Stress Management

Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)

Ayurvedic Treatment of Hypertension

From Ayurvedic perspective, hypertension is commonly a Pitta condition. However, it can occur in the other doshas as well.

The treatment of hypertension is very similar to the treatment of heart diseases. Herbs such as gotu kola, calamus, valerian, skullcap, and jatamamsi are particularly useful.

Vata Hypertension

Kapha Hypertension

Pitta Hypertension

Vata Hypertension: (Symptoms and Treatment)

Symptoms:

• The blood pressure may rise suddenly and fall suddenly with nervous tension.

• Irregular or erratic pulse both in rhythm and strength.

• An increase in blood pressure will be followed by worry, strain, overwork, anxiety or insomnia.

• Frequently associated with nervous system disorders.

Treatment

Tonification therapy:

Garlic is very good for this condition. Eat an entire crushed clove (with honey) once or twice a week.

Take nutmeg or saraswat powder in warm milk.

Ashwagandha preparations.

Herbal Combination

Ashwagandha - 1 part
Valerian - 1 part
Gotu kola - 1 part

Mix well and take 1-3 grams of the powdered herbs with warm water or with ghee.

Kapha Hypertension (Symptoms and Treatment)

Symptoms

• The blood pressure remains continually high. (no fluctuation as in Pitta hypertension.)

• Obesity

• Tiredness

• Edema

• High cholesterol.

Treatment

Avoid dairy, butter, eggs and high fat foods.

Incorporate plenty of hot spices in the diet, particularly mustard and onions.

Herbs: Cayenne, myrrh, garlic, motherwort and hawthorn berries. Avoid licorice.

Herbal Combinations

Arjuna preparations

Trikatu.

Pitta Hypertension: Symptoms and Treatment

Symptoms

• Flushed face

• Red eyes

• Violent headaches

• Sensitivity to light

• Nosebleeds

• Anger

• Irritability

• Burning sensations

• Wiry and tight pulse

• Associated with liver disorders and the accumulation of internal heat.

Treatment

Herbs: aloe gel, barberry and katuka. In stronger cases, purgation may be prescribed with bitter herbs such as aloe, rhubarb root or senna. Gotu kola is another useful herb for Pitta hypertension. It calms the nerves and relieve heat and stress.

Herbal Formulas:

Gotu Kola preparations

Brahma Rasayana

Saraswat powder

Gotu kola and skullcap taken in equal proportions.

See Also:

Ayurveda for Heart Diseases

Ayurveda Infocenter in Holisticonline.com

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