USING GARDEN HERBS AS NATURAL WEIGHT LOSS SUPPLEMENTS

Over the past several months, I have discussed the use of garden herbs as natural medicines to lower high blood pressure and relieve the pain of arthritis.  I want to thank those of you who have taken the time to contact me about this information.  Your interest validates the purpose of this blog; which is to let the general public know about natural (and low cost) remedies for the common diseases of old age.

Starting this week, I am going to switch gears again, and begin discussing the use of garden herbs as natural weight loss supplements.  Much of what you will see is excerpted from my book “The Weight Loss Garden”, now available for purchase both at Amazon and online at www.weightlossgarden.com.

Weight gain has always been a normal part of aging, and is usually the result of less physical activity, a slower metabolism, and a diet high in carbohydrates, fats and sugars.  Moreover, over the past few years popular culture has become increasing obsessed with having a youthful appearance (which is often confused with being healthy).  Recent surveys [i] by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (the CDC) have shown that 2 in 3 Americans today are overweight.

As a result, the U.S. weight loss industry today is booming, and American consumers are inundated with advertising for new “miracle” weight loss products.  The companies selling these products invariably claim that they represent some new medical discovery which will enable purchasers to lose weight quickly and effortlessly.  Popular demand for these products is reflected in skyrocketing sales for weight loss books, DVDs, CDs, body wraps and pills.  Indeed, Americans are currently estimated [i] to spend between 33 and 55 billion dollars annually on weight loss products!

Unfortunately, many of these products are expensive and have potentially dangerous side effects.  For example, a class of weight control drugs called “appetite suppressants” has been recalled repeatedly over the past 20 years due to the FDA’s concerns about potentially deadly side effects.  These side effects included developing primary pulmonary hypertension (PPH) [i], (a potentially fatal disorder that affects the blood vessels in the lungs), heart valve problems, and an increased risk of strokes and heart attacks.  As a result, the FDA recalled fenfluramine in 1997 [ii], phenylpropanolamine [iii] in 2000, ephedrine in 2004, and sibutramine [iv] in 2010.

Serious adverse side effects have also been associated with other major categories of prescription weight loss drugs, such as fat absorption inhibitors, metabolism boosters and so called off-label prescriptions, such as fluoxetine (Prozac).  (The Weight Loss Garden discusses these effects in some detail.)  So, while it is true that reducing one’s weight is a good way to improve overall health, using prescription drugs to do so can be both expensive and dangerous.

Luckily, Mother Nature has provided us with some natural alternatives.  As a result, anyone with a garden can grow herbal weight loss supplements which are safe, effective and inexpensive.  We will examine some of them in my next several posts.

[i]  Abenhaim L., Moride Y., et al, “Appetite Suppressant Drugs and the Risk of Primary Pulmonary Hypertension” New England Journal of Medicine 1996; 335:609

[ii]  “FDA Announces Withdrawal of Fenflueramine and Dexfenfluramine (Fen-Phen)” FDA press release 9/15/97

[iii] “Phenylpropanolamine Advisory” FDA press release 6/11/00

[iv]  “Meridia (sibutramine): Market Withdrawal Due to Risk of Serious Cardiovascular Events” FDA press release 10/08/10.

[i]  “Profiting From America’s Portly Population”, http://wwwreuters.com/article/presrelease/ 21 April 2008

[i]  “Prevalence of obesity and trends in the development of body mass index among US adults, 1999-2010,” Journal of the American Medical Association, 2012;307(5):491-97

URTICA DIOCA AND ARTHRITIS

Benefits:  Relieves Arthritis Pain

Background:  Urtica dioca, or Stinging Nettle, has been used for thousands of years.  For example, in Bronze Age Denmark (2000 B.C.), nettle fibers were often used to make burial shrouds.  In ancient Greece, Stinging Nettle is known to have been prescribed for coughs and tuberculosis as well as arthritis.  Stinging Nettle was cultivated in both Russia and Sweden in the 17^th century for use as a fodder crop.  On occasion, nettle fiber has even been used to make textiles and paper!

