High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)

Blood circulates through the arteries at a certain pressure in order for it to reach the organs. Normal blood pressure ranges between 70 and 130mm of mercury for the first number (systolic pressure). The second figure, often neglected by patients who focus only the first, is still important: this diastolic pressure should not be higher than 100mm of mercury.

The measuring of blood pressure by means of an inflatable cuff is an Italian invention that has now been in use for a hundred years.

When these figures are too high, a diagnosis of high blood pressure, or hypertension, is made. However, at least two different readings should be taken, at rest, and one month apart - if both readings show high numbers, the diagnosis can be confirmed. Medical management of the condition may possibly continue for the rest of the patient's life, but should not be undertaken without repeated confirmation that the high readings are accurate and consistent. Cardiologists are debating the necessity of treating so-called 'borderline' hypertension, in which the first number may range up to 140-160, and the second number may vary between 85 and 95.

Hypertension affects millions of people in the Western world. It may be manifested as pain or throbbing in the head, dizziness, ringing in the ears, tiredness, or sometimes a very sudden or recurring nosebleed. This disease may develop quietly and insidiously, and should be taken seriously. By reducing the calibre of the blood vessels, it poses a threat to the heart, brain, and kidneys, increasing the burden on these organs to their detriment. High blood pressure is directly responsible for heart attacks (cardiac infarction), and strokes that may lead to paralysis on one side of the body (hemiplegia).

Homeopathy

Its role will depend on the nature of the case. It may be used as a constitutional remedy for those who are predisposed to hypertension, or as a 'back-up treatment' in more serious cases.

Aconite and Aurum

- Four 5c tablets of one or both of these remedies to be sucked slowly between meals, twice a day

Aconitum napellus

- Vegetable origin: the monk's-hood plant, also known as wolfs-bane (traditionally used by hunters as an arrow poison against the animal)
- The homeopathic remedy for illnesses that come on very suddenly
- Two specific indications: the sudden onset of the symptoms, and intense anxiety

Aurum metallicum

- Mineral origin: the metal gold
- The homeopathic remedy for arterial congestion in the head
- The symptoms are likely to appear in angry, intolerant personalities, or in those prone to depression

• You could also try Lehning@ Aurum Complex 38, whose ingredients include Aurum 8x:
  - Sold in boxes of 80 tablets
  - One tablet to be sucked, three times a day

Oligotherapy

Magnesium

This trace element usually comes from the diet, which should be varied and of high quality. In cases of deficiency, which often occurs with magnesium, it can be given as a medicinal supplement.

Dietary sources of magnesium

Present in almost all foods, but mostly in the calorie-rich ones, unfortunately The best sources of magnesium are: citrus fruits, bananas, whole-grain cereals (oat or bran flakes), cocoa and chocolate, shellfish (winkles, shrimps, oysters, and clams) and oily fish, snails, figs, hard cheeses, nuts (almonds, peanuts, hazelnuts and walnuts), vegetables (spinach, dried and green beans, maize, split peas, and soya beans), and wholemeal bread.

• Magnesium treatment: this is available in various brands and forms, such as Organic Minerals (Colloidals) which contains 70+ trace minerals:
  - Available in 946ml bottles
  -Take 1-3 caps just before breakfast and/or evening meal
  - Children 1 teaspoon daily for each 20lbs of body weight

Or Maximol (Ionized colloidals):

- Available in 500ml bottles
- Take 1/2 capful once or twice daily on an empty stomach

• You can also take higher doses of magnesium by using remedies such as Magasorb@ (Lamberts) containing 150mg of magnesium (as citrate):
  - Available in containers of 60 and 180 tablets
  - One to three tablets daily

Herbal remedies

Garlic, birch, and olive tree for their effectiveness in lowering blood pressure.

Cypress, ginkgo, and common periwinkle, which protect the arteries and capillaries.

Possible Prescription: Ask your herbalist to prepare a blend of dried extracts of garlic, cypress, and olive, 100mg of each plant for each NO.2 capsule (the size of the capsule that the herbalist will use for the ingredients). Take one capsule three times a day for two or three weeks

• You could also try Pure-Gar (Lamberts); each capsule contains 500mg of garlic powder:
  - Available in containers of 90 capsules
  - 1 to 3 capsules daily

Garlic

As well as its legendary use for warding off vampires, garlic is a medicinal plant with many virtues. It fights off infection in the ears, nose, and throat, and was widely used for this purpose before the discovery of antibiotics. It can bring remarkable benefits to circulatory problems (thinning the blood, bringing down high cholesterol and blood pressure readings). It also works as a hypoglycaemic, and can be a val uable adjunct to the diabetic diet.

Birch

The leaves of this tree with the slender trunk and silvery bark have always been used for their ability to promote elimination by the gall bladder and kidneys. Its sap acts as a diuretic, and its essential oil is very effective against skin troubles such as eczema and psoriasis. It is one of the best depuratives and detoxifiers.

Olive

The olive tree has played an important role since the days of the Greeks and Romans, both for its medicinal properties and for its symbolic aspect. Its leaves reduce tension, improve circulation, encourage the elimination of urine - as well as serving to symbolize peace.

Its oil was an important element in the culture of ancient Crete, and is now considered an essential part of a healthy diet.

• You can take Olive-X (Thorne), which contains Olive leaf extract (500mg):
  - Available in containers of 60 capsules
  - 1 capsule 3 times daily.