High blood pressure: Drinking THIS type of tea can help lower blood pressure - Express

More than a quarter of adults in the UK suffer from high blood pressure.

People with the condition needs to control it, as if left untreated it can lead to serious health problems like heart attacks and strokes.

Making certain lifestyle changes can reduce blood pressure, such as getting regular exercise and cutting down on unhealthy and salty foods.

But while eating too much of certain foods can cause blood pressure to rise, other types of food and drink can lower it.

According to Dr Sarah Brewer on mylowerbloodpressure.com, chamomile tea is one drink which can help reduce high blood pressure, thanks to certain properties it contains.

Chamomile tea is made from the chamomile flower, which contains essential oils and is also a rich source of polyphenols - which are a type of antioxidant.

According to Dr Brewer, there are three main properties found in chamomile that can help to lower blood pressure.

First, chamomile has anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic actions that help blood vessel walls to relax and dilate.

This is important to allow blood to flow freely through the veins and arteries and prevent a build up of pressure in the blood vessels.

Second, chamomile naturally lowers blood pressure by increasing fluid loss through the kidneys, in a similar way to diuretics.

Increased fluid loss through the kidneys helps to rid the body of excess salt, which is a common cause of high blood pressure.

Third, chamomile has a relaxing, sedating action that lowers stress and anxiety and promotes sleep.

This is important as feeling stressed and anxious can also cause blood pressure levels to rise.

“These actions together help to lower a high blood pressure, especially where hypertension is linked with anxiety and stress,” said Dr Brewer.

“Chamomile tea has a long history of use as a medicinal herb, revered by the ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Romans for its soothing, relaxing properties.”

“Chamomile tea is still enjoyed today to reduce stress, ease muscle tension and lower a high blood pressure.”

Another advantage chamomile tea has over regular tea is that it doesn’t contain caffeine, which can lead to high blood pressure if consumed in certain quantities.

The NHS advises drinking no more than four cups of caffeine-containing drinks like coffee per day.

“If you're a big fan of coffee, tea or other caffeine-rich drinks, such as cola and some energy drinks, consider cutting down,” said the NHS.

“It's fine to drink tea and coffee as part of a balanced diet, but it's important that these drinks are not your main or only source of fluid.”

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