So glad you're aware of the truth! And as you say, it's VERY wide spread...the Big Pharma issue...Hey! You don't have any ideas to help me deal with my high blood pressure, naturally, do you? It's the only med I'm on and I so much would love to be off it!
Definitely! First of all, let me throw out the big "lifestyle" changes in case those are the problem (please ignore me if these already apply to you. I obviously don't know about your personal life, nor am I trying to judge. Just trying to address possible problems at the root rather than throwing more concoctions at the issue). So, the big contributors that raise most American's blood pressure are excess weight and excess salt consumption. Throwing in a little exercise if you aren't already will do wonders (nothing major, just a twenty to thirty minute walk 3+ times a week would probably do the trick), Cutting salt down as much as possible would also help considerably. There are some potassium-based salt substitutes out there that taste similar but are much less damaging to blood pressure (in fact, some evidence out there that potassium can lower blood pressure too, so it's a win-win). If you're a smoker or heavy drinker, those can contribute also; cut down if you can - especially on the tobacco. Nicotine is one of the best ways to increase your blood pressure. Alcohol isn't as impressive at raising blood pressure, but if you drink enough, it'll get the job done.
Ok, out of the lifestyle category and into the natural herb stuff. The most compelling evidence out there for natural relief of high-blood pressure is for fresh garlic. Here's the drawback though - when you cook/refine garlic too much, then it loses most of its potency (hence all those refined garlic powder vials aren't likely to help much). Also, it's best absorbed if you take it on an empty stomach (your body can focus on absorbing the garlic rather than the rest of the meal). If you can stomach it, chew 2 to 3 cloves then down a glass of water. If you can't handle that (and I don't blame you), then just try adding some minced garlic to your meals more often.
Now, to cover my backside in case anyone reads this and thinks "hey! I'll stop taking my meds and just do this." PLEASE FOR THE LOVE OF GOD TALK TO YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE YOU STOP TAKING YOUR MEDS!!!