Maybe it's due to our 'life in the fast lane' schedules – too much to do, not enough time in which to accomplish our to-do list and a good dose of daily stress – but the fact is that high blood pressure is epidemic in today's society. Every time you visit the doctor, your weight and blood pressure readings are sure to be taken as a matter of course for the doctor's examination.

High blood pressure is not a condition limited to older folks – you may yet be in your thirties and have high blood pressure. The doctor may prescribe medicines designed to reduce your blood pressure.

Here, we take a look at ways to lower blood pressure using natural plant  medicines, which don't carry the burdens of the pharmaceutical medicine's side effects. As you grow older, you may accumulate a number of health conditions for which you are prescribed medicines – before you know it, you may have a platter full of prescription bottles and begin to worry about, and even resent and despair over all those daily doses. Let's look at ways to lower blood pressure naturally and safely, through food and herbal therapies.

When you're looking for ways to lower blood pressure, Hawthorne berries are one of nature's truly magical remedies. Powdered Hawthorne berries are available at any reputable herb shop. You may buy it in bulk, or purchase it in ready made capsules. Hawthorne berries are one of the herbs known as 'adaptogens'. This means that, if you have high blood pressure, this herb will bring your readings to a normal, healthy level. Conversely, if you had low blood pressure, taking Hawthorne berries will normalize your BP readings. You can't beat that!

The next herb on our list of ways to lower blood pressure naturally: cayenne peppers. Besides reducing your blood pressure and pulse rate, cayenne also serves as a blood purifier, cleansing your digestive and circulatory systems. Combined with other herbs in a formula, cayenne acts to speed and increase the absorption of the other ingredients in the formula. In addition, cayenne is high rich in vitamins A, the B-complex group, C and a number of trace minerals. Cayenne is also useful as a remedy for a sore throat, headache, fatigue, muscle aches and as an anti-inflammatory agent.

The common culinary seasoning, Celery seed is one of the most effective ways to lower blood pressure and promote healthy blood flow to your heart. It's also an anti-inflammatory, helpful to people suffering from arthritis and any condition with joint pain due to inflammation.

Women of all ages who are looking for ways to lower blood pressure should put Angelica root on their list of must-have remedies. In addition to reducing HBP, Angelica root also is useful with many female complaints, including menstrual cramps and hot flashes and is reportedly a sexual stimulant. Many women going through the change of life experience insomnia, nervousness and hypertension; Angelica root helps prevent these conditions. It is also effective in regulating hormonal imbalances, while strengthening your reproductive system. Along with these benefits, this root helps remove congestion in the respiratory system, as well as reducing fever, should you have a cold or flu.

Another herb of particular use to women is Black Cohosh root, used for centuries in Native American societies as a remedy for many female complaints. For both men and women, it's also one of the excellent ways to lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, as well as promoting cardiovascular and circulatory health. If you suffer from arthritis or rheumatism, Black Cohosh root acts as an anti-inflammatory, reducing swelling and pain.

Cat's Claw bark is another of the natural ways to reduce blood pressure, promoting good circulation, while inhibiting blood clots and arterial plaque. This valuable bark also strengthens your immune system response and helps clean the digestive system.

Before using any of these five natural ways to lower blood pressure, be sure to consult with your doctor to be certain they are safe to use with any prescribed medications you are currently taking. To your better health!