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While lifestyle diseases have become more common than you might think, high blood pressure (BP) is perhaps among the most widespread conditions. It is also popularly known as hypertension. Unfortunately, it usually shows no symptoms, giving it the title of a "silent killer". High BP can significantly increase your risk of fatal complications such as heart attacks, strokes, and kidney failure. Nearly 24% of Indian men and 21% of women aged 15 and above have hypertension, according to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5).

The most trusted medical system in India, Ayurveda, offers a more natural and holistic approach to blood pressure management than modern medicine. Ayurveda focuses on identifying the underlying imbalances in the body, addressing the root cause along with the more general lifestyle factors that contribute to high blood pressure, rather than just treating the symptoms.

What’s Ayurveda’s Take on High Blood Pressure?

Ayurveda considers imbalance in the doshas, majorly Pitta and Vata as the primary reason behind high BP. Did you know? Stress levels, heart health and the body’s circulatory system are mostly affected by these doshas. It must also be noted that Vata dosha also helps in regulating blood flow through the arteries.

According to Ayurveda, high blood pressure is caused by:

Rakta Gata Vata: A disorder in which Vata disrupts the blood (Rakta Dhatu), resulting in abnormal pressure and circulation.
Pitta Vriddhi: An excess of Pitta generates too much heat in the body, potentially causing blood vessel constriction.
Low Ojas and toxins accumulation: These factors disrupt the body's natural balance, increasing the likelihood of conditions like hypertension.

Symptoms and Associated Issues

Keeping in mind that high blood pressure develops slowly, the symptoms might also develop silently. These may not appear until blood pressure reaches dangerously high levels.

• Chronic headaches, particularly those in the back of the head
• Lightheadedness or dizziness
• An irregular heartbeat or palpitations
• Breathlessness
• Fatigue or weariness
• Nosebleeds (in severe situations)
• Mood swings or irritability (particularly when Pitta is aggravated)
• Cold feet and hands

The dominant dosha imbalance influences the type and severity of symptoms experienced.
Know the Common Causes & Contributing Factors

Modern Causes

• High-sodium diet (salt and processed foods)
• No physical activity
• Being overweight
• Persistent anxiety or stress
• Drinking alcohol and smoking
• Genetic susceptibility
• Underlying illnesses such as kidney disease or diabetes

Ayurvedic Causes

• Poor digestion (weak Agni) that results in the accumulation of toxins in the blood vessels
• Mental stress and repressed feelings, particularly anxiety and rage
• Lack of sleep, irregular daily schedule, and unsatisfactory work-life balance
• Overindulgence in foods high in salt, spice, oil, or fermentation
• Lack of exercise, which results in circulatory problems and Kapha buildup
• Excessive intake of things like tobacco or caffeine

Ayurvedic Medicines for Hypertension

Are you curious about the true mechanism of action of Ayurvedic medications? They improve the function of your nervous system, strengthen your heart, cleanse your blood, and balance out your doshas. The Prakriti (body constitution) of each individual and the doshas that are out of balance with the body determine which herbs or formulations work best for them.

Commonly used Ayurvedic herbs and formulations include:

Sarpagandha: It is a widely used herb that relaxes the nervous system and lowers stress-induced hypertension.
Ashwagandha: An ancient adaptogen known to lower cortisol, reduce anxiety, and support cardiovascular health.
Arjuna: Strengthens the heart muscles and improves circulation.
Jatamansi: A nervine tonic that helps reduce stress-induced blood pressure.
Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri): Reduces tension and anxiety and enhances mental clarity.
Mukta Pishti: It is frequently used to calm agitated Pitta and strengthen the heart.

Note: These herbs should be taken under the supervision of a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner, as dosages and combinations vary based on individual needs.

Treatments for High Blood Pressure with Ayurveda

Combining the above-mentioned oral remedies with traditional Ayurvedic therapies can be very effective in keeping your blood pressure levels controlled.

Shirodhara: Applying medicated oil to the forehead continuously to calm the mind and lessen tension and anxiety.
Panchakarma: It is a popular detoxification therapy that enables the body to release unwanted toxins.
Abhyanga - Useful in balancing vata, improving blood flow, and calming the nervous system.
Nasya Therapy: Medicated oils are administered through the nose to calm the nervous system and support brain function.
Medicated enemas (Basti): Beneficial for colon health and pacifying aggravated Vata.

Simple Lifestyle and Dietary Tips

Ayurveda places strong emphasis on healthy eating and balanced living, when it comes to managing your blood pressure levels. Useful tips that you must adopt in your daily routine:

Foods to Incorporate

• Fresh produce like bottle gourd, pomegranate, and beets
• Whole grains like barley, brown rice, and oats
• Warm water with fennel or coriander
• Cow ghee in moderation
• Herbal teas like Chamomile or Tulsi

Foods to avoid

• Salty, sour, and spicy foods
• Packaged or fermented foods
• Fried foods and red meat
• Alcohol and caffeine
• Foods that are too cold or raw

Lifestyle Tips

• Taking daily walks or doing yoga and pranayama
• Following a regular sleep schedule
• Breathing techniques, meditation, and mindfulness
• Steer clear of late-night work and excessive screen time
• Apply soothing oils, such as sesame or brahmi, to your body

When to Consult an Ayurvedic Expert

You must seek expert help, without any further delay in case you are experiencing any of the following:

• Despite making dietary and lifestyle changes, your blood pressure stays high
• You frequently experience symptoms such as chest pain, swelling in the limbs, or breathlessness
• You have both diabetes and high cholesterol
• You have elevated blood pressure during pregnancy

Conclusion

Undoubtedly, Ayurveda offers a healthy long-term approach for managing your high blood pressure levels. Beyond managing symptoms, it also significantly reduces the risk of related complications by correcting internal imbalances, strengthening the neurological and circulatory systems, and encouraging healthy lifestyle choices.

However, it's important to remember that using Ayurvedic herbs and treatments should only be done under a doctor's supervision. Self-medication can have negative effects, especially if you're also taking other medications. Tap into the wisdom of Ayurveda to manage your blood pressure naturally and holistically.

FAQs

1. Can Ayurveda really help lower high blood pressure?
Yes, Ayurveda can help manage high blood pressure by targeting the root causes like stress, poor digestion, and dosha imbalance. It uses herbs, lifestyle changes, and therapies to naturally regulate BP levels without harsh side effects.
2. How long does it take for Ayurvedic medicines to show results in BP control?
Results vary depending on individual Prakriti (constitution), severity of hypertension, and consistency in following the treatment. Many people start noticing improvement within 6-9 weeks, especially when lifestyle and dietary changes are combined with herbs.
3. Are Ayurvedic medicines safe to take alongside allopathic BP medications?
Some Ayurvedic medicines can be used alongside conventional medicines, but always consult a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner to avoid herb-drug interactions and adjust dosages accordingly.
4. Which is the best Ayurvedic herb for high BP?
Sarpagandha is one of the most recommended herbs for high BP due to its calming effect on the nervous system. However, herbs like Ashwagandha, Arjuna, and Jatamansi are also widely used depending on the individual's doshic imbalance.
5. What foods should I avoid if I have high blood pressure according to Ayurveda?
You should avoid salty, spicy, fried, fermented, and overly sour foods, as well as alcohol and caffeine. Cold and raw foods should also be limited as they can aggravate Vata and impair digestion.