7 Herbal Teas for Managing Blood Pressure & Heart Health

High blood pressure or hypertension is one of the most prevalent problems in the world. Many of us know someone in our circle who is struggling with high blood pressure and the difficulties of living with and managing it. Sedentary lifestyle, smoking, stress, and unhealthy, processed food are the main causes of this disease. High blood pressure begins silently but can lead to heart disease, stroke, and more serious problems if left unchecked. Fortunately, an easy way to prevent and control blood pressure is simply by drinking herbal teas, along with an active lifestyle, homemade food, stress management, and medical treatments if needed. Your cup of tea has compounds that are the key to your health and well-being. Certain herbal teas are especially effective in improving blood circulation, opennig blood vessels, and reducing blood pressure. Teas are not miracles, but they are a good daily habit that can be part of a healthy lifestyle.

In this article, we’ll explore the top 7 herbal teas that improve heart health and regulate blood pressure.

Why should we rely on a simple herb? This is the question we may ask ourselves. The answer is simple. Herbal tea, including the common breakfast tea we all drink in the morning, has organic compounds that naturally affect the body. Compounds like antioxidants, flavonoids, polyphenols, or sulfur compounds relax blood vessels, improve blood flow, and bring down the heart rate.

In addition, some herbal teas are calming and reduce stress, which is one of the causes of high blood pressure among otherwise healthy and active individuals. So it is very important to add drinking herbal teas to our daily regimen and as part of a healthy lifestyle. But keep in mind that herbal teas are not a replacement for medication. If you’re being treated for hypertension, consult your doctor whether herbal teas can help you manage your blood pressure.

Now, let’s get to the list of herbal teas that I promised.

#1 Hibiscus Tea

Hibiscus tea, or sour tea, is one of the most well-known organic herbal teas for blood pressure. Its bright red color and tart taste have made it the favorite tea for many tea drinkers. When you brew hibiscus, a beautiful red flower, compounds like anthocyanins and polyphenols are released into the water, which help open up blood vessels and lower blood pressure.

Many studies have shown that drinking 2 to 3 cups of hibiscus tea per week can lower systolic blood pressure. Additionally, sour tea is slightly acidic, and if you have a sensitive stomach, it is better not to overdo it. Keep in mind that hibiscus tea may interact with some blood pressure medications, so if you are taking medication, consult your doctor. Generally, always consider drinking herbal teas, hibiscus or otherwise, in moderation and within limits.

#2 Lemongrass Tea

Lemongrass is mostly found in Asian cuisine but the tea is very popular worldwide. When you drink lemongrass tea, its fresh, lemony aroma gives you a good feeling. I suggest drinking this tea for relaxation after a busy day. The potassium in lemongrass in the herb helps eliminate excess salt and sodium deposits from the body, which can reduce blood pressure.

Also, compounds like citral in this plant can help to relax the walls of the blood vessels. If you want the flavor of this tea to be more dominant, you can add a little fresh ginger or lemon zest to it.

#3 Peppermint Tea

One of my favorite teas is peppermint tea, because whenever I list herbal teas for their specific health benefits, peppermint tea is there, shining bright. This fragrant drink is an organic sedative that calms the mind and body. Menthol in peppermint causes the blood vessels to open up slightly, helping the blood flow throughout the body.

Many people experience high blood pressure when they are stressed, so a cup of peppermint tea can both reduce mental stress and improve blood flow. But don’t drink too many cups of peppermint tea as it may cause acid reflux.

#4 Greek Mountain Tea

When we hear mountain tea, we automatically think of the old days; Grandmother brewing us a cup of mysterious beverage to treat cold and sore throat. The mysterious tea is the green mountain tea, brewed from a plant that grows in the mountains of Greece and Iran. This unique herbal tea has a mild, slightly sweet flavor and is very soothing. The relaxing effect of green mountain tea isn’t just a feeling; it is due to the compounds, such as flavonoids and terpenoids, which can reduce inflammation and relax blood vessels.

Drinking mountain tea helps the vessels flow blood more smoothly. If you have a cold or a sore throat, mountain tea has anti-inflammatory properties that can help with the symptoms. It is also an effective herbal tea in treating summer allergies.

#5 Green Tea

Green tea is a well-known herbal tea, especially for weight loss. However, green tea is also really good for the heart and cardiovascular health. The catechins in green tea, such as EGCG, have strong antioxidant properties that make the walls of blood vessels softer, reduce inflammation, and allow blood to flow more easily through the vessels.

Green tea has a small amount of caffeine, which can boost your energy without increasing the heart rate. The combination of catechins and the amino acid L-theanine in green tea keeps the body calm as well. The best time to drink green tea is in the morning or between meals.

#6 Garlic Tea

Garlic is a natural antiseptic and is a great additive for delicious foods in many countries. That’s all we about garlic. Bud did you know garlic tea is also a thing? Honestly, I didn’t until I was researching for this article. When you crush garlic, it releases a compound called allicin, which is useful for relaxing blood vessels and lowering blood pressure.

Garlic tea may have a strong taste, but if you add a little honey and lemon juice, it turns into a pleasant hot tea. Some studies have shown that regular consumption of garlic can also lower bad cholesterol in the blood. Garlic tea can be a good way to incorporate garlic into our daily diet for a better cardiovascular health.

Since garlic tea is not very well-known, even among avid tea lovers, here’s a simple recipe to brew a cup, as explained on food.com:

Boil 3 cups of water with 3 cloves of garlic in a pot for a few minutes.
Turn off the heat and add 1/2 cup of honey and 1/2 cup of lemon juice.
Mix for a few minutes and strain into a cup
Drink and enjoy

#7 Hawthorn Tea

Hawthorn is a plant that has been used for centuries to manage and, in some cases, treat heart conditions. Hawthorn has small red berries with a sweet and slightly sour taste. When you brew hawthorn tea, it releases compounds such as flavonoids and proanthocyanidins that increase the flexibility of blood vessels.

This plant can also be soothing if you’re experiencing mild and passive heart palpitations. You can also mix hawthorn with borage or sour tea, to make a tasty detox blend.

Can Herbal Teas Replace Medication?

This is an important question. Is it possible to lower blood pressure only by drinking herbal teas? No! Herbal teas are helpful, but they are not a substitute for prescription medication. If you are taking medication or have a serious condition, consult your doctor first before drinking any herbal tea you’ve never tried.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a natural way to help your heart health, herbal teas are a simple and accessible choice. These warm drinks can help control blood pressure, along with a good diet, regular exercise, and stress reduction. Just remember that no tea is a substitute for medication or a doctor’s prescription. If you have high blood pressure, be sure to follow your treatment and use these teas in moderation. Drinking a cup of mint, lemongrass, or green tea may seem simple, but this small act can help calm your heart. Take care of your heart, choose a healthy lifestyle, and get help from nature every day to stay healthy.

What Herbal Teas Can Control Blood Pressure?