If you suffer from high blood pressure, you may be on the hunt for some natural ways to lower your numbers that don’t involve exercise or a low-fat diet. Tea, a natural and soothing beverage, has gained recognition for its potential to lower blood pressure, primarily due to its unique composition of health-promoting compounds. The key to tea’s blood pressure-lowering effects lies in its rich content of flavonoids, antioxidants that are known to enhance heart health. What is the best tea for high blood pressure? StudyFinds has done the research, so you don’t have to.
There is proof that these herbal blends can help manage blood pressure. In fact, researchers at the University of California-Irvine have uncovered that compounds in many teas help relax blood vessels, offering the potential for new hypertension treatments.
Why do teas have the power to reduce hypertension? The answer lies within their flavanols. Drinks like red wine and tea contain high levels of flavanols, a subgroup of flavanoids. A study reveals people with the highest flavanol intake had blood pressures between two and four mmHg lower than those in the bottom 10 percent. More proof that you may want to add tea to your diet.
It’s crucial to remember tea should be considered a complementary approach to blood pressure management. While it offers a holistic and natural option, consulting with your doctor before incorporating it into your health routine is essential to ensure it aligns with your overall medical plan and doesn’t interfere with prescribed treatments. Ready to help lower your blood pressure naturally? Check out our list of the top five best teas for high blood pressure that were most recommended across nine expert sources. Did we miss one your doctor suggests? Let us know in the comments section.
The List: Best Teas for High Blood Pressure, According to Experts
1. Green Tea
Green tea topped all the lists we sourced, so it’s number one on our list! “‘Green tea contains flavonoids, which can help you maintain a healthy heart,’ New Jersey-based nutritionist Amy Gorin told The Daily Meal in an email. She recommends consuming at least 400 milligrams of flavonoids daily.'” You would have to drink a couple of large cups of green tea daily to reach that level.
Green tea is chock-full of plenty of beneficial nutrients. “Packed with catechins, green tea has been linked to improved heart health and reduced blood pressure,” writes Tega. “Making green tea a part of your daily routine may lower the risk of hypertension. Additionally, the soothing ritual of brewing and savoring a cup of green tea can contribute to stress management, a key factor in high blood pressure.”
You can’t go wrong with green tea. According to Healthline, “A 2023 study involving more than 76,000 participants in Southwest China suggests that green tea consumption, in general — regardless of how much is consumed and for how long — is associated with a reduction in systolic blood pressure.”
Check out our list of the best green tea here.
2. Hibiscus Tea
Along with having a vibrant flavor, “‘Hibiscus tea has been shown in some studies to be quite effective at lowering blood pressure,’ says New York-based internist Dr. Frank Contacessa in an email to The Daily Meal. ‘The anthocyanins and other antioxidants in hibiscus can lower blood pressure almost as much as some medications.'”
There’s research to back it up, too. Healthline says, “A 2019 study suggests that drinking hibiscus tea regularly is associated with modest but notable blood pressure-lowering effects, making it a popular choice as a natural remedy for hypertension.”
You can also expect a sweet tartness to hibiscus that makes the entire experience more enjoyable while looking out for your health. According to HealthSite.com, “Hibiscus tea is packed with several antioxidants which are great for the heart. It is one of the many herbs, which is known to reduce high blood pressure. However, one should only consume this tea after consulting with a doctor.”
3. Chamomile Tea
Chamomile tea is known for helping people relax. NutraTea says, “Drinking chamomile tea may also help to reduce the levels of LDL cholesterol and triglycerides in your blood, reducing your risk of developing narrowed arteries, which can lead to high blood pressure. Plus, chamomile’s relaxing effects mean it can help us get a good night’s sleep – another way to reduce the risk of developing high blood pressure.”
Chamomile helps with more than just high blood pressure. “It contains various beneficial compounds, such as flavonoids, terpenoids, and coumarins, which contribute to its therapeutic properties. Research from 2020 highlights its potential in areas such as anti-inflammation, antioxidation, liver protection, potential anticancer effects, and blood pressure regulation,” notes Healthline.
HealthSite.com also recommends this herbal remedy. Why? “In addition to relaxing the blood vessels, this tea can also effectively help in calming the body and mind, thus promoting good sleep. As your body relaxes, your heart rate will slow and your blood pressure will decrease,” they write.
4. Black Tea
Ah, classic black tea. If you aren’t a fan of more unique blends, black tea is a favorite among many. “Like with green tea, research shows black tea can help reduce blood pressure, and it may also have properties that help protect the heart,” writes HealthMatch.
The proof is in the pudding…or tea, in this case. “According to the studies, people who drank three cups of black tea a day lowered their blood pressure levels by an average of 2 to 3 points,” adds HealthSite.com.
Very Well Health backs it up even more. They write, “A Swedish study following the health of 74,961 women and men over 10.2 years suggested that consuming four or more cups of black tea per day is associated with a lower risk of stroke.”
Check out our list of the best black teas here.
5. Oolong Tea
Oolong tea originates from China, specifically the Fujian province, where the Wuyi Mountains are considered the birthplace of high-quality oolongs. Onlymyhealth says, “It’s becoming popular just like green tea and many people around the globe consume it daily. It is also loaded with antioxidants that are effective in lowering high blood pressure. You can easily find oolong tea in supermarkets or online. Again, consult your doctor first so that there is no potential health risk that may be caused after consuming this oolong tea.”
This is a cross between green and black tea, so it obviously contains similar health benefits. According to HealthMatch, “Oolong tea’s benefits on blood pressure haven’t been studied on their own. However, antioxidants in oolong tea are the same as green and black tea. Therefore, it’s quite possible that oolong tea shares similar benefits for hypertension.”
The flavor is also enticing for tea lovers. Oolong tea dances between delicate florals and rich roasts, offering a nuanced spectrum of fruit, earth, and subtle smoke, depending on its oxidation level. HealthSite.com adds, “This tea comes with a concoction of the properties of dark and green tea. This tea is again rich in antioxidants which make it good for heart health.”
You may also be interested in:
- Best Teas for Headaches
- Best Tea for Your Immune System
- Best Chai Tea
- Best Fast Food Sweet Tea
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Sources:
- Healthline
- Healthmatch
- Nutratea
- Tega Organic Tea
- Matcha Alternatives
- The HealthSite.com
- Very Well Health
- Only My Health
- The Daily Meal
Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations. This article may contain affiliate links in which we receive a commission if you make a purchase.