Common Uses:  Urtica dioca also has a wide variety of common medicinal uses.  For example, the roots are sometimes taken as a diuretic or used as an astringent (a substance which causes the skin to draw tight).  The leaves are used to treat a wide variety of allergies, urinary tract infections, endocrine disorders and gastrointestinal complaints.  The young leaves, (which are  rich in vitamins, iron, zinc and chlorophyll) are sometime cooked as greens.  However, the most popular common use of Stinging Nettle is as an arthritis treatment; the herb has been used to relieve pain by direct application of the leaves to the affected joint for many years.

Description:  Urtica dioca is a familiar weed often found near human habitations, which thrives in nitrogen rich soils and grows up to a height of five feet.  It is a coarse, upright, spreading perennial with creeping, yellow roots and ovate, pointed, deeply toothed leaves covered with bristly, stinging hairs.  Minute green flowers with yellow stamens are borne in pendulous clusters in the summertime.

Cultivation:  This herb does best in damp nitrogen rich soils in partial shade.  Stinging Nettle is hardy from zones 3-10.

Parts Used:  Leaves and roots.

Harvest:  The top 6-12 inches of stems with leaves attached are harvested when the plant comes into flower.  The roots are harvested in the fall or winter (after the plant dies back) starting in the third year.  The leaves can be dried easily, but the roots may need to be chopped up to speed drying. (Note:  Always wear long sleeves and gloves when harvesting Urtica dioca; as allergic reactions are common!)

Preparation and Use:  Stinging Nettle root may be taken as a decoction several times a day; or the fresh leaves may be applied directly to the affected joints as needed.

Research:  Clinical studies have documented both anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic effects from Urtica dioca.  For example, a 3 week study of 1528 arthritic patients [i] treated with nettle leaf extracts resulted in significant reported improvements in arthritis-related symptoms.  A different study, which examined the effects of a daily topical application of stinging nettle leaf to painful joints [ii] at the base of the thumb or index finger, also found significant reported reductions in pain after only a 1 week period.  Finally, a third study, which had patients apply fresh nettle leaves to painful knee joints [iii] on a daily basis for a week, found a majority of patients reported significant reductions in arthritis related pain as well.

[i]  Chrubasik S. et al,: “Evidence for the anti-rheumatic effectiveness of herba Urticaie dioicae in acute arthritis: A pilot study.” Phytomedicine 4:105-108. 1997

[ii]  Randall, C., et al. “Randomised controlled trial of nettle sting for treatment of base-of-thumb pain”. J. R. Soc. Med., 2000 Jun;93(6):305-9.

[iii]  Randall, C., et al. “Nettle sting for chronic knee pain: A randomized controlled pilot study.” Complementary Therapies in Medicine 2008: 16:66-72

TANACETUM PARTHENIUM AND ARTHRITIS

Benefits:  Reduces Arthritis Pain and Joint Inflammation

Background:  Tanacetum parthenium, or Feverfew, has been used medicinally since the first Century B.C.  Traditional uses included the treatment of fevers, headaches, stomach aches and insect bites, as well as asthma, nausea and dyspepsia.

Description:  Feverfew is a bushy, dark green, herbaceous perennial with pungently aromatic, feathery leaves which can grow up to 3 feet in height.  It bears small yellow and white flowers in the summertime which resemble miniature chrysanthemums.

Cultivation/Growing Conditions:  Feverfew does best in sunny, well drained locations.  In the springtime greenhouse, it may be easily started by sowing seed into growing trays set atop heating mats set to 70 degrees Fahrenheit.  Germination normally occurs within 2 weeks.

Parts Used:  Leaves.

Harvest:  Feverfew leaves may be harvested throughout the growing season, and used either fresh or dried.

Dosage:  boil two teaspoonfuls of fresh leaf in one cup of water, allow to steep 15 minutes.[1]

Research:  Feverfew has long been used to relieve the pain and inflammation of arthritis.  It is known to contain a substance called parthenolide which is believed to have anti-inflammatory properties.    Alcoholic extracts of feverfew flowers and leaves have also exhibited significant analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic activities.  These actions have been documented in several clinical trials which found that Tanacetum parthenium inhibits the production of inflammatory chemicals believed to be key contributors to the development of arthritis pain [i] [ii] [iii] at the cellular level.

[1]  PDR for Herbal Medicines, 4^th Ed., P. 324.

