Managing High Blood Pressure with Ayurveda

by Kottakkal Support February 23, 2024

According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC) the incidence of high blood pressure in the US in 2021 contributed towards 691,095 deaths. And one third of US adults have high blood pressure at approximately 119.9 million. High blood pressure is defined as systolic blood pressure greater than 130 mmHg or a diastolic blood pressure greater than 80 mmHg.

So, what is the number one cause of high blood pressure in the US? According to the CDC, people who are overweight or obese tend to have higher blood pressure than those who do not. In fact, excess weight may be responsible for up to 75% of all cases of high blood pressure. Other factors include high salt diet, low potassium in the diet, smoking, alcohol consumption, high blood sugar, kidney disorders, and genetics.

Raktagata Vata

Ayurveda recognizes a disorder called Raktagata Vata which has similar symptoms to high blood pressure. Raktagata Vata is listed in the Ayurvedic text under Santarpana, or disorders caused by over-eating. According to Ayurveda, eating foods that our digestive system is not capable of digesting produces a sticky substance called ama. Ama is caused by over-eating foods that are too oily, sweet, heavy, or slimy to digest. In our western diet this usually means excess meat, dairy, wheat flour, fried foods and alcohol. 

Due to over-eating the excess food produces ama and the channels of the body become obstructed with ama. According to Ayurveda, ama is the root cause for many disorders like high blood sugar, excess weight, skin rashes, arthritis, constipation, acid reflux, many types of pain, depression, lethargy, and high cholesterol which causes plaque in the blood vessels. The main cause of high blood pressure is either plaque build-up in the blood vessels or the blood vessels themselves lose their elasticity and become hardened.      

With high blood pressure there are many factors to consider when recommending an Ayurvedic health plan. An Ayurvedic health plan will include diet modification, proper amount of exercise and sleep, along with stress reduction. Herbal supplements will help reduce ama that is at the root cause of high blood pressure which targets the exact pathology.

Herbs Supporting Raktagata Vata

• Sarpagandha – Rauwolfia serpentina – How does Sarpagandha help the body? Sarpagandha contains the alkaloid reserpine that is a useful substance for helping to lower high blood pressure and it supports the nervous system. Reserpine has an antihypertensive action by binding catecholamine in the nerve cells.

• Arjuna – Terminalia arjuna – How does Arjuna help the body? Arjuna helps reduce the risk of heart disorders by strengthening and toning the heart and blood vessels which in turn helps support proper circulation of blood. Arjuna helps support high blood pressure due to its high content of coenzyme Q10. Coenzyme Q10 is a catalyst that helps lower high blood pressure and improves heart functions.

Herbal Products for Supporting Raktagata Vata

Arjuna Arishtam helps balance all three doshas, The main ingredient Arjuna, is a well-known herbal tonic that helps support overall heart health, blood circulation, healthy cholesterol levels, and blood pressure. Its herbal tonic qualities help to promote stronger energy levels.

5 Ingredients:

• Arjuna - Terminalia arjuna
• Mridwika - Vitis vinifera
• Madhukapushpa - Madhuca longifolia
• Dhataki - Woodfordia fruticosa
• Guda - Saccharum officinarum

H.T. KOT balances vata dosha and supports a healthy heart by nourishing strengthening vyana vayu which circulates in the blood vessels. It helps calm inflammation, nervousness, and anxiousness.

3 Ingredients:

• Sarpagandha - Rauwolfia serpentina
• Jatamansi - Nardostachys jatamansi
• Rudraksha - Elaeocarpus sphaericus

 AYURVEDIC CONSULTATION

Kottakkal is committed to offering the highest quality Ayurvedic Healthcare. We offer two ways to have an Ayurvedic consultation. 1. Free 15-minute Consultation with our Ayurvedic practitioner, Julie Wardwell, for when you need a product recommendation for a basic health problem. 2. In-depth Consultation with our Ayurvedic doctor, Vaidya Vishwanath Guddadar for when your condition is chronic with multiple symptoms.

Herbal References:

1. Shah, Syed Muhammad Ali et al. “Antihypertensive and Antihyperlipidemic Activity of Aqueous Methanolic Extract of Rauwolfia Serpentinain Albino Rats.” Dose-response: a publication of International Hormesis Society 18,3 1559325820942077. 24 Jul. 2020, doi:10.1177/1559325820942077.
2. Dwivedi, Shridhar, and Deepti Chopra. “Revisiting Terminalia arjuna - An Ancient Cardiovascular Drug.” Journal of traditional and complementary medicine 4,4 (2014): 224-31. doi:10.4103/2225-4110.139103.

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Kottakkal Ayurveda products and information are not intended for use in the diagnosis, treatment, cure, or prevention of any disease. If you have serious, acute, or chronic health problems, please consult a trained health professional. If you are seeking the advice of a trained Ayurvedic professional, call (800) 215-9934 or email us at contact@kottakkal.shop. We will provide you with information to consult with Ayurvedic professionals. Always check with your doctor before taking herbs when pregnant or nursing.

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