The pressure exerted by blood upon the blood vessel wall while it flows through it (especially the arteries) is known as blood pressure. A blood pressure reading less than or equal to 120/80 mm Hg is considered as the normal blood pressure range.
Also known as hypertension, high blood pressure can be divided into three grades. A blood pressure reading varying between systolic (120-139 mmHg) or diastolic (80-89 mmHg) points towards the prehypertensive stage. A reading of systolic (140-159 mmHg) or diastolic (90-99 mmHg) is Grade 1 hypertension. Grade 2 hypertension refers to a reading of systolic (160-179 mmHg) or diastolic (100-109 mmHg). Grade 3 hypertension is equal to or more than 180/110 mmHg. Homeopathic remedies for high blood pressure works to naturally moderate the body’s functioning.

Homeopathic Remedies for High Blood Pressure

The homeopathic system carries a good scope in managing high blood pressure. Homeopathic medicines work particularly well for those who have recently been diagnosed with hypertension and have not yet become dependent on any other medication for it. People with chronic high blood pressure and those who are using allopathic medicines for a long time can also use homeopathic medicines. Initially, it is advisable to continue allopathic medication along with homeopathic medicines, and slowly transition into homeopathy for holistic treatment.
Homeopathic medicines to treat high blood pressure are made of natural substances and can be used by people of all age groups without any side effects. For best results, proper lifestyle measures should be adopted along with homeopathic treatment for high blood pressure.

1. Aconitum Napellus – For High Blood Pressure with Anxiety

Aconitum Napellus is a medicine for high blood pressure along with anxiety and restlessness. The affected person often experiences a sudden fear of death. Other accompanying symptoms include palpitations, a pressure in the left side of the chest, sensation of weight under the breastbone and oppression of the chest. Pain in the heart extending to the left shoulder is also present.

2. Allium Sativum – For High Blood Pressure with High Cholesterol

Allium Sativum is a medicine for high blood pressure with high cholesterol levels. This medicine helps in reducing cholesterol levels as well as lowering the blood pressure. Other symptoms include a pain in the chest that prevents sleep and leads to palpitations.

3. Amylenum Nitrosum – For High Blood Pressure with Constricted Sensation

Amylenum Nitrosum is a medicine for high blood pressure when constricted sensation around the heart is the main symptom. Along with constriction, aching in the heart is also present. A sensation of swelling in the chest, fluttering in the heart and intensified beating of the heart are the other symptoms that indicate the need for this medicine.

4. Baryta Mur – For High Systolic/Low Diastolic

Baryta Mur is a medicine for high blood pressure with high systolic reading and a low diastolic reading. The arteriosclerotic (abnormal thickening and hardening of artery walls) changes in the arteries are the main symptom, along with vertigo, irregular heartbeats and a heated sensation in the upper part of the chest.

5. Crataegus Oxyacantha – To Dissolve Calcareous Deposits

Crataegus Oxyacantha is a medicine used to help lower the blood pressure by dissolving the calcareous deposits in the arteries. Symptoms indicative of this medicine include pain in the region of the heart, oppression of chest, accelerated pulse and irregular pulse. Other symptoms include anxiety and cardiac dyspnea.

6. Glonoinum – For High Blood Pressure with Headaches

Glonoinum is a medicine for high blood pressure accompanied by headaches. The headache feels intense, congestive, throbbing, and bursting in nature. Other symptoms include strong palpitations, dyspnoea, heat in the face and cardiac pains radiating to other parts. Exertion leading to rush of blood to the heart and fainting spells is another feature that indicates the need for this remedy. Glonoinum is also indicated for nephritis (kidney inflammation) with high blood pressure.

7. Kali Phos – HFor High Blood Pressure with Stress

Kali Phos for high blood pressure is used when stress and worry are the main cause of high blood pressure. The symptoms include palpitations from slight motion, shortness of breath, and irregular pulse, along with both mental and physical fatigue.

8. Latrodectus Mactans – For High Blood Pressure with Heart Pain

Latrodectus Mactans is a medicine for high blood pressure with marked heart pains. The heart pain extends to the shoulder or arm and fingers. There may be numbness of the upper limb, suffocation, restlessness, and extreme weakness.

9. Nux Vomica – For High Blood Pressure in Young People

Nux Vomica for high blood pressure is useful medicine for young people who adopt sedentary modern lifestyle habits. These lifestyle habits include smoking, alcohol consumption, sedentary routine, a lack of exercise, etc. These factors predispose a person towards blood pressure.