[i]  Groenewegen W.A., et al “A comparison of the effects of an extract of feverfew and parthenolide, a component of feverfew, on human platelet activity in-vitro.” J. Pharm Pharmacol. 1990 Aug;42(8):553-7

[ii]  Sumner H., et al “Inhibition of 5-lipoxygenase and cyclo-oxygenase in leukocytes by feverfew.  Involvement of sesquiterpene lactones and other components.” Biochem Pharmacol. 1992 Jun 9;43(11):2313-20.

[iii]  Makheja A.N., et al. “A platelet phospholipase inhibitor from the medicinal herb feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium).” Prostaglandins Leukot Med. 1982 June;8(6):653-60.

SYMPHYTUM OFFICINALE AND ARTHRITIS

Benefits:  Relieves Pain and Inflammation

Background:   Symphytum officinale, or Comfrey, has been used as a healing agent since ancient times.  (Symphytum is of Greek derivation, from the words sympho, meaning “growing together” and phytum, or “plant”.)   The Greek physician Dioscorides (50 A.D.) is known to have prescribed comfrey leaves for the treatment of broken bones.  Herbalists in the Middle Ages also recommended using comfrey salve to help promote the healing of bruises and broken bones, hemorrhoids and sore breasts.

Description:   Comfrey is a stout, vigorous perennial herb with thick taproots which can reach up to 3 feet in height. The large, dark green leaves are hairy and have a rough texture.  Pinkish-blue tubular flowers are borne in drooping clusters in the summertime.  Both the leaves and roots contain allantoin, a compound which is known to promote cell regeneration and tissue healing, as well as large amounts of mucilage, which acts as a demulcent (soothing agent).

Cultivation/Growing Conditions:  Comfrey grows best in damp soil in partial shade.  It is both invasive and deep rooted, and may be difficult to eradicate once established.  It cay be started by sowing seed into growing trays inside a heated (60 degrees F) greenhouse in the springtime or by planting root divisions in the summer or fall.

Parts Used:  Leaves and roots.

Harvest:   The leaves may be picked throughout the summer and used fresh for poultices, compresses or salves.  The roots may be lifted during the winter and crushed.  The liquid extracted from both leaves and roots is used for preparing salves and ointments.

Research:   Numerous clinical studies have demonstrated the ability of comfrey to relieve the pain of arthritis.  A study published in the Journal “Advanced Therapy” in 2000 [i] documented the effectiveness of comfrey ointment in reducing muscle and joint pain in 105 patients.  Another study in 2005 [ii] compared the effectiveness of two different creams with differing amounts of comfrey extract in treating 215 patients with back pain.  This study found that the cream with a higher percentage of comfrey extract was more effective and considered the results to be “clinically highly relevant”. In 2007 the journal “Phytomedicine” published a study [iii] examining the effectiveness of a comfrey root ointment used to treat patients suffering from osteoarthritis of the knee.  This study found that patients treated with a comfrey root extract had less pain and greater  knee mobility than patients  treated with a placebo.  Finally, and perhaps not surprisingly, a recent comprehensive review of clinical studies examining comfrey [iv]  found that comfrey root extract is “clinically proven to relieve pain, inflammation and swelling of muscles and joints in the case of degenerative arthritis…”

[i]  Kucera M. et al “Effects of Symphytum ointment on muscular symptoms and functional locomotor disturbances” Adv. Ther. 2000 Jul-Aug: 17(4):204-10

[ii]  Kucera M., et al “Topical symphytum herb concentrate cream against myalgia: a randomized controlled double blind clinical study” Adv Ther. 2005 Nov-Dec;22(6):681-92

[iii]  Gube B., et al “Efficacy of a comfrey root (Symphyti office. Radix) extract ointment in the treatment of patients with painful osteoarthritis of the knee: results of a double blind, randomized, bicenter, placebo-controlled trial” Phytomedicine, 2007 Jan; 14(1):2-10.

