Hypertension

What is hypertension?

The increase in the pressure with which the heart pumps the blood is known as high blood pressure or hypertension.

Is hypertension and stress the same?

Stress can lead to hypertension but these two terms even though used synonymously by some people, aren't the same.

Types of hypertension:

• Vata-linked hypertension (Essential hypertension): Vata constricts blood vessels by making them thicker. This results in passage becoming narrower. This happens usually in old age and is not the same as arteries becoming narrower because of fatty deposits. 
• Pitta-linked hypertension: Pitta results in rushing of blood with more force.
• Kapha-linked hypertension: Kapha results in increased blood viscosity.
• Increase in heart rate because of physical stress, anger, anxiety, emotional stress for a small period of time is quite common and can be taken care of by rest and relaxation. It is purely temporary in nature.

Foods recommended:

• 1 cup of mango juice followed by ½ cup warm milk with a pinch of cardamom, nutmeg and 1 tsp ghee 30 min later.
• ½ to 1 cup of mixed orange juice and coconut water in 2:1 ratio - 2 to 3 times a day.
• 1 cup freshly made peach juice with 1 tsp coriander and 1 pinch cardamom - 2-3 times a day.
• Watermelon with a pinch of cardamom and pinch of coriander.
• Eat cucumber raita with meals.
• Add 1 tsp of honey, 5-10 drops of apple cider vinegar to a cup of hot water and drink it early in the morning.
• Eat mung dal soup made of mung dal, cilantro, cumin, pinch of turmeric.

Herbs recommended:

• Steep ½ tsp of mixture of punarnava, passion flower and hawthorn berry in 1:1:2 ratio in hot water for 5-10 minutes. Drink this tea after lunch and dinner.
• Steep ½ tsp of mixture of jatamamsi, musta and tagar in 2:2:1 ratio in hot water for 5-10 minutes. Drink this tea after lunch and dinner.

Breathing exercise recommended:

• Shitali Pranayam

Yoga postures recommended:

• Yoga Mudra
• Moon Salutation
• Savasana

Meditation is especially helpful for people suffering from hypertension.

Things to be avoided:

• Pitta enhancing foods (salty, fatty, fried, hot, spicy)
• Working hard under the sun
• Headstand
• Weightlifting
• Vigorous exercise

Please note that hypertension is a potentially life-threatening situation, and any advice is not a substitute for your medicines if you are taking any. 

Although, these recommendations can help you get better and reduce the dosage required and eventually, eliminate the need for your blood pressure medicines. This should be done in proper medical care only.

References:

Primary Source: Vasant Lad - The Complete Book of Ayurvedic Home Remedies - Part III - Secrets of Ayurvedic Self-healing: An Encyclopaedia of Illness and Remedies