What can be steeped in water for drinking to lower high blood pressure?
Apr 15, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Tian Hongbo
Introduction
Hypertension clinically refers to a vascular syndrome characterized by elevated systemic arterial blood pressure. Certain herbs such as earthworm (dilong), Apocynum venetum leaves, mulberry leaves, kudzu root, and cassia seeds can be steeped in water and consumed to help lower blood pressure. However, the antihypertensive effects of these herbal remedies are limited and may vary significantly among individuals. It is recommended that patients seek timely medical consultation at a hospital and, under professional guidance, choose appropriate methods to control their blood pressure levels.
Hypertension clinically refers to a vascular syndrome characterized by elevated systemic arterial blood pressure. Certain herbs such as earthworm (dilong), Apocynum venetum leaf (luobuma ye), mulberry leaf (sangye), kudzu root (gegen), and cassia seed (jue mingzi) can be steeped in water and consumed to help lower high blood pressure.
1. Earthworm (Dilong)
This is the dried whole body of animals such as Pheretima aspergillum or Pheretima vulgaris. Its main effects include lowering blood pressure, relieving asthma, and promoting urination. It helps control blood pressure and can also be used to treat conditions such as febrile convulsions, lung-heat-induced asthma, and urinary retention.
2. Apocynum Venetum Leaf (Luobuma Ye)
A traditional Chinese herb with a cool nature, it functions to calm liver wind and clear liver fire. It is used to treat symptoms such as convulsions, seizures, headache, and dizziness caused by excessive liver fire, and has a blood pressure-lowering effect.
3. Mulberry Leaf (Sangye)
The dried leaf of the mulberry plant, it effectively disperses wind-heat and suppresses hyperactive liver yang. It also helps reduce blood pressure, making it suitable for people with hypertension to consume as an infusion.
4. Kudzu Root (Gegen)
This herb has a slightly cool nature and offers benefits such as relaxing muscles, reducing fever, promoting fluid production, and relieving thirst. It can directly dilate blood vessels and reduce peripheral vascular resistance. Drinking适量 amounts as an infusion may help lower blood pressure.
5. Cassia Seed (Jue Mingzi)
This herb is cold in nature and clears liver heat, improves vision, moistens the intestines, and promotes bowel movements. It contains relatively high levels of compounds such as chrysophanol, emodin, and rhein. Consuming it as an infusion may help lower cholesterol and reduce blood pressure.
The blood pressure-lowering effects of the above herbs are limited and vary from person to person. Patients are advised to seek timely medical evaluation at a hospital and, under a doctor's guidance, choose appropriate methods to manage their blood pressure levels.
