Arterial hypertension may be defined as an elevation of the arterial blood pressure above the normal recorded ranges. The normal blood pressure reading is systolic 120 by diastolic 80.
Hypertension is a disorder involving all doshas, heart, and blood vessels. It is of two types : essential and malignant. As the age advances, the upper limit of systolic increases. In essential hypertension, the exact cause is not known. The secondary or malignant hypertension is due to disorder of kidney, heart, brain, or hormones. Psychological factors like stress and strain are very important in both types.
Vata type – usually anxiety, worry, stress, and strain are the main factors. Hence for treating these psychological conditions, herbs like serpagandha, and jatamansi are beneficial. Western nervine tonics like lady’s slipper and valerian are also useful. Tab. Brahmi 250 mgm, twice a day for 1 month is good.
Pitta type – Anger, hatred and jealousy also contribute to this variety of hypertension. For this, tranquillizing herbs having cold potency like gotu cola and centella asiatica are very useful. Purification of Pitta by mild purgation and herbs like sarsaparilla and sandalwood are useful. For controlling the hypertension, pearls and moonstones set in silver is beneficial. Typical western herbs like vervain, skullcap, passion – flower, mullein are good .
Tab. Sarpagandha 250 mgm, is useful. The dose should be decided after regular check – up of the patient’s blood pressure. Tab. Kamadugha 500 mgm twice a day or tab. Mauktik kamadugha 125 mgm, once a day is good to alliviate Pitta.
Kapha type. Herbs indicated are garlic, onion, berberis, guggulu, shilajit, arjuna and calamus. Tab. Arjuna 500 mgm, twoce a day for 1 month or tab. Triphala guggulu 500 mgm, twoce a day for 1 month is ideal.
In western herbs – elecampane, cardamom and cinnamon, cayenne, motherwort , hawthorn berries are good. Wearing a ruby or a garnet set in gold is helpful for reducing cholesterol levels.
Avoid all dairy products like cheese, curds, butter, and margarine. Also avoid red meat, fried foods, sweets, chocolates, eggs, excess salt, and too much carbohydrates.
