension.
- Cinnamaldehyde: It helps with hypertension by acting as a vasodilator, which means it widens blood vessels, allowing blood to flow more easily and reducing blood pressure.
- Coumarins: They help with hypertension by exhibiting vasodilatory properties, which helps to lower blood pressure, and by inhibiting the activity of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), a key component in the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) that regulates blood pressure.
- Flavonoids: They help with hypertension by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress in blood vessels, which can contribute to blood pressure elevation, and by inhibiting the activity of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), further reducing blood pressure.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of ceylon cinnamon used to make tinctures for hypertension.
- Leaves: Cinnamomum verum leaves are used in tinctures for hypertension because they contain various bioactive compounds, including flavonoids and phenolic acids, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that help alleviate hypertension.
- Rhyzomes: Cinnamomum verum rhyzomes are used in tinctures for hypertension due to their high content of cinnamaldehyde and other bioactive compounds, which have been shown to have vasodilatory effects, improve blood flow, and help lower blood pressure.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic ceylon cinnamon for hypertension.
- Gather 200g of dried cinnamomum verum bark and 75cl of 30% ethanol solution for tincture preparation.
- Combine the dried cinnamomum verum bark with 75cl of 30% ethanol solution in a glass jar.
- Store the mixture in a cool dark place for 2-6 weeks to allow for extraction.
- Strain the mixture through a cheesecloth or a coffee filter into a clean glass container.
- Label and store the herbal tincture in a cool dark place for up to 5 years.
7. Matricaria chamomilla
Chamomile tinctures helps with hypertension because it possesses natural calming properties that help to relax blood vessels, reducing blood pressure levels.
The anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic compounds found in chamomile tincture also aid in easing tension and stress, common contributors to high blood pressure.
Additionally, the flavonoids present in chamomile have been shown to improve blood vessel function, allowing for smoother blood flow and further reducing hypertension symptoms.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Matricaria chamomilla tinctures that help with hypertension.
- Apigenin: This flavonoid has a vasodilatory effect, which helps in relaxing blood vessels and reducing blood pressure.
- Luteolin: This flavonoid has antioxidant properties, which help in reducing oxidative stress and inflammation that can contribute to high blood pressure.
- Alpha-bisabolol: This sesquiterpene has a calming effect on the nervous system, which can help in reducing stress and anxiety that can contribute to high blood pressure.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of chamomile used to make tinctures for hypertension.
- Flowers: They are used to make tinctures due to their high apigenin content, which has been shown to have a positive effect on blood pressure.
- Seeds: The seeds are used for their flavonoid content, particularly apigenin and luteolin, which are believed to help lower blood pressure.
- Leaves: The leaves are used in tinctures for their flavonoid content, particularly apigenin, which may help to reduce blood pressure and improve cardiovascular health.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic chamomile for hypertension.
- Harvest the fresh flowers in the early morning after the dew has evaporated and before the heat of the day.
- Dry the harvested flowers in a warm place with good air circulation for at least 2 weeks.
- Combine 1 part of the dried flowers with 2 parts of 80 proof vodka in a clean glass jar.
- Store the jar in a cool dark place and allow the mixture to steep for 2 to 6 weeks.
- Strain the liquid through a cheesecloth or a coffee filter into another clean glass container and discard the solids.
8. Vaccinium myrtillus
Blueberry tinctures helps with hypertension because it is rich in anthocyanins, powerful flavonoids that help to relax blood vessels and improve blood flow.
This relaxation of blood vessels reduces blood pressure by allowing the heart to pump less forcefully, which in turn reduces strain on the cardiovascular system. Additionally, blueberries' antioxidant properties help to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, both of which are common underlying factors of hypertension.
As a result, herbal blueberry tinctures may provide a natural and effective way to support healthy blood pressure levels.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Vaccinium myrtillus tinctures that help with hypertension.
- Anthocyanins: These powerful antioxidants help reduce blood pressure by improving the function of blood vessels and enhancing nitric oxide production, which leads to vasodilation and reduced vascular resistance.
- Ellagic acid: This phenolic compound has been shown to reduce blood pressure in animal studies by inhibiting the activity of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), a key component in the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) that regulates blood pressure.
- Quercetin: As a flavonoid with vasodilatory properties, quercetin helps reduce blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels and improving the function of the endothelium, the inner lining of blood vessels, which can become damaged in hypertension.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of blueberry used to make tinctures for hypertension.
- Leaves: They are rich in flavonoids, particularly anthocyanins, which are believed to have antioxidant properties that help to reduce blood pressure.
- Fruits: The fruits are a rich source of anthocyanins, which can help to improve blood vessel function and reduce blood pressure.
- Barks: The barks of Vaccinium myrtillus contain flavonoids and phenolic acids that have been shown to have a vasorelaxant effect, helping to lower blood pressure.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic blueberry for hypertension.
- Harvest 1 part of vaccinium myrtillus berries in the summer months when they are ripe and fully coloured.
- Dry the harvested berries in a warm place with good air circulation for 1 to 2 weeks.
- Combine 1 part of the dried vaccinium myrtillus berries with 2 parts of vodka in a clean glass jar.
- Steep the mixture in a cool dark place for 2 to 6 weeks shaking the jar daily.