10. Tabacum Nicotiana – For High Blood Pressure in Tobacco Users

Tabacum Nicotiana is a medicine for high blood pressure used in cases where the person has a habit of taking tobacco. Symptoms include palpitations (especially while lying on the left side), oppression in the chest and a rapid pulse. Other symptoms include pain between shoulders, inability to take a deep breath and twisting sensation around the heart.

11. Strophanthus Hispidus –High Blood Pressure due to Arteriosclerosis

Strophanthus Hispidus is a medicine for high blood pressure in elderly due to arteriosclerosis (hardening, thickening, and loss of elasticity of the arterial walls). Strong palpitations that get worse upon emotional release and exercise are noted. The symptoms include constriction behind breastbone, difficult breathing, alternating rapid and slow pulse.

12. Lachesis – For High Blood Pressure During Menopause

Lachesis is perhaps one of the most leading homeopathic remedies in controlling high levels of blood pressure. Lachesis may be given when there is marked restlessness physically as well as mentally. Another striking feature for prescribing Lachesis is that, anything tight around the neck like closed collars, neck ties or tight necklaces are unbearable. Even tight clothes are unbearable. Feel better by loosening the belts or by wearing loose clothes. Lachesis may be given in high blood pressure in women who are in their menopausal age or post menopause.

13. Natrum Mur – For Those with Salty Tooth

Natrum Mur is one of the most indicated remedies in cases of high blood pressure which occur due to a prolonged intake of high levels of salty things. Due to this, there may be swelling of the feet in the mornings. Natrum Mur may be given in cases where there is an unusual fatigue specially in the mornings. Though there is a restriction for excess salt intake, it is seen that there is an unusual craving for salty things like pickles, papads etc. There may be a sense of tightness around the chest region and palpitations on slightest exertion. Natrum Mur may be given inn high blood pressure associated with hyperthyroidism and goiter. There is extreme sensitiveness to any external stimuli like sounds, smells or lights. Natrum Mur may also relieve the headaches due to high blood pressure.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why does a person get high blood pressure?

High blood pressure may or may not have a cause. High blood pressure arises without any reason is called primary/essential hypertension. Primary hypertension usually develops gradually over a period of time.
When there is an underlying cause of high blood pressure, it is referred to as secondary hypertension. Secondary hypertension can be a result of kidney problems, thyroid problems, tumors in the adrenal glands and congenital defects in the blood vessels. Secondary hypertension tends to appear suddenly.

2. What factors put a person at risk of high blood pressure?

The factors that put a person at risk of high blood pressure include – a family history, increasing age, tobacco use, being overweight, excessive alcohol intake, stress, too much salt (sodium) intake, diabetes mellitus and a sedentary lifestyle.

3. How can I know if I have high blood pressure?

High blood pressure usually doesn’t cause any symptoms and is often detected during routine medical check-ups. High blood pressure is called the silent killer because it leads to a significant amount of damage to the blood vessels and heart, without any apparent symptoms.
However certain symptoms that appear as a result of high blood pressure include a headache, dizziness, chest pain, nose bleedings, blood spots in eyes and difficulty in breathing. However, these symptoms are not specific to high blood pressure and may appear as a result of other health conditions also.

4. What are systolic and diastolic readings of blood pressure?

Systolic readings refer to the pressure in the arteries when the heart muscle contracts. Diastolic reading corresponds to the phase when the heart relaxes/rest in between the beats.

5. Among the systolic and diastolic blood pressure reading, which is more important?

Both systolic and diastolic blood pressure readings are important. But the significance of systolic/upper reading in blood pressure is greater after the age of 60 years since it can help identify the risk for a stroke or heart attack. In younger people, the diastolic reading carries more significance than the systolic reading.

6. My upper reading of blood pressure is high, and the lower reading is normal; should I be concerned?

An increase of only the upper reading of blood pressure is known as isolated systolic hypertension. The major reason behind it is stiffening of the aorta. Other underlying conditions that link with it include an overactive thyroid and diabetes. It is more common as a person gets older (especially over 60 years of age), but it may also appear at a younger age. Few serious problems that link with a long-term isolated systolic hypertension include heart disease, heart attack, chronic kidney disease and stroke. So, you should take medicines and follow dietary instructions to manage it and lower the risk of complications.

