E-ISSN:2456-3110

Review Article

Hypertension Management

Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences

2025 Volume 10 Number 9 September
Publisherwww.maharshicharaka.in

Ayurvedic dietary strategies for Hypertension Management - A Systematic Review

Gautam N1*, Jain S2
DOI:10.21760/jaims.10.9.22

1* Neelam Gautam, Post Graduate Scholar, Dept of Swasthvritta, Government Ayurvedic College and Hospital, Nagpur, Maharashtra, India.

2 Sumeeta Jain, Professor and HOD, Dept of Swasthvritta, Government Ayurvedic College and Hospital, Nagpur, Maharashtra, India.

Hypertension, commonly referred to as high blood pressure, represents a significant public health issue that impacts millions of individuals globally. This condition is defined by increased blood pressure readings, which heighten the likelihood of developing cardiovascular diseases, experiencing strokes, and suffering from kidney impairment. The references relevant to the above concept were searched from different Samhitas. According to a study published in the National Family Health Survey-5, the age-standardized prevalence of hypertension in India is 22.4%, with 21.3% in women and 24.0% in men Age-Specific Prevalence. For up keeping community safe from such diseases government of India is taking various measures, this study also attempts to elucidate those measures for awareness of health seeking individuals. Elimination of this lifestyle ailment starts with eradicating causative factors with measurable consecutive effect by modifications. Holistic approach towards hypertension by Ayurvedic view is evaluated within the study with reliable explanation and understanding on the basis of sign and respective treatment modalities, that can be availed for management. Ayurveda emphasizes the importance of a balanced and appropriate diet to regulate hypertension. Therefore, certain recommendation which are scientifically proven for regulation of hypertension are also mentioned in the study. This review is an attempt to highlight the scenario of hypertension as disease with leading complications, its prevalence, approach of Indian government of its regulation and at last to undertake the relation of disease with possible explanation of Ayurveda including measures of its management through dietary intervention and lifestyle modification.

Keywords: Hypertension, Ayurveda, Management, Dietary, Recipes

Corresponding Author How to Cite this Article To Browse
Neelam Gautam, Post Graduate Scholar, Dept of Swasthvritta, Government Ayurvedic College and Hospital, Nagpur, Maharashtra, India.
Email: 		Gautam N, Jain S, Ayurvedic dietary strategies for Hypertension Management - A Systematic Review. J Ayu Int Med Sci. 2025;10(9):146-150.
Available From
https://jaims.in/jaims/article/view/4632/

Manuscript Received Review Round 1 Review Round 2 Review Round 3 Accepted
2025-07-12 2025-07-28 2025-08-08 2025-08-18 2025-08-28
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None Nil Not required 12.24

© 2025 by Gautam N, Jain S and Published by Maharshi Charaka Ayurveda Organization. This is an Open Access article licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ unported [CC BY 4.0].

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Download PDFBack To ArticleIntroductionMaterials and MethodsObservationsDiscussionReferences
Neelam G et al. Ayurvedic dietary strategies for Hypertension Management

Introduction

Hypertension, commonly referred to as high blood pressure, represents a significant public health issue that impacts millions of individuals globally.[1] This condition is defined by increased blood pressure readings, which heighten the likelihood of developing cardiovascular diseases, experiencing strokes, and suffering from kidney impairment. Although standard treatment approaches typically focus on medication, traditional medical systems like Ayurveda provide an alternative viewpoint on addressing hypertension through changes in diet and lifestyle.

In Ayurveda, hypertension is predominantly linked to imbalances in the Doshas, particularly the Pitta and Vata Doshas. The Pitta Dosha is connected to heat, metabolism, and the management of bodily functions, whereas the Vata Dosha pertains to movement and circulation. An imbalance in these Doshas can disrupt the cardiovascular system, ultimately causing elevated blood pressure.[2]

Hypertension is classified into two main types:

Primary (essential) hypertension: This is the most common type and has no identifiable cause. It develops gradually over time due to a combination of genetic, lifestyle, and environmental factors. Primary hypertension is often associated with risk factors such as age, family history, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, stress, and poor dietary habits.