- Strain the liquid through a cheesecloth into a clean glass bottle discarding the solids.
9. Glycyrrhiza glabra
Licorice tinctures helps with hypertension because they contain glycyrrhizin, a compound that has been shown to help relax blood vessels and reduce blood pressure.
The tincture's flavonoids also have antioxidant properties, which can help protect against oxidative stress and inflammation in the body. Additionally, herbal licorice has been found to inhibit the activity of the enzyme renin, which is involved in blood pressure regulation.
By addressing these underlying factors, herbal licorice tinctures may help to naturally lower blood pressure and alleviate hypertension symptoms.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Glycyrrhiza glabra tinctures that help with hypertension.
- Licoricidin: Licoricidin, a flavonoid glycoside, helps with hypertension by inhibiting the activity of 11-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11β-HSD1), which converts cortisol to its active form, reducing blood pressure.
- Licorinic acid: Licorinic acid, a triterpenoid saponin, helps with hypertension by relaxing blood vessels, thereby reducing peripheral resistance and lowering blood pressure.
- Glycyrrhizin: Glycyrrhizin, a triterpenoid saponin, helps with hypertension by antagonizing the effects of aldosterone, a hormone that can increase blood pressure by promoting sodium retention in the body.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of licorice used to make tinctures for hypertension.
- Roots: They are the primary part used due to their high content of glycyrrhizin, a compound that has been shown to help regulate blood pressure.
- Leaves: The leaves also contain glycyrrhizin, although in lower concentrations than the roots, and are sometimes used as an alternative or in combination with roots for hypertension treatment.
- Barks: The barks of Glycyrrhiza glabra contain glycyrrhizin and other compounds that have been traditionally used to help manage hypertension and other cardiovascular issues.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic licorice for hypertension.
- Harvest 50-100 grams of dried glycyrrhiza glabra roots in the fall season when the roots are mature.
- Chop the roots into small pieces and combine them with 50-100 milliliters of 95 percent ethanol in a glass jar.
- Steep the mixture for 2-3 weeks in a cool dark place with occasional shaking.
- Strain the liquid through a cheesecloth or a coffee filter into another glass container.
- Store the tincture in a cool dark place for 2-4 weeks to mature before use.
10. Valeriana officinalis
Valerian tinctures helps with hypertension because its active compound, valerenic acid, has a calming effect on the nervous system.
This allows the body to relax and reduce blood pressure naturally. Additionally, valerian root has been shown to help dilate blood vessels, increasing blood flow and reducing resistance in the circulatory system.
By promoting relaxation and improving circulation, herbal valerian tinctures can effectively help manage hypertension and promote overall cardiovascular health.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Valeriana officinalis tinctures that help with hypertension.
- Valerenic acid: This sesquiterpene helps with hypertension by acting as a calcium channel blocker, reducing blood pressure by inhibiting the contraction of smooth muscle cells in blood vessels.
- Valeranone: This sesquiterpene acts as an adenosine receptor antagonist, helping to reduce blood pressure by counteracting the effects of adenosine, which can cause blood vessels to constrict.
- Acetonyl valerenic acid: This sesquiterpene acid has been shown to have a vasodilatory effect, helping to lower blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels and improving blood flow.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of valerian used to make tinctures for hypertension.
- Roots: They are the most commonly used part due to their high concentration of valerenic acid, which is believed to have a sedative and hypotensive effect.
- Leaves: They contain flavonoids and other compounds that contribute to the plant's medicinal properties, including its potential to lower blood pressure.
- Stems: They may also be used, although less frequently, as they contain some of the same bioactive compounds found in the roots and leaves.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic valerian for hypertension.
- Harvest 1 part of fresh valeriana officinalis roots and 1 part of fresh valeriana officinalis leaves in the morning.
- Chop 1 part of the harvested valeriana officinalis roots and 1 part of the harvested valeriana officinalis leaves into small pieces.
- Steep 1 part of the chopped valeriana officinalis roots and 1 part of the chopped valeriana officinalis leaves in 2 parts of 80 proof vodka for 2 weeks.
- Strain the liquid mixture through a cheesecloth or a coffee filter into a clean glass container.
- Label and store the herbal valeriana officinalis tincture in a cool dark place for up to 2 years.
What is the best combination of herbal tinctures to use for hypertension?
The best combination of herbal tinctures that help with hypertension is a blend of hawthorn, dandelion root, and ashwagandha.
Hawthorn helps to strengthen the heart and improve blood vessel function, while dandelion root aids in reducing blood pressure by promoting diuresis and reducing fluid retention. Ashwagandha, an adaptogenic herb, helps to reduce stress and anxiety, a common contributor to high blood pressure.
This combination works synergistically to promote cardiovascular health and support natural blood pressure regulation.
What ailments similar to hypertension are treated with herbal tinctures?
Ailments similar to hypertension/tinctures.html">hypertension/tinctures.html">hypertension that are treated with herbal tinctures are conditions such as hyperthyroidism, menopause-related symptoms, anxiety disorders, and stress.
Herbal tinctures containing ashwagandha, passionflower, valerian root, and chamomile are commonly used to alleviate these conditions.
These tinctures help to reduce blood pressure, promote relaxation, and regulate hormonal imbalances, providing a natural alternative to pharmaceutical treatments.