High blood pressure is not just a condition of growing older, but often a condition of a poor lifestyle. However, that poor lifestyle catches up with us as we age and if we are not careful, that catching up may be the last thing that happens to us.

In the United States, about 1 of every 3 adults has high blood pressure – also referred to hypertension. This adds up to about 75 million adults in the US. Another 1 of every three adults in America has prehypertension – blood pressure levels higher than normal but not yet in the high blood pressure range.

Nearly half of the adults with high blood pressure (46%) do not have their blood pressure under control.

Is high blood pressure really that dangerous? The CDC estimates that more than 410,000 people in the US, about 1,100 every day, die from the effects of high blood pressure. Additionally, it is estimated that the total cost of healthcare services, treatment, medications and missed time from work amounts to nearly $50 BILLION a year.

High blood pressure can and does lead to heart disease and stroke and is often a contributing factor or co-condition of diabetes, kidney and liver disease, vision loss and more.

Many of us don’t like going to the doctor, especially if you don’t have insurance as so many don’t these days. So, what are some of the natural ways to control high blood pressure.

To begin with, several of the most important factors to naturally controlling high blood pressure is to reduce weight, exercise regularly, reduce sodium intake and learn how to deal with stress. Additionally, it helps if you eat a healthy diet and limit how much alcohol you drink.

Sorry folks, but the beer and chips, burgers and French fries at sporting events or watching your favorite teams at home are a definite no-no.

It’s also recommended that you cut back on caffeine, stop smoking, monitor your blood pressure on a regular basis and even get support from others to encourage you and hold you accountable. After all, for most of us, our family and friends want us around a little longer.

I know this sounds difficult to do, especially all at once and it is hard to give up old habits and foods we enjoy, but then you need to consider the alternative. To help get through this difficult transition period that feels more like self-torture than anything else (I’m speaking from experience), here are some natural herbs you may want to add to your diet as they have been reported to help lower blood pressure:

• Basil – the effects of basil are temporary, but adding some basil leaves to things like pasta, salads, soups and even casseroles on a regular basis may help lower your blood pressure.
• Cinnamon – you can sprinkle cinnamon on your cereal, oatmeal, applesauce and in your coffee. One of my favorite ways is to slice up an apple (I prefer and highly recommend honeycrisp apples) and then sprinkle cinnamon on the apple slices before eating. It’s like eating apple pie without the crust and sugar. Cinnamon not only helps to lower blood pressure but it helps to lower blood sugar levels which is good for diabetics and apples are a great source of fiber for us older folk that need more fiber in our diets. Cinnamon is also available in capsule form from many stores (I take cinnamon capsules daily).
• Cardamom – a spice from India, it can be added to soups, stews, rubs for meat and many other ways. It was found that a daily intake of cardamom for several months has helped to reduce blood pressure.
• Flaxseed – they are rich in omega-3 fatty acids which are proven to help lower blood pressure. They also help protect against the build of plaque in the arteries by lowering serum cholesterol in the blood. Flaxseed has also been found to improve tolerance to glucose, which is a benefit to diabetics. I take flaxseed capsules daily and have used ground flaxseed in salads.
• Garlic – in addition to keeping vampires and some other people away, garlic has been found to help keep the blood vessels dilated and open, thus reducing high blood pressure. Garlic goes great in many foods. I like to sprinkle ground garlic on eggs, in soups and stews. You can also take garlic tablets that don’t give you bad breath.
• Ginger – like garlic, ginger helps relax and keep the blood vessels dilated, thus reducing high blood pressure. Also like garlic, ginger may be used chopped, minced, grated and added to many foods. Ginger capsules are also available.
• Hawthorn – Chinese herbalists have been using hawthorn for centuries to treat high blood pressure. It has been found to help blood pressure, circulation, blood clotting and general cardiovascular health. It can be found in pill-capsule form, a tea or as a liquid extract.
• Celery seed – this is an herb often used in soups, stews, casseroles and many other dishes. Like hawthorn, the Chinese have been using celery seed for centuries for high blood pressure. It has diuretic properties which is why it works to lower blood pressure.
• French lavender – sounds like some perfume, but French lavender oil helps people to relax and destress, thus lowering blood pressure. Some people use French lavender leaves as they would use rosemary in recipes.
• Cat’s claw – this is another Chinese remedy that has been around for centuries. It works on the calcium ion channels in cells in such a way as help lower blood pressure. It is usually found in many health food and nutrition stores.

Most of these natural herbal remedies work to some degree, but it is still vitally important cut back you salt, drinking, smoking and weight and get exercise. Following these tips and trying these herbs could well keep you around a lot longer without having to take some of the high blood pressure medicines. Natural is always best.