Before treating high blood pressure at home, speak to a medical professional first. This condition, also called hypertension, can lead to an increased risk of stroke and heart disease, so medical monitoring is needed.
Some home remedies for high blood pressures are common sense practices. For example, with the guidance of a healthcare professional, pursuing an plan that includes cardiovascular exercise, losing weight, quitting smoking, reducing alcohol intake, and eating a diet low in sodium can all reduce blood pressure. Those who are undergoing major stress or significant chronic pain are likely to have higher blood pressure, so addressing these issues can also help.
You may be able to relieve stress in the home environment through the practice of meditation, special breathing practices, or for those who are religious, through occasional earnest prayer. Reducing exposure to stress-causing situations is also recommended where possible. Some people find stress reduction through journaling; a less home-based approach is the pursuit of psychotherapy, which may reduce stress and lower blood pressure.
Others consider complementary medicines or alternative medicines as home remedies for high blood pressure. These can include massage, acupuncture, biofeedback, aromatherapy, or taking herbal or natural compounds.
In many cases, treating high blood pressure at home is insufficient. For example, color therapy, which applies a specific color all over the body three times a day, may not be effective in reducing stress or blood pressure.
Generally, high blood pressure tends to be easier to control when its causes are fully understood. It can be caused by underlying conditions like thyroid hormonal imbalances or diabetes, for example. Hypertension tends to be reduced in these cases when the underlying causes are treated. Therefore, home remedies may not get at the heart of the problem.
Despite common sense adaptations, some people may have genetic factors that cause high blood pressure. In these cases, home remedies may need to be combined with medication to adequately reduce or control blood pressure. It is advisable in any circumstances to work with a medical professional and mention all home remedies one wishes to attempt.
Some healthcare providers practice complementary medicine, which combines traditional medicine with alternative practices. These professionals will be most open to experimentation with home treatments, but will also know when home remedies are not enough to solve the problem.
