Blood Pressure

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Parsley (Prajmoda)

168.   Parsley is one of the oldest and best-known herbs. It was known to ancient Romans. It is high in vitamin and mineral contents, i.e. calcium, phosphorus, iron, carotene, thiamin (vitamin B1), riboflavin (vitamin B2), niacin (vitamin B3) and ascorbic acid (vitamin C). This herb is especially rich in ascorbic acid and hence is a good blood cleanser. Raw parsley juice has properties, which are essential to oxygen metabolism in maintaining the normal action of the adrenal and thyroid glands. Parsley is a blood pressure lowering food. It contains elements which help maintain the blood vessels, particularly the capillaries and arterial system in a healthy condition. It may be taken as a beverage by simmering it gently in the water for a few minutes and drinking it several times daily. Alternatively, it may be taken in the form of juice extracted from the leaves. 

Potatoes

169.   The humble alkaline potato is deplete with fibre and beneficial vitamins and minerals, i.e., vitamin B1, vitamin B6, vitamin C, carotene, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, iron, copper. Whole potatoes are valuable food for lowering BP. When steamed or sauted or even boiled with their skin, they absorb very little salt. Thus they can form a useful addition to salt-free diet usually recommended for hypertension patients. Potatoes are rich in potassium but not in sodium. The magnesium present in them exercises beneficial effects in lowering BP. Note – To get the maximum benefit of nutrients, potatoes should  be eaten with their skin which contains far more fibre, antioxidants, potassium, iron and B vitamins than the pulp.

Rauwolfia (Sarpagandha)

170.   Rauwolfia is an erect plant with a smooth stem. The drug consists of the dried roots with their bark intact, preferably collected in autumn from three or four year old plants. Rauwolfia is one of the best remedies for high blood pressure, and it has been adopted by medical fraternity in most countries, especially America. The alkaloids contained in this herb, which have a direct effect on hypertension, have been isolated from it and are widely used by the practitioners of modern medicine. But they have certain unpleasant side effects, which the drug taken in its raw form, does not have. Practitioners of the Ayurvedic medicine preferred to use its root in a powdered form. Half a teaspoon of this powder, taken thrice a day, is effective in relieving hypertension.