Take the Pressure off Hypertension With Homeopathy

Gerry’s blood pressure had been escalating, only she didn’t know it. Busy with two teenage sons, a husband, and a part-time job, Gerry was alerted during a routine checkup. She then came to see me to find out how homeopathy could help. Without outward symptoms of the problem, could I identify the homeopathic solution?

In interviewing Gerry before prescribing treatment, I asked seemingly unrelated questions about her sleep patterns, the stressors in her life, her digestion, and other health problems. From a homeopathic perspective, all problems and experiences in the body are related, and only by balancing the body’s internal healing mechanism can true healing begin.

I was able to help Gerry and have helped other patients gain relief for high blood pressure symptoms through homeopathy. The following snapshots of cases may clarify how homeopaths choose the appropriate remedy.

Argentum nitricum helped Gerry, who was a social, warm soul. She became emotional when talking about her son’s problems and she worried about him constantly. She also felt anxious about upcoming events, holidays, or flights, experiencing bouts of diarrhea. She craved sweets, though she would feel unwell after she ate them.

Aurum metallicum worked wonders for John, whose high blood pressure began after his business failed. He had a serious nature, worked to perfection, and felt like a total failure when problems arose. On occasion, his chest felt too full. He felt his worst at night and often craved alcohol.

Lachesis was the correct remedy for Maggie, a witty, passionate person whose blood pressure became a problem after menopause, when she experienced hot flashes and constriction in the chest. She preferred loose clothing, especially around the neck, and felt her worst after sleeping, avoiding afternoon naps.

Nux vomica helped de-stress Nathan, a type A workaholic whose blood pressure would rise at the least delay or potential problem in his business. He drank coffee to keep going and would settle down with a few drinks at the end of the day. He always ate on the run, which caused digestive upsets, gas, and constipation.

Plumbum metallicum was a good choice for Matthew, an elderly gentleman who suffered from hardened arteries and lightning-like neuralgic pains down his legs. His chest would feel tight and I noticed he trembled slightly. He admitted that he had, perhaps, lived a little too well and ignored his symptoms for a long time, since they began slowly.

In order to manage these cases of high blood pressure, each person needed to remove sustaining causes to sickness: excess weight, lack of exercise, alcoholism, smoking, and a diet of processed and fast foods that is high in sugar and salt and lacking in fruits and vegetables. They also needed to be aware that many medications, including birth control pills, steroids, decongestants, and anti-inflammatories can also contribute to high blood pressure.

A change in diet and lifestyle is the foundation for improved blood pressure management and a homeopathic remedy can help ease the change and motivate you to continue making changes. To manage blood pressure effectively, do what Gerry did and find a homeopath to help you achieve better physical and emotional balance. Then make a commitment to healthy living and reducing stress. You will notice the difference, not just in your blood pressure, but in every aspect of your life.

Manage Your Blood Pressure Level

It is widely recognized that healthy diet and lifestyle affect blood pressure:

Lifestyle

•  Maintain a healthy weight.
• Exercise at least three times a week.
• Quit smoking.
• Manage stress with meditation, biofeedback, or yoga.

Diet

• Eat healthy, unprocessed foods.
• Include more vegetables, fruits, and legumes every day.
• Moderate alcohol, salt, and sugar intake.
• Avoid hydrogenated fats.

Supplements

• Supplement with daily doses of 1,000 mg calcium, 500 mg magnesium, and fish oils (or essential fatty acids) as directed on the label.

Supplement with 1 to 1 1/2 tsp (5 to 7 mL) daily of tincture of hawthorn, a herb that protects the heart and arteries and may help with hypertension.

Caution

Since hypertension is a serious condition that can lead to strokes, heart attacks, and kidney disease, always seek the help of a homeopath. Self-help homeopathic treatment for hypertension is inappropriate.