[iv]  Staiger C., “Comfrey Root: from tradition to modern clinical trials”, Wein Med Wochenschr. 2013 Feb; 163(3-4):58-64

GARDEN HERBS THAT RELIEVE ARTHRITIS PAIN

For the past several weeks I have been discussing garden herbs which can lower high blood pressure naturally, inexpensively, and without adverse side effects.  Recently, I received several requests to discuss herbal remedies that can relieve the pain of arthritis.  Consequently, I am going to switch focus this week to address that topic.  (Those interested in learning more about herbal blood pressure medicines are invited to review my book, The Blood Pressure Garden, available at www.bloodpressuregarden.com.)

I think that it is worth noting at the outset that the Centers for Disease Control has reported that arthritis is the number one cause of disability in the United States today [i] (even more common that back/spine problems and heart trouble).  Over 50 million U.S. adults are reported to have doctor diagnosed arthritis, and 21 million of them report suffering physical limitations as a result. [ii]  The most common physical limitations reported were difficulty climbing stairs (21.7 million, or 10%) and walking 3 city blocks unaided (22.5 million, or 10.3%). [iii] The incidence of arthritis increases with both age and gender.  For example, we know that arthritis rates are higher among women than men in every age group. [iv] We also know that excess body weight can be a contributing factor in the development of arthritis.  While arthritis is found among 16.9% of normal weight adults, its prevalence increases to 29.6% among those who are overweight. [v] By the year 2030, an estimated 67 million U.S. adults are expected to have arthritis (as compared to 50 million today). [vi] Two thirds of those affected are expected to be women.  Some 25 million of those affected are expected to suffer significant physical limitations as a result.

While over a hundred different types of arthritis have been identified to date, the vast majority of cases in the United States today are caused by just two kinds:  osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Osteoarthritis is a localized joint inflammation, typically of the hands, knees or hips.  It generally appears among people by 50 years of age, and the symptoms typically worsen with age.  It is caused by the loss of joint cartilage, which usually occurs because the cartilage in the joints has worn away.  Typical symptoms include pain and swelling, heat and redness in the affected joints, stiffness form joint damage and increased bone density.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory disease which occurs when the body’s autoimmune system malfunctions and attacks the connective tissue in the joints, causing swelling, stiffness and inflammation.  Joints in the finger and toes, wrists, ankles, shoulders and elbows may all be affected.  It is most commonly found among women 30 to 50 years in age.  While the pain of rheumatoid arthritis is initially caused by joint inflammation, it may later be exacerbated as a result of mechanical stress between the bones.  Typical symptoms may include chronic aches, stiffness, weight loss, muscle weakness, fatigue, fever and depression.

At this point, I should note that there is no known cure for arthritis, short of joint replacement.  However, alleviating arthritis pain is possible, and this fact is the source of enormous profits for the pharmaceutical drug industry in the U.S.

There are many different drugs prescribed for arthritis in the United States today.  These include analgesic drugs, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), biological response modifiers (BRMs), disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDS), counter-irritants, steroids, muscle relaxants and physical therapy.  All of these treatments (with the exception of physical therapy) have potentially serious adverse side effects.

However, the question we need to answer today is which garden herbs can be used to alleviate arthritis pain.  The list of effective natural remedies is extensive and includes Ashwaganda (Withania somnifera), Cayenne Pepper (Capsicum annuum), Comfrey (Symphytum officinale), Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium). Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria), Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioca) and White Willow (Salix alba).  I will discuss some of these herbal medicines individually in my next few posts.

[i] Helmick C.G. et al. “Prevalence and Most Common Causes of Disability Among Adults United States, “ 2005, MMWR 2009;58 (16) 421-426

[ii]  Centers for Disease Control, National Health Interview Survey, 2007-2009

[iii]  Shih, M., et al. “Physical Activity in Men and Women with Arthritis,” National Health Interview Survey 2002. American Journal of Preventive Medicine 2006;30(5):383-93

[iv]  Theis, K. A., et al. “Arthritis burden and impact are greater among U.S. women than men; intervention opportunities.” Journal of Women’s Health 2007; 16(4):441-453

[v]  Cheng Y.J. et al. “Prevalence of doctor diagnosed arthritis and arthritis attributable activity limitation” United States, 2007-2009. MMWR 2010;59:1261-1265

[vi]  Hotman J.M. et al. “Projections of U.S. prevalence of arthritis and associated activity limitations.” Arthritis Rheum 2006;54(1):226-229

