Can patients with hypertension take Chuan Duan?
Sep 20, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Xiuhong
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, "Chuan Duan" refers to Dipsacus asperoides, a traditional Chinese herb. It is the dried root of the perennial herb Dipsacus asperoides from the family Caprifoliaceae, and is commonly used to nourish the liver and kidneys, strengthen muscles and bones, and promote healing of fractures and injuries. Patients with hypertension should avoid using Dipsacus asperoides. This herb has a warm and hot nature, which may cause excessive internal yang qi, leading to blood pressure fluctuations and making it difficult to control the condition.
Generally, "Chuan Duan" refers to Dipsacus asperoides, a traditional Chinese herb that uses the dried root of the plant from the Dipsacaceae family. It is commonly used to tonify the liver and kidneys, strengthen muscles and bones, and promote healing of fractures and injuries. However, patients with hypertension should avoid taking this herb, for the following reasons:
Dipsacus asperoides has a warm and hot nature, which may lead to excessive internal yang qi, causing blood pressure fluctuations and making hypertension more difficult to control. Additionally, it contains saponins that may stimulate the secretion of aldosterone—a hormone that promotes sodium retention and potassium excretion. Excessive aldosterone secretion can result in water and sodium retention, thereby elevating blood pressure and negatively affecting health. Therefore, hypertensive patients should avoid or minimize their intake of Dipsacus asperoides.
During treatment and recovery, patients are advised to maintain a balanced diet, consume adequate fresh vegetables and fruits to obtain essential vitamins and minerals, and reduce intake of high-fat and high-cholesterol foods to support overall recovery.