Secondary hypertension: This type of hypertension arises from an underlying medical condition or as a result of certain medications. It can be caused by kidney disease, hormonal disorders (such as adrenal gland problems or thyroid disorders), certain medications (such as oral contraceptives or corticosteroids), and other factors.

Ayurvedic treatment for hypertension typically involves lifestyle modifications, herbal remedies, and stress-relieving therapies. Lifestyle changes may include adopting a healthy diet low in sodium, saturated fats, and cholesterol, engaging in regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight, managing stress, limiting alcohol consumption, and quitting smoking.[3]

Ayurveda emphasizes the importance of a balanced and appropriate diet to regulate hypertension. Reduce the intake of salty, oily, and spicy foods.

Include fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes in the diet.

Incorporate foods rich in potassium, such as bananas, oranges, and leafy greens, as they help maintain healthy blood pressure levels.

This paper is attempt to provide better solution for this solution. The use of fortified meal and Ayurvedic recipes, that can contribute in the management of primary hypertension.[4]

Materials and Methods

The references relevant to the above concept were searched from different Samhitas that is Charak Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, Shadangdhar Samhita and different databases such as Research Gate, PubMed etc.

Observations

Gravity of hypertension as a major health‑care concern-statistic and number.[5]

Global Prevalence

1. Worldwide, approximately 1.13 billion people have hypertension (WHO, 2019).

2. Hypertension affects approximately 21% of adults worldwide (WHO, 2019).

Mortality and Morbidity

1. Hypertension is responsible for approximately 9.4 million deaths worldwide each year (WHO, 2019).

2. Hypertension is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease, accounting for approximately 45% of cardiovascular deaths (WHO, 2019).

3. Hypertension is responsible for approximately 54% of stroke deaths worldwide (WHO, 2019).

Regional Prevalence

According to a study published in the National Family Health Survey-5, the age-standardized prevalence of hypertension in India is 22.4%, with 21.3% in women and 24.0% in men.

Age-Specific Prevalence

1. Hypertension affects approximately 60% of people aged 60-79 worldwide (WHO, 2019).


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Neelam G et al. Ayurvedic dietary strategies for Hypertension Management

2. Hypertension affects approximately 75% of people aged 80 and older worldwide (WHO, 2019).

Current interventions and treatment strategies

It involves multifaceted approach

Government Initiatives

Indian Hypertension Control Initiative (IHCI), a 5-year initiative involving Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Indian Council of Medical Research, State Governments, and WHO India. The IHCI aims to accelerate progress towards Government of India's goal of reducing premature mortality due to non-communicable diseases (NCDs) by 25% by 2025.

Standardized Treatment Protocols

Standardized treatment protocols are also being implemented, with a focus on drug and dose specific standard treatment protocols. A study in Punjab and Maharashtra found that these protocols were effective in controlling blood pressure at scale.

Lifestyle Modifications

Lifestyle modifications, such as dietary changes, increased physical activity, and stress management activities like yoga, are also being promoted as part of a comprehensive approach to hypertension management.

Causative factor of Hypertension

Non-Modifiable Factors

1. Genetics: Family history of hypertension can increase an individual's risk.

2. Age: Hypertension risk increases with age, especially after 40 years.

3. Sex: Men are more likely to develop hypertension than women, especially before age 55.

Modifiable Lifestyle Factors

1. Physical Inactivity: Sedentary lifestyle can increase hypertension risk.

2. Unhealthy Diet: Consuming high amounts of sodium, sugar, and saturated fats can contribute to hypertension.

3. Obesity: Excess body weight can increase blood pressure.

4. Smoking: Tobacco use can damage blood vessels and increase hypertension risk.

5. Excessive Alcohol Consumption: Drinking too much alcohol can raise blood pressure.

Ayurveda based understanding of Hypertension[6]

1. Prana Vayu

In modern science, the functions of nervous system have been described similar to description of the Prakrita Prana vayu. Hridayadrika’ function of Prana vayu can be correlated with the heart rate controlling function, which also controls the regulation of blood pressure by controlling Vyana vayu which has been believed to function like constriction dilatation of the vessels. So, any pathology of Prana vayu can cause abnormality of heart as well as vessels.