CRATAEGUS MONOGYNA AND HYPERTENSION

Today I would like to discuss the use of Crataegus monogyna, or hawthorn bush, as a natural way to control high blood pressure.  Hawthorn is a member of the rose family.  It is an aromatic, sweet and warming herb whose various hybrids (C. lavigata etc) are used interchangeably for medicinal purposes.  Unlike many medicinal herbs that act on the heart, it is non-toxic.  In China it has been used for thousands of years to treat high blood pressure, arteriosclerosis, and heart pain.  Hawthorn is also used to treat a number of functional heart disorders, including congestive heart failure, angina, coronary artery disease, and arrhythmia (irregular heart beat).

Description:  Hawthorn is a deciduous, thorny shrub or tree native to northern Europe.  It is typically found growing in pastures and along hedges.  Although usually relatively small in habit, some specimens have been found which reached up to thirty-five feet in height.  Hawthorn produces small, white flowers in May followed by red berries in September.  The leaves are dark green and have five to seven lobes.

Growing Conditions:  Hawthorn trees do best in moist soils in part to full shade.  They may be pruned in winter and are hardy in the United States from Zones 4-7.

Propagation:  Hawthorn can be started by seed separated from ripe berries, planted in a seedbed or cold frame in the autumn.  However, germination can take up to eighteen months, and cultivars do not always come true from seed.  Consequently, this herb is usually propagated by stem cuttings taken in the spring.

Parts Used:  Berries, leaves and flowers.

Harvest:  Flowering sprigs with leaves are harvested in late spring and dried.

Preparation and Use:  Commission E recommends 600-900 mg (.02-.03 oz) of hawthorn extract daily, taken orally.  Alternatively, you can take one to two teaspoons of dried herb steeped in eight ounces of hot water for fifteen minutes as a tea drunk three times a day.  (Note:  the benefits of hawthorn can take up to six weeks to take effect.)

Research:  Clinical studies have shown that the hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) provides a number of positive effects to the heart, including dilation of major coronary blood vessels which leads to lower blood pressure.  For example, a 2002 study of hypertensive subjects given 500 mg of hawthorn extract daily [1][i] found a significant decrease in resting diastolic blood pressure as well as reduced anxiety among study participants who received hawthorn extract.  Another study in 2006 [2] demonstrated that type 2 diabetics given a daily 1200 mg hawthorn extract for 16 weeks showed significant reductions in diastolic blood pressure as compared to those who received a placebo.  This herb has been extensively studied in Germany, where other clinical studies have demonstrated that it also increases the strength of heart muscle contractions, increases the amount of blood pumped, and fosters a stable, steady heartbeat.[3]

[1] “Promising hypotensive effect of hawthorn extract: a randomized double-blind pilot study of mild, essential hypertension” Phytother Res 2002; 16:48-54  Walker A.F. et al.

[2] “Hypotensive effects of hawthorn for patients with diabetes taking prescription drugs: a randomized controlled trial” Br J. Gen Pract 2006; 56:437-443 Walker A. F., et al.

[3]  Blumenthal, M., et al., The Complete Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines (1998).

[i] 

LEONURUS CARDIACA AND HYPERTENSION

 

Today I want to talk about one of the lesser known herbal remedies for high blood pressure, Leonurus cardiaca, or motherwort.  Although well known as a cardiac tonic, it’s ability to also lower high blood pressure is less well known.  This herb is easy to grow and harvest in the home garden, and is known to have been used as a remedy for tachycardia (rapid heart beat) in China at least 2000 years ago.

Leonurus cardiaca (Motherwort) can strengthen heart function, reduce rapid heart beat, prevent muscle spasms of the cardiovascular system, induce a deep and healing state of sleep, and lower high blood pressure.

Background:  A native of Eurasia, Motherwort is a pungent, bitter, diuretic herb which was used in ancient Greece as a treatment for anxiety and as a remedy for delayed menstruation.  In the Middle Ages it was used to treat a wide variety of complaints, including insomnia, rheumatism, goiter, epilepsy and hypertension.  (The English name, Motherwort, refers to its ability to calm anxiety during childbirth.)

