Vata is responsible for the blood vessels constricting and this often
happens to people in their old age (around 65). The blood vessel walls
thickens and the passage becomes narrow, and this results high blood
pressure.
Pitta on the other hand, is related to the rushing of blood with more
force, increasing the blood pressure.
Like vata, kapha too narrows the arteries but it is related to
increase blood viscosity as a result of fatty deposits in the artery walls.
Some causes for high blood pressure includes anger and anxiety,
emotional and physical stress. Heavy responsibilities tension at work or
stressful situations too can send the blood pressure up. These conditions
can constrict the blood vessels and can increase blood pressure for a
long time and at an accelerating rate.
With your doctor's approval and guidance, you can try some of these
Ayurveda remedies and if they prove helpful in controlling your
hypertension, you may want to gradually reduce your medication and replace them.
Your doctor will supervise you.
Start by changing your diet. The following food for hypertension can be
effective in lowering your blood pressure:
See below for recipe (taken from page 138, “Vasant Lad and Usad Lad,
Ayurvedic Cooking for Self-healing”, Albuuquerque, Ayurveda Press, 1994):
2 cucumbers
4 curry leaves
1 small handful fresh cilantro leaves
3 tablespoons ghee
1 pinch hing
1 pinch cayenne or ½ small chilli, chopped
½ teaspoon cumin seeds
½ teaspoon black mustard seeds
½ cup fresh plain yogurt
Skin cucumbers and grate. Pour and discard any remaining juice. Heat
the ghee over a medium heat in a saucepan. Add the cumin, mustard, hing
and curry leaves and cook til the seeds crackle.
Add in the cilanto and the chilli or cayenne. Shake the pan and remove
from heat. Set aside to cool. Next stir the yogurt and grated cucumber
in a bowl and add the cooled spices. Mix well and serve as a side dish.
