Role of Natural Therapies in Stress Reduction and Blood Pressure Management- a Review

Abstract

 Introduction: Hypertension and chronic stress are among the leading contributors to cardiovascular diseases worldwide. Conventional pharmacological treatments are effective but may carry side effects and are not always accessible or sustainable for long-term management. Increasing interest has turned toward natural therapies, including herbal medicine, yoga, meditation, acupuncture, and dietary interventions, for their potential to reduce stress and regulate blood pressure. Methods and Materials: This review analyzed peer-reviewed articles from 2010 to 2024 using databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar. Keywords included “natural therapy,” “stress reduction,” “blood pressure management,” “herbal medicine,” and “mind-body practices.” Inclusion criteria required studies to examine the physiological and psychological effects of natural therapies on human subjects. Randomized controlled trials, cohort studies, and systematic reviews were prioritized. Results: Evidence consistently supports the role of natural therapies in lowering blood pressure and reducing stress levels. Practices such as yoga and meditation showed reductions in systolic and diastolic blood pressure ranging from 5 to 15 mmHg in hypertensive patients. Herbal supplements like garlic, hibiscus, and ashwagandha demonstrated moderate efficacy in lowering blood pressure. Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) programs significantly decreased cortisol levels and anxiety scores. Acupuncture and dietary changes such as the DASH or Mediterranean diet also yielded positive outcomes. Conclusion: Natural therapies offer a complementary approach to conventional treatment for stress and hypertension. While not a replacement for medical care, these interventions may enhance quality of life, reduce medication dependence, and promote holistic well-being. Further high-quality, long-term studies are needed to standardize protocols and confirm efficacy.