Description:  An aromatic perennial herb with purple stems and palmate, deeply lobed leaves.  Growing up to four feet in height, it bears pinkish purple flowers from the leaf axils between June and September.  Motherwort can be found growing along woodland paths, on woodland borders and along partially shaded fence rows.

Cultivation:  In the springtime, Leonurus cardiaca seed may be direct sown into the garden, or started in growing trays in a 60 degree F greenhouse.  This herb prefers well drained, moist soil in part shade, but is exceptionally hardy and will usually thrive even in poor soil.  Once established, it will self-sow annually and the roots may continue for many years.  In the United States, it is hardy from Zones 4-8.

Harvest:  the above ground parts of Motherwort are harvested when the plant is in flower and dried for use in infusions and tinctures.

Research:  European studies have shown that Motherwort is a cardiotonic, which strengthens and slows heartbeat, sedates and relaxes the coronary arteries, and lowers blood pressure. [i]  In addition, a 2002 study [ii] noted that one of the effects of lavandulifolioside, a glycoside found in Leonurus cardiaca, was to decrease blood pressure.  A Russian study done in 2010 [iii] noted that a combination drug which included Leonurus cardiaca extracts reduced blood pressure and “optimized antihypertensive effects of standard therapy in patients with hypertension”.  A 2011 study [iv]  reported that 80 percent of hypertensive patients given a Leonurus oil extract daily for 28 days showed improvements in symptoms of anxiety and depression.  And finally, a 2013 review of this herb’s pharmacology [v]  noted that “sedative and hypotensive activity has been demonstrated in clinical trials.”

[i]  Blumenthal, M., et al., The Complete Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines (Integrative Medicine Communications) (1998).

[ii]  Filipek, B., et al, “Pharmacological effects of lavandulifolioside from Leonurus cardiaca” Journal of Ethnopharmacology Vol 80, Issue 1, April 2002, p 85-90.

[iii]  Babushkina, A.V., et al., “Combination Drug Therapy Kratal in Cardiovascular Disease”, Practitioners, No 4(78) VII-VIII 2010

[iv]  Shikov A.N., et al, “Effect of Leonurus cardiaca oil extract in patients with arterial hypertension accompanied by anxiety and sleep disorders” Phytotherapy Research, 2011, Apr, 25(5): p. 540-3

[v] Wojtyniak K., et al., “Leonurus cardiaca (motherwort): a review of its phytochemistry and pharmacology.” Phytotherapy Research 2013 Aug 27(8): 1115-20

CAMELLIA SINENSUS – A NATURAL BLOOD PRESSURE MEDICINE

The Green Tea plant (Camellia sinensus) is another effective, natural treatment for high blood pressure.

Background:  Named after a Jesuit pharmacist who wrote a history of Philippine plants (George Kamel 1661-1706), Camellia sinensus is originally native to China.  Indeed, this herb has been a popular Chinese beverage for at least 3000 years.  The ritual tea ceremony is believed to have begun during the Chinese Sung Dynasty (A.D. 960-1279) and to have subsequently spread to Japan by the 12^th century.  (One legend says that tea was discovered accidentally by a Chinese emperor when the dried leaves of a tea plant accidentally fell into a pot of boiling water.)

Description:  Camellia sinensus is a small, evergreen shrub with leathery, elliptical leaves two to three inches long.  White flowers with yellow stamens are borne during the winter, followed by brown capsules containing large, oily seeds.  Most varieties of tea plant only reach five or six feet in height.

Cultivation:  Tea plants prefer rich, moist soil in sun or partial shade.  In order to simplify their harvest, the bushes are normally pruned to about three feet in height during the autumn.  This plant is hardy from Zones 7 to 9 in the United States.

Harvest: Young leaves may be picked throughout the year and used either fresh or dried.  Interestingly, there are three main types of tea: black tea (rolled, fermented and dried), oolong tea (semi-fermented), and green tea (heat treated, dried and rolled).  The process of fermentation changes the color of tea leaves from green to reddish brown.  Green tea is best for lowering blood pressure.

Parts Used: The shoot tips (or apical buds) of young leaves have the greatest flavor, and are the part normally harvested.

