Complementary/alternative medicine for hypertension: a mini-review

Abstract

Many hypertensive patients try complementary/alternative medicine for blood pressure control. Based on extensive electronic literature searches, the evidence from clinical trials is summarised. Numerous herbal remedies, non-herbal remedies and other approaches have been tested and some seem to have antihypertensive effects. The effect size is usually modest, and independent replications are frequently missing. The most encouraging data pertain to garlic, autogenic training, biofeedback and yoga. More research is required before firm recommendations can be offered.

Effect of Baduanjin exercise for hypertension: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

“…A growing body of clinical observations revealed that patients with hypertension have a favorable view of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) [31], including herbal medicine [32][33][34] and non-pharmaceutical approaches [35][36][37]. Baduanjin, a famous traditional Chinese exercise, offers beneficial effects and is more suitable for physically weaker and more elderly patients [19].…”

Hypotensive effect of aqueous extract of Averrhoa carambola L. (Oxalidaceae) in rats: An in vivo and in vitro approach

“…Despite progress in prevention, detection, treatment, and control of high blood pressure, hypertension remains an important public health problem (Whelton et al, 2002;Kearney et al, 2005). Some studies have indicated that complementary and alternative medicine has potential in the treatment of hypertension (Ernst, 2005;Wright et al, 2007;Nahas, 2008). In addition, the acceptance of complementary and alternative medicine has grown over the past 20 years among physicians and patients alike (Nahas, 2008).…”

Clinical Effect of Qigong Practice on Essential Hypertension: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

“…1 As a disease with a psychosomatic component, 2 it can be prevented and treated using various complementary and alternative medicine approaches, including physical exercise, 3,4 biofeedback techniques, 5 cognitive behavioral techniques, 6 and other forms of self-practice therapy, such as yoga and autogenic training, 7 and lifestyle modifications such as losing weight if overweight, limiting alcohol intake, limiting sodium intake, stopping smoking, and reducing intake of dietary saturated fat and cholesterol. It has been suggested that hypertension is best treated with a multifaceted program that integrates dietary changes, aerobic exercise, relaxation techniques, and social, hypnotherapeutic, and psychologic approaches.…”