Is Chamomile Tea Good for High Blood Pressure?
Chamomile tea has long been praised for its soothing effects and has been used to treat a variety of ailments, including high blood pressure. While there is still no definitive answer as to whether or not chamomile tea is an effective treatment for high blood pressure, there is promising evidence to suggest it can be beneficial.
What is High Blood Pressure?
High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a common medical condition that is defined as having a consistently high level of pressure in the arteries. Normal blood pressure readings should be between 120/80 mmHg and 140/90 mmHg. Anything higher than that is considered to be high blood pressure, which is a risk factor for numerous serious health complications, such as heart attack and stroke.
Potential Benefits of Chamomile Tea
While not a substitute for medication prescribed by your doctor, there is some evidence to suggest chamomile tea may be beneficial for people with high blood pressure. Here are some potential benefits of chamomile tea for blood pressure:
- It contains natural compounds such as flavonoids and phenolic antioxidants, which are thought to have cardiovascular-protective effects.
- It may help reduce inflammation throughout the body, which can help lower blood pressure.
- It may help reduce stress, which is a known risk factor for high blood pressure.
- It may help relax the smooth muscles in the arteries, thus reducing the pressure in them.
Things to Remember
Although chamomile tea may be beneficial for people with high blood pressure and is generally tolerated, moderation is key. It is also important to note that chamomile tea should not be used as a replacement for any medication prescribed by your doctor. If you are taking medication for high blood pressure, please speak with your doctor before drinking chamomile tea.
