A number of people have asked me about a “natural way” to lower blood pressure. There are three specific herbs that have significant effect on blood pressure.

First, Moringa oleifera, often called the “miracle tree,” has been studied for its potential to lower blood pressure, and there’s some evidence to suggest it may help.

What the research says:

• Animal studies: A 2017 study on rats, showed that Moringa leaf extract reduced blood pressure in hypertensive models by relaxing blood vessels, possibly due to compounds like isothiocyanates and flavonoids. Another study in 2019 on rats found similar effects, linking it to improved vascular function [1,3].
• Human studies are limited but promising. A 2016 study in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition gave 40 hypertensive patients Moringa leaf powder (1200 mg daily) for 12 weeks. Systolic blood pressure dropped significantly (by about 10-15 mmHg), but diastolic pressure saw less consistent change. A 2020 pilot study with 20 participants showed modest reductions in blood pressure after 30 days of Moringa supplementation, but it wasn’t a game-changer alone when compared to standard pharmaceutical treatments [2,4]

• Mechanisms: Moringa reduces blood pressure via:

Enhanced nitric oxide (NO) production, promoting vasodilation. Antioxidant effects (flavonoids, isothiocyanates) reducing vascular oxidative stress. Inhibition of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE). Diuretic effects due to high potassium content [1-6].

Caveats:

• The Dose and form actually matter: Studies use different forms—leaf powder, extracts, or seeds—and dosages aren’t standardized. Effective doses in humans range from 1-3 grams daily in trials, but there’s no universal guideline. Teas don’t provide enough Morniga to be consistent.
• Not a replacement: Moringa’s effects are milder than prescription meds like ACE inhibitors. It might complement lifestyle changes (diet, exercise) but it doesn’t appear to be a  a standalone fix.
• Side effects: Generally safe, but high doses can cause digestive upset or may interact with meds (e.g., thyroid drugs or antihypertensives). Always check with your doctor if you’re on medication.
• Study limitations: Many studies are small, short-term, or animal-based. Larger, long-term human trials are needed to confirm efficacy.

Second, Hibiscus found in a number of forms has been effective in blood pressure reduction.

Hibiscus Research:

• Human Studies: A 2008 random control trial studied Hibiscus powder and found that it lowered systolic blood pressure (SBP) by 7.2 mmHg compared to 1.3 mmHg for placebo (p=0.030). Diastolic blood pressure (DBP) dropped by 3.1 mmHg vs. 0.5 mmHg for placebo, but this was not statistically significant (p=0.160). Those with higher baseline SBP (>129 mmHg) showed greater reductions (SBP: -13.2 mmHg, DBP: -6.4 mmHg).
• A 2015 Meta- analysis found that Hibiscus reduced SBP by an average of 7.58 mmHg and DBP by 3.53 mmHg across studies. Effects were more pronounced in shorter-term studies and those with higher baseline BP [8].
• 2004 and 2022 studies found Hibiscus was equivalent to Captopril in lowering blood pressure 10-14%. [8-11].

Mechanisms: Hibiscus lowers blood pressure through:

• ACE inhibition (anthocyanins, hibiscus acid).
• Diuretic effects, increasing urinary sodium excretion.
• Vasodilation via nitric oxide pathways.
• Antioxidant properties reducing vascular inflammation.

Combination treatment:

When combined blood pressure may be reduced up to 10-27 points of systolic improvement.

This combination can be found in V-Itaren supplement from VitalHealth Global.. The benefit of V-Itaren is that it supports renal purification and detoxification. Use “DocMuscles” to order.

Third, Horsetail, a key ingredient, has diuretic properties, which can theoretically lower blood pressure by reducing blood volume.

Animal studies reveal 2-5 point of blood pressure reduction with the use of Horsetail. However, there are no large scale human studies present currently. A small pilot study referenced in herbal medicine reviews (e.g., Fitoterapia, 2004) tested horsetail tea (1–2 g dried herb daily) in healthy volunteers and noted increased urine output over 7 days, but blood pressure data were not collected.

My personal experience with the combination of all three herbs combined is 20-25 mmHg of reduction in systolic pressure.  That is equivalent to dual pharmaceutical medication treatment (using two different blood pressure medications together).

To Your Health & Longevity,

Adam Nally, DO

References:

1. Aekthammarat, D., et al. (2019). “Moringa oleifera leaf extract lowers high blood pressure by alleviating vascular dysfunction and decreasing oxidative stress in L-NAME hypertensive rats.” Phytomedicine, 54, 9-16.
2. Aekthammarat, D., et al. (2020). “Moringa oleifera leaf extract enhances endothelial nitric oxide production leading to relaxation of resistance artery and lowering of arterial blood pressure.” Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy, 130, 110605.
3. Adefegha, S. A., et al. (2019). “Comparative effects of horseradish (Moringa oleifera) leaves and seeds on blood pressure and crucial enzymes relevant to hypertension in rat.” Journal of Functional Foods.
4. Chan Sun, M., et al. (2020). “Consumption of Moringa oleifera Lam leaves lowers postprandial blood pressure.” Journal of the American College of Nutrition, 39(1), 54-62.
5. Sailesh, K. S., et al. (2018). “Effect of Moringa oleifera leaves on blood pressure in hypertensive patients.” Indian Journal of Clinical Anatomy and Physiology, 5(3), 350-352.
6. Sailesh, K. S., et al. (2018). “Effect of Moringa oleifera leaves on blood pressure in hypertensive patients.” Indian Journal of Clinical Anatomy and Physiology, 5(3), 350-352.
7. McKay, D. L., Chen, C. Y. O., Saltzman, E., & Blumberg, J. B. (2010). Hibiscus sabdariffa L. tea (tisane) lowers blood pressure in prehypertensive and mildly hypertensive adults. The Journal of Nutrition, 140(2), 298–303.
8. Serban, C., Sahebkar, A., Ursoniu, S., Andrica, F., & Banach, M. (2015). Effect of sour tea (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) on arterial hypertension: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Journal of Hypertension, 33(6), 1119–1127.
9. Elkafrawy, N., Younes, K., Naguib, A., et al. (2020). Antihypertensive efficacy and safety of a standardized herbal medicinal product of Hibiscus sabdariffa and Olea europaea extracts (NW Roselle): A phase-II clinical trial study. Journal of Advanced Research, 27, 183–190.
10. Ellis, L. R., Zulfiqar, S., Holmes, M., et al. (2022). Effects of Hibiscus sabdariffa on cardiometabolic risk factors: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Nutrition Reviews, 80(7), 1727–1743.
11. Herrera-Arellano, A., Flores-Romero, S., Chávez-Soto, M. A., & Tortoriello, J. (2004). Effectiveness and tolerability of a standardized extract from Hibiscus sabdariffa in patients with mild to moderate hypertension: a controlled and randomized clinical trial. Planta Medica, 70(7), 614–619.