We’re often told that lean proteins, fresh vegetables and whole grains are the best foods for your heart, but did you know that using more healthy spices and herbs in your food can also help lower blood pressure naturally?

If you’re searching for natural cures for high blood pressure, along with diet and exercise, using more healthy herbs and spices while cooking can help get your heart back on track. But before you grab the salt shaker, you should know that sodium is actually a large contributor to high blood pressure. Instead, reach for one of the many other spices in your cabinet that can not only add more flavor to your meal, but may also help lower your blood pressure.

Natural Herbs That Lower Blood Pressure

Every day seasonings like parsley, thyme, basil and celery seed contain compounds that can help regulate your blood pressure naturally. But there are many others you may not realize are good for your heart.

Here is a list of herbs and spices that are good for blood pressure:

• Ginger
• Cardamom
• Cinnamon
• Garlic

Here’s why these herbs and spices are good for you, and how to use them in heart healthy recipes that rely on natural seasonings for flavor instead of sodium.

How does ginger lower blood pressure?

People have been using ginger for medicinal purposes for thousands of years. Not only does ginger help fight nausea and indigestion, it also helps improve blood circulation and relax blood vessels, which may help lower blood pressure. Ginger may also help decrease inflammation, which is connected to high blood pressure.

How to cook with ginger

Ginger can be used in a number of healthy and delicious recipes, from teas and smoothies to meals and deserts. Some ways to incorporate ginger into dinner is by making ginger baked tilapia or ginger chicken. You can also use it in side dishes like cauliflower stir fry and ginger brown rice. Even these cinnamon protein balls and gingerbread cookies can help boost your daily intake of ginger.

How does cardamom lower blood pressure?

Cardamom is a complex flavor that’s simultaneously sweet, spicy and floral. It not only provides a unique flavor for food but it also aids in digestion and freshens breath. While researchers are unsure why, cardamom may help lower blood pressure, improve circulation and even balance blood sugar. Cardamom can be used to add flavor to sauces and marinades, rice dishes, and even drinks. It can also be used in sweet recipes, such as this one for gluten free snickerdoodles.

How does cinnamon lower blood pressure?

Cinnamon is a warm and aromatic spice that has been shown to dilate and relax blood vessels, which helps lower blood pressure. It can be used as a substitute for sugar in numerous recipes ranging from pancakes and breads to cereals and stews. Enjoy a healthy dose of cinnamon in these delicious recipes for cinnamon muffins, avocado chocolate mousse and apple pie.

How does garlic lower blood pressure?

Heart healthy compounds like allicin are found in garlic, which help relax blood vessels and improve blood flow. Garlic also has antioxidant properties that may help reduce inflammation and lower blood pressure.

How to cook with garlic

Lots of dishes taste better with garlic, especially many Italian dishes. Pasta, garlic bread, soups and roasted vegetables are just a few ways to use garlic to enhance the flavor of your meal. If you like savory dishes, garlic should be your new cooking companion! Some recipes that highlight the flavor of garlic include garlic chili turkey burgers, garlic mashed potatoes, garlic hummus and garlic roasted broccoli.

How does sodium raise blood pressure?

Sodium raises blood pressure by making your body retain water. This puts more pressure on the walls of blood vessels and makes your heart work harder to circulate blood. Over time this can lead to high blood pressure and other related heart issues.

While a lot of the sodium you consume each day comes from prepared, packaged and restaurant foods, it can also come from sprinkling too much salt on your food at the dinner table. Start experimenting with more herbs and spices in your cooking to find ways to make your food taste great without relying on salt to do all the work.

If you’re searching for some foods that help lower blood pressure and improve heart health, check out the best anti-inflammatory recipes.