Demanding work schedules, erratic sleeping patterns, and increased junk food consumption are all contributing to an increase in the prevalence of hypertension, a disorder in which the body’s blood pressure is higher than normal.
A measurement of 130/80 mm Hg or greater is considered to be hypertension, according to the Mayo Clinic. Blood pressure should be between 120 and 80 mm Hg or less.
Is there a natural way to control hypertension besides the different medications and foods that people consume to treat the condition? Additionally, Dr. Dixa Bhavsar Savaliya made numerous posts about it on Instagram.
“So, in December 2021, I received a diagnosis of hypertension (high blood pressure), and since then, I’ve been giving my dad 1 raw garlic clove to chew first thing in the morning, and it’s been tremendously helping for him. The Ayurveda specialist posted on Instagram, “I’m sharing the remedy with you all only after having favorable follow-ups from more than 500 of my patients (of all ages, from late 20s to late 80s).”
Dr. Savalia listed the health advantages of this common vegetable, noting that garlic has anti-hypertensive effects because of its piercing, pungent, and vata-kapha lowering features, which aid in cleaning the body’s channels (best for blockages).
“By lowering the production of angiotensin, allicin allows blood to flow freely and easily, reducing blood pressure. Garlic is also helpful in reducing the stiffness of arteries, making it a good inclusion in the diet of those with health issues,” Saluja told Newsway
Ishti Saluja, a nutritionist, agreed, stating that research has shown that garlic’s presence of the compound “allicin” helps to prevent hypertension. The primary active ingredient in allicin inhibits the synthesis of angiotensin, a hormone that raises blood pressure by constricting blood vessels.
Additionally, it aids in lowering cholesterol, reducing joint discomfort, getting rid of worms (krimi), preventing colds and coughs, enhancing digestion, boosting immunity, enhancing brain function, regulating blood sugar, and also losing weight. So, according to Dr. Savalia’s advice in her post, “if you have any of these conditions, go ahead and eat garlic every day.”
Best method of consumption
Garlic can be ingested in the following ways, according to Saluja:
- Eat it raw: One of the greatest ways to consume it is to eat it uncooked. Alliinase, an enzyme that changes alliin into allicin, is triggered by raw garlic. She continued, “It’s preferable to ingest raw garlic 1-2 hours after a meal else it could induce gastrointestinal issues.”
- Powder form: Ensure that each serving contains between 3.5 and 5.5 mg of allicin.
- Garlic milk: Warm milk with 10 to 12 minced garlic cloves. For better results, add a tiny bit of honey.
“Garlic’s pH balance can be altered by cooking it or adding it to a dish. After you mince, crush, or chop it, let it sit for a few minutes so the allicin’s enzymes may begin to act, advised Saluja.
For vata-kapha prakriti, Dr. Savalia advised chewing one garlic clove every day in the morning.
“Pitta (those with heat concerns) should either fry it in ghee or eat it with breakfast or lunch (and not on an empty stomach),” Savalia said.
She added that the various bioactive substances found in this herb, which also aid in the provision of a variety of health benefits, include volatile oil, which accounts for 0.06-0.1%, carbohydrates such as arabinose and galactose, vitamins such as folic acid, niacin, riboflavin, and vitamin C, amino acids such as arinic acid, asparagic acid, and methionine, enzymes such as allinase, and volatile compounds.
“This does not mean you can stop taking your anti-hypertensive medications and only take garlic daily,” the specialist said. This cannot take place immediately. It works best as a preventative measure (for example, if you have hereditary high blood pressure, you can definitely avoid it by eating garlic and leading a healthy lifestyle).
“Have it daily for 21 days, and then assess your blood pressure,” she continued, “to regulate blood pressure. There is no doubt that sticking with it for 8–12 weeks while making good lifestyle choices (if necessary- with herbs like gokshur, Arjun, etc.) can help to lessen your need on anti-hypertensive medications.
