High Blood Pressure (HBP): Homeopathic Approach
Blood pressure is the pressure exerted against the walls of the arteries. Arteries carry blood from your heart to other parts of your body. Blood pressure usually rises and drops throughout the day. When this pressure is consistently very high, it is known as high blood pressure, medically known as hypertension. Normal blood pressure is between 120/80 mmHg.
Sections of High Blood Pressure:
- Blood pressure below systolic 120-129 mmHg and diastolic 80 mmHg is generally not recommended, and only lifestyle changes are advised.
- Stage 1 Hypertension: Between systolic 130-139 mmHg or diastolic 80-89 mmHg.
- Stage 2 Hypertension: Systolic 140 mmHg or more and diastolic 90 mmHg or more.
- Hypertensive Crisis: Systolic readings greater than 180 mmHg and/or diastolic greater than 120 mmHg, requiring immediate medical help.
Reasons:
- Primary Hypertension: The increase in high blood pressure without a reason is called primary or essential hypertension, which usually develops slowly.
- Secondary Hypertension: When there is a specific cause of high blood pressure, it is known as secondary hypertension, which can result from kidney and thyroid problems, congenital defects, tumors, or issues with the adrenal glands. Secondary hypertension appears suddenly.
Symptoms:
High blood pressure usually causes no symptoms and is often reported during regular medical check-ups. It's called a 'silent killer' as it causes significant damage to the blood vessels and heart without visible symptoms. However, symptoms like headaches, dizziness, difficulty breathing, chest pain, nosebleeds, or blood stains in the eyes may occur. These symptoms are not exclusive to high blood pressure alone and can be seen in other diseases as well.
Risk Factors:
- Family history
- Advancing age
- Excess weight
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Tobacco use
- Stress
- Excessive salt (sodium) intake
- Diabetes mellitus
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Certain medications (drug-induced hypertension)
Homeopathy Approach:
The homeopathic system has good scope in managing high blood pressure. Homeopathic remedies for high blood pressure naturally work to moderate the functioning of the body. Homeopathic medicines work especially well for people who have recently been diagnosed with hypertension and have not yet relied on any other drug for the disease. People with chronic high blood pressure and those who have been using allopathic medicines for a long time may also use homeopathic medicines. Initially, it is advisable to continue allopathic medicines along with homeopathic medicines, and gradually shift to homeopathy for holistic treatment. Proper lifestyle measures should be adopted along with homeopathic treatment for high blood pressure for best results. Always consult a homeopathic specialist before taking any homeopathic medicine.
Homeopathic Medicines for High Blood Pressure:
Top homeopathic medicines to control high blood pressure (HBP) include Bryonia, Gelsemium, Natrum Mur, Rauwolfia Serp, Spartium, Crataegus, Nux Vomica, and Kali Phos.