Herbs are generally a safe way to strengthen and tone the body's systems. As with any therapy, you should work with your health care provider to get your problem diagnosed before starting any treatment.

You may use herbs as dried extracts (capsules, powders, teas), glycerites ( glycerine extracts), or tinctures (alcohol extracts).

Unless otherwise indicated, you should make teas with 1 tsp. herb per cup of hot water.

Steep covered 5 - 10 minutes for leaf or flowers, and 10 - 20 minutes for roots.

Drink 2 - 4 cups per day. You may use tinctures alone or in combination as noted.

Talk to your doctor before taking any herbs to treat hypertension, especially if you already take medication to control blood pressure.

• Achillea wilhelmsii , 15 - 20 drops of tincture two times per day, may help lower blood pressure, according to one double-blind study.
• Hibiscus ( Hibiscus sabdariffa ) tea, 2 tablespoonfulls of dried herb steeped in 1 cup of water, taken one time per day, helped lower blood pressure.
• Reishi mushroom ( Ganoderma lucidum ), 150 - 300 mg two to three times daily, may help lower blood pressure.
• Garlic ( Allium sativum ) , standardized extract, 400 mg two to three times daily, may help lower blood pressure slightly