2. Vyana Vayu

Vyan Vayu is said to be responsible for various kinds of movements in the body. With the help of Vyan Vayu, heart contracts and circulates the blood (Rasa Rakta Dhatu) continuously all over the body. The contraction and dilatation of the vessels are also governed by Vyana Vayu.

3. Samana Vayu

According to Sharangadhara after the digestion process Samana helps in the transportation of Rasa in to the heart and from heart it circulates in the whole body.

4. Apana Vayu

Vitiation of Apana vayu hampers the excretion of the Mutra, so the body fluid level becomes imbalanced, which may affect the maintenance of normal blood pressure. From the above fact it can be concluded that Apana vayu also plays a role in regulation of normal blood pressure.

5. Avalambaka Kapha

The normal rhythmicity, conductivity, excitability, contractility, tone and refractory period of cardiac muscles can be correlated with Avalambana Karma of Hridaya by Avalambaka Kapha. Thus, it keeps heart in a healthy state and enhances its working capacity of continuous pumping action.

6. Agni

The Agni is the important factor in the pathogenesis of all the diseases. In EHT the Agni vitiation is occurring at 2 levels.


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1. Jatharagni Mandya
2. Dhatwagni Mandya - Rakta Dhamni

7. Srotas

In the context of blood pressure Rasavaha and Raktavaha Srotasas are important as they are related with ‘Rasa-Rata Samvahana’. Also, essential hypertension is a psychosomatic disorder, so role of Manas is also very important in this case. Hence, it can be said that Rasavaha, Ratavaha and Manovaha are the Srotasas which are affected in hypertension.

Table 1: Mode of action of different cereals, fruits and vegetable in management of hypertension[7]

Food ItemsEffect on DoshasProperties
TomatoDeepanAntioxidants
Shastik RiceLaghu, TridoshshamakFibre rich
AjwainLaghu, KaphapittaharaAnti-Inflammatory
Coriander[8]Hridya MutralDiuretic
CucumberMutralDiuretic
Moong DalDeepan, Laghu,Anti-oxidants, Anti-inflammatory
AppleKapha PittashamakFibrous, Flavonoids
BrinjalVatashamakFibrous
Jwar (Sorghum)Laghu Kaphapitta ShamakAntioxidant
Antihyperlipidemic
BajraLaghu, Deepan, HridyaRich in Mg, Ca, omega 3 fatty acids
Tur DalSheets Kaphapittaghana, DeepanVasodilator
RajmashVirechakDiuretic
Shigru (Moringa)Hridya, KaphavatashamakReduce Oxifative
Stress, Improve vascular function
OatsTridoshshamakaAventhramides improve
blood flow
Urad DalVatakaphashamak, BalyaRich in potassium,
Vasodilator
Goose fruit, BathuaTridoshshamakVasodilator
PomegranatePittashamakRich in polyphenols,
antioxidants

Here are various recommendations of food which can taken on daily basis to keep a check on blood pressure levels.[10-13]

1. Cucumber Raita
2. Moong Dal sautéed with tomatoes and jeera (cumin)
3. Jowar and ajwain mixed roti

4. Oats khichdi mixed with tomato coriander, jeera.
5. Krishra 2 part moong dal & 1 part rice boiled with ajwain jeera & haldi
6. Oats porridge
7. Rajmasha (Rajma) veggie soup
8. Tur Dal Soup

Discussion

Improper lifestyle and food habits (Viruddh-Ahara) and Atichintana (excess worry, fear) vitiates all three Doshas and trigger the pathogenesis of hypertension. For effective management of hypertension various food recipe has been mentioned above which are rich in fibers and antioxidants and are Dosha Prashman in nature.[2]

These food items are rich in prebiotics are non-digestible fibers that feed the good bacteria in the gut promoting healthy gut microbiome. Prebiotics play a major role in managing hypertension by modulating gut brain axis,[9] Renin angiotensin system & Improve Vascular Function According to Ayurvedic point of view these are Vata and Pittashamak along with having Mutral (Diuretic) properties which keep check on blood pressure levels.[14]

Further Clinical trials need to be conducted on these value added recipes for understanding anti - hypertensive effects.

References

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