7. I have a high diastolic reading of B.P. while the systolic is normal, should I be worried?

High diastolic reading in the absence of any risk factors like diabetes, smoking, obesity, kidney disease, etc. is usually not serious. So monitoring the B.P., dietary changes (low sodium diet, fat) and lifestyle changes like regular exercise are needed to manage it. Management is necessary because elevated diastolic puts a person at risk to develop high systolic with advancing age. But if the risk factors are present, then medicine is additionally needed and should be started as recommended by a cardiologist.

8. Can any drugs cause high blood pressure?

Yes, certain drugs can lead to high blood pressure, and this condition is referred to as drug-induced hypertension. These include certain antidepressants, anti-inflammatory drugs, birth control pills, etc.

9. Can stress lead to high blood pressure?

Yes, stressful situations can make the blood pressure shoot up temporarily due to the release of stress hormones. But the link between long-term high blood pressure due to chronic stress is poorly understood and is being researched.

10. I am a 27-year-old male with a family history of blood pressure. Am I at risk to develop the same?

Yes, family history of hypertension does put a person at risk as this condition run in families, but the risk factors vary from person to person.

11. What tests are recommended in case of high blood pressure?

The initial investigations recommended in cases of high blood pressure include lipid profile, sodium, potassium levels, ECG. In some instances, conduction of an echocardiogram is suggested to rule out heart disease.

12. Is high blood pressure a serious condition?

High blood pressure that is not managed correctly carries the risk of serious conditions like stroke, heart attack, heart failure, retinopathy and kidney disease.

13. Will quitting smoking help me manage my high blood pressure?

Yes, quitting smoking will help in managing high blood pressure. Smoking causes hardening of the walls of the arteries and narrows the lumen of the artery that leads to high blood pressure. Stopping smoking can help reduce these changes in the arteries and thus brings the blood pressure down.

14. I am 30 years old age and have a blood pressure reading varying from 134 – 138 systolic and 82 to 86 diastolic mmHg on more than four occasions. Do I need medicines for this?

As per your blood pressure reading, you fall into a category of the prehypertensive stage. No treatment is usually needed if the blood pressure remains below 140/90 mmHg. Only dietary management and adopting an active lifestyle are required, along with regular monitoring of blood pressure. If any risk factors like smoking, diabetes, obesity, etc. are present then they also need to be rectified.

15. What is the relationship between high blood pressure and stroke?

Stroke refers to a condition with reduced blood flow to the brain resulting in cell death. High blood pressure tends to damage the arteries, making them prone to rupture or clogging. Any damage can lead to stroke. Stroke can be of two types –
1) ischemic stroke arising due to clogging of arteries of the brain
2) hemorrhagic stroke due to rupture of arteries in the brain.

16. What is the link between high blood pressure and heart attack?

Coronary arteries supply blood to the heart. If the coronary arteries get narrowed from cholesterol deposits, the blood has to flow through arteries with higher pressure because of the resistance offered by cholesterol deposits. When the coronary arteries get significantly obstructed to the extent where they can no longer supply blood to heart muscles, it can lead to a heart attack (also known as myocardial infarction).

17. Does homeopathy help in immediately lowering down very high blood pressure?

Homeopathy works well to manage high blood pressure in the long run. However, it has a very minimal role to bring an immediate reduction in blood pressure. In such cases, conventional emergency treatment is recommended.

18. I am taking allopathic medicine for high blood pressure from the last ten years. Can I transition to homeopathic medication and stop taking allopathic medicine?

It is not advisable to quit allopathic medicine all of sudden while you start taking homeopathic medicines for blood pressure. This is because the body gets dependent on allopathic medicines to function correctly. If you start taking homeopathic medicine for high blood pressure, initially you will have to continue taking the allopathic medicines alongside. Once the homeopathic medicines start working, then one can gradually transition entirely into homeopathy by reducing the dose of allopathic medications. Gelsemium and Aurum Metallicum for high blood pressure are some examples of homeopathic medicines for high blood pressure.

19. What lifestyle changes can help me manage my high blood pressure?

Certain lifestyle changes can help manage high blood pressure effectively. These include:

• cutting down your sodium and fat intake
• eating fruits and vegetables
• doing regular exercise
• lowering excessive body weight in case of overweight people.

Apart from these, one must quit smoking and limit alcohol intake to prevent long-term complications of high blood pressure.