Research:  Clinical studies have documented a variety of health benefits associated with drinking green tea.   One of these benefits is a reduction in high blood pressure.  In 1984, an article published in the Journal of Hypertension documented a reduction in social stress (and blood pressure) in mice raised in crowded conditions provided with green tea daily for 5 months. [i]   A Taiwanese study in 2004 demonstrated that green tea drinkers significantly reduced their chances of developing hypertension (by 46-65%) as compared to their non-green tea drinking compatriots. [ii]  A study published in the Journal of Nutrition in 2008 showed that mice on a high fat diet provided with a daily extract of green tea for 16 weeks had  reduced increases in weight gain, body fat, and blood pressure as compared to other mice on the same diet without the green tea extract. [iii]   Finally, a 2012 study conducted at the University of Poznan found that obese human subjects provided with a daily green tea extract for 3 months had significantly reduced blood pressure at the end of that time period as compared to another group of test subjects who were given a placebo. [iv]

[i]  “Reduction of chronic psychosocial hypertension in mice by decaffeinated tea”  Henry, J.P., et al, Hypertension, 1984,6:437-444

[ii]  “The protective effect of habitual tea consumption on hypertension” Yang, Y.C. et al, Arch Intern. Med 2004 Jul 26;164(14):1534-40

[iii]  “The major green tea polyphenol, (-)-Epigallocatechin-3-Gallate, inhibits obesity, metabolic syndrome, and fatty liver disease in high fat fed mice” Bose, M. et al Journal of Nutrition Sep 2008 Vol 138 No. 9 1677-1683

[iv] “Green tea extract reduces blood pressure, inflammatory biomarkers and oxidative stress and improves parameters associated with insulin resistance in obese, hypertensive patients” Bogdanski, P., et al Nutrition Research, Vol 32, Issue 6, June 2012 P. 421-427

STEVIA REBAUDIANA – A NATURAL BLOOD PRESSURE MEDICINE

Another herb which can help reduce high blood pressure naturally is Stevia rebaudiana.  Stevia is a tropical perennial shrub which is widely cultivated for its sweet leaves.

Background:  Stevia rebaudiana is a tropical perennial shrub originally native to Paraguay which has leaves which are 10-15 times sweeter than sugar.  The native peoples of South America still use this herb as a heart tonic, a diuretic, and as a remedy for heartburn. It can be found growing wild in mountainous regions of southern South America today and is cultivated commercially in a number of different countries, including Brazil and China.

Description:  A shrubby tropical perennial which can be grown to a height of 12 to 15 inches in one season in 6 inch pots.  The soft, pale green stems bear ovate, serrated leaves up to one inch long as well as clusters of tiny white flowers in the wintertime.

Cultivation:  Stevia does best in a warm, partly shaded location with damp (but well drained) acidic soil.  It is easily started by sowing seed into a growing tray placed on a heating mat set to  80 degrees F in the greenhouse in the springtime.   Given the right set of conditions, Stevia can be a remarkably fast grower.

Parts Used: leaves

Harvest:  the leaves may be picked at any time and used fresh, or dried and ground into a powder which can be used as a natural, non- caloric sweetener.

Research:  Clinical studies have demonstrated that Sweet Herb (Stevia rebaudiana) can lower blood pressure in humans.  A study published in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology [i]  in 2000 showed that Stevia significantly decreased blood pressure in hypertensive human subjects in a randomized, double-blind study.  Participants who received 250 mg of stevioside (a chemical compound in Stevia responsible for its sweetness) three times daily for one year averaged a reduction of 9.4-6.8 mm Hg (systolic) and 5.2-3.6 mm Hg (diastolic) in their blood pressure readings.  Another study [ii] in 2006 using human subjects confirmed these results.  Test participants in this study were given differing amounts of stevia for up to 11 weeks. Those receiving at least 15 mg/kg/day showed a marked decrease in their blood pressure readings over a six week period.  (Note:  These human studies also confirm earlier Brazilian studies [iii] which reported that Stevia lowers blood pressure in rats.)

 

Footnotes:

[i]  Chan P., et al: A double-blind placebo-controlled study of the e ffectiveness and tolerability of oral stevioside in human hypertension. Br J Clin Pharmacol 50(3):215-220, 2000.

