Diastolic and systolic blood pressures can be reduced with the help of garlic in the form of a daily dietary supplement. The effects of this natural blood pressure medicine were tested by Xiang-Jun Yang and his colleagues at the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University in China. The study was a meta-analysis of 17 distinct randomized and controlled trials that examined the effects of garlic powder, garlic oil, and aged garlic extract on blood pressure.
Individuals with hypertension, or elevated blood pressure, experienced reductions in blood pressure from garlic doses of 300 to 900 mg per day. Garlic supplements proved to be more effective than placebo controls for reducing blood pressure, especially in hypertensive patients. In those who received this dosage, diastolic blood pressure was reduced by 3.39 mmHg and systolic blood pressure was reduced by 3.75 mmHg on average.
The meta-analysis used all of the studies that had randomized controlled trials and were included in Cochtrane Library, PubMed, or Ovid Medline. Normotensive participants did not experience any significant reduction in systolic blood pressure. The studies in this analysis lasted 12 to 23 weeks because the body takes time to adjust. If you choose to try using garlic as a natural blood pressure medicine, keep in mind that it takes a consistent intake of garlic and a little patience.
In order to improve high blood pressure, it is recommended that you take one raw clove of garlic each morning. You may also take garlic in the form of powder, capsules, or oil. The active ingredient in garlic is allicin. A 900 mg dose contains 5.4 mg of allicin and a 600 mg dose contains 3.6mg of allicin. A fresh clove of garlic may contain as much as 5 to 9 mg of allicin.
It is not an altogether new realization that garlic is a natural blood pressure medicine. In fact, garlic has been used in Asia as an anti-hypertensive medication for many years. It has also been used quite frequently in Germany. It was first experimented with in America in the early 20th century and has been shown to lower blood pressure in lab animals. Garlic normalizes high blood pressure, and it has also been suggested that it can normalize low blood pressure. However, it does not affect blood pressure that is already at a normal level.
Aside from being a natural blood pressure medicine, there are many other health benefits of garlic. In ancient history garlic was used by the Egyptians, Chinese, Romans, Greeks, and Babylonians. Garlic boosts the immune system, making it easier for the body to fight off illness. It can also improve cholesterol levels, and it contains antioxidants, which could help prevent dementia. Garlic can help detoxify the body of heavy metals, improve bone health, and strengthen athletic performance. It can even help a person to live longer.
Stress creates a variety of problems in the body, including high blood pressure and Adrenal Fatigue. If you have high blood pressure there are several natural remedies, aside from garlic, that may help. Other foods which may be helpful as natural blood pressure medicine include coconut water, raw almonds, turmeric, raw cacao, and cayenne pepper. Having a healthy lifestyle that includes exercise and a generally nutritious diet may also help with high blood pressure.
Garlic has great healing properties that can affect the adrenal glands.This is a traditional remedy and many people who are suffering from Adrenal Fatigue have stated that they experienced great healing and recovery. It is recommended to crush a clove of garlic and put it into a glass of warm water. This is most effective if taken in the morning on an empty stomach.
Aside from directly helping the adrenal glands themselves, which is important, garlic can also help combat some of the symptoms of Adrenal Fatigue. For example, it helps boost and strengthen the immune system. It is often difficult for people with Adrenal Fatigue to deal with other illnesses, such as a common cold, so having a strong immune system is very important. This gives the adrenal glands more time to rest and recover.
Individuals with Adrenal Fatigue also frequently have issues with blood pressure. In the early stages of Adrenal Fatigue many people will experience high blood pressure, usually as the result of stress. As time progresses, however, and Adrenal Fatigue becomes more advanced, people tend to experience low blood pressure. Garlic as a natural blood pressure medicine may be able to help normalize both high and low blood pressure.
Fatigue and stress are common problems for people with Adrenal Fatigue, and it can be difficult to find relief, but garlic may help. Garlic functions as a tonic, and it is capable of reducing and relieving both fatigue and symptoms of stress within the body. It can improve physical stamina and increase your energy levels. It is said that the slaves who built the pyramids in Egypt were fed garlic to build up their strength and endurance. Allegedly, there was even a rebellion following a garlic shortage.
There have been numerous studies that have examined garlic as an anti-fatigue agent, and the results have been overwhelmingly positive. In one Japanese study conducted several decades ago, subjects with fatigue, depression, and anxiety were given garlic along with other vitamins. After one month, between 50 and 80 percent of participants experienced relief.
If you are suffering from Adrenal Fatigue, give garlic a try. It may help with the outward symptoms of Adrenal Fatigue—such as depression, high/low blood pressure, and tiredness—and also help to heal the adrenal glands. Do be careful when taking garlic on a daily basis, however, especially if you are taking other dietary supplements as well.
© Copyright 2016 Michael Lam, M.D. All Rights Reserved.
