Celery has been used as a folk remedy to lower bloo d pressure. Celery lowers pressure by reducing blood concentrations of stress hormones that cause blood vessels to constrict. Celery may be most effective in those w hose blood pressure is linked to mental stress, which could be up to half of all Americans. Although celery in high sodium compared with other vegetables, one medium stalk still contains a mere 35 mg of sodium. Another legendary folk remedy for high blood pressure is garlic.
Garlic cloves pushes diastolic blood pressure down in patients with mild high blood pressure.
Garlic probably lowers blood pressure at least partly by relaxing the smooth muscles of the blood vessels, allowing them to dilate. That happens in animals fed garlic juice. Also, both garlic and onions contain a great deal of a compound that is a smooth-muscle relaxant. Both raw and cooked garlic and onions can benefit blood pressure, although raw garlic is thought to be more potent. Another secret weapon against high blood pressure may be high-calcium foods.