[ii]  Ferri LA, et al. Investigation of the antihypertensive effect of oral crude stevioside in patients with mild essential hypertension. Phytother Res. Sep;20(9):732-6.2006

[iii]  Melis MS, Sainati AF. Effect of calcium and verpanim on renal function of rats during treatment with stevioside. J. Ethnopharmacol. 11:257-262 1991

ALLIUM SATIVUM – A NATURAL BLOOD PRESSURE MEDICINE

I want to start by talking about herbal medicines for hypertension, or high blood pressure.  According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), (1) over 33% of all U.S. adults over the age of 20 have high blood pressure.  Of those affected, 71% report using hypertension drugs, but only 48% believe their condition is under control.

There are a number of herbs which can be effective treatments for high blood pressure.  Allium sativum, or garlic, is one of the most effective and among the easiest to use.  Much of the following information is extracted from my book “The Blood Pressure Garden”, available at http://www.bloodpressuregarden.com.

Research:  Numerous scientific studies over the past 25 years have documented the capacity of garlic to reduce high blood pressure.  For example, a pilot study in 1993 at the Clinical Research Center in New Orleans, Louisiana (2) found that patients with severe hypertension could reduce their blood pressure readings for up to 5 hours after taking a garlic preparation.  A 1996 study done at Memorial Hospital of Rhode Island (3) found that a daily garlic extract could reduce systolic blood pressure by 5.5%.  In 2006, the Journal of Nutrition published a review of epidemiologic studies (4) which examined the effects of garlic on cardiovascular disease.  This review found that not only did garlic reduce blood pressure in test subjects, but that it also provided a host of other health benefits, including reduced platelet aggregation (blood cell clotting), reduced cholesterol, and improved antioxidant status.  More recently, a 2008 review of clinical studies relating to the effect of garlic on blood pressure published in BMC Cardiovascular Disorders (5) found that hypertensive subjects reduced their average blood pressure readings by an average of 8.4+/-2.8 mm HG for systolic and 7.3+/-1.5 mm HG for diastolic blood pressure, respectively, after taking a garlic preparation.

Background:  Garlic is part of a large genus of over 700 species of strong smelling perennials, which include onions, scallions, leeks and shallots.  Of all these different species, garlic is the most pungent variety and has the most therapeutic value.   Used by the ancient Babylonians, Chinese, Greeks and Romans, this herb is surrounded by many legends, the most famous of which is its ability to ward off vampires.

Description:  Allium sativum is a strong smelling, perennial herb with a rounded bulb containing five to ten cloves, or bulblets.  These are encased in a papery white or mauve colored covering, with narrow, flat, green leaves up to twenty four inches long.  The plant bears small white flowers in July or August, which signal that the bulbs are fully grown and ready for harvest.

Growing Conditions:  Hardy and adaptable, garlic does best in loose, dry,  well-drained soils in sunny locations, and is hardy from Zones 4-9.  It is virtually invulnerable to pests, and makes an excellent co-planting herb which can protect other crops in the garden.  In addition, the small, complex flowers, which are borne in the summertime, attract beneficial insects.

Part Used:  Bulbs

Preparation and Use:  Remove the papery external covering from the outside of a garlic bulb and separate the individual cloves.  Chop up one fresh clove (4 grams) daily (6) and use as seasoning,.

Footnotes:

(1)  Centers for Disease Control, National Health and Nutrition Examinations Survey (NHANES) 2005-2008

(2) “Can garlic lower blood pressure? A pilot study” McMahon F.G., et al, Pharmacotherapy 1993 Jul/Aug: 13(4):406-7

(3) “A double-blind crossover study in moderately hypercholesterolemic men that compared the effect of aged garlic extract and placebo administration on blood lipids” Steiner M, et al, American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 1996 Dec: 64(6):866-70.

(4) “Garlic and Cardiovascular Disease: A Critical Review” Rahman, K. et al, Journal of Nutrition, March 2007 vol 136 no. 3 7365-7405.

(5) “Effect of garlic on blood pressure: A systematic review and meta-analysis” Ried, K., et al, BMC Cardiovascular Disorder 2008 8:13.

(6)  Physician’s Desk Reference for Herbal Medicines, Fourth Edition, p. 353.