Can patients with hypertension drink Cornus officinalis water?

Generally, whether patients with hypertension can drink Cornus officinalis fruit water needs to be determined based on their individual health conditions. If a patient's blood pressure is well-controlled, they may usually consume moderate amounts of Cornus officinalis fruit water under a physician's guidance. However, if blood pressure is poorly controlled and the patient is currently taking antihypertensive medication, it is not recommended. Detailed explanations are as follows:

Cornus officinalis, as a traditional Chinese herb, has functions of nourishing the liver and kidneys, and consolidating essence and reducing urination. Some mild hypertension patients who are managing their condition without medications, or those whose blood pressure has already been effectively controlled through other means, may benefit from moderate consumption of Cornus officinalis fruit water under medical supervision.

However, for patients currently taking antihypertensive medications, Cornus officinalis may interfere with drug metabolism, thereby altering drug efficacy and potentially causing unstable blood pressure control. Therefore, its consumption is not recommended in such cases. Additionally, Cornus officinalis has certain warming and nourishing properties; excessive consumption may cause excessive internal heat (commonly referred to as "fire" in traditional Chinese medicine), so long-term use is not advisable.

In daily life, patients with hypertension should maintain good lifestyle habits, such as quitting smoking, limiting alcohol consumption, and engaging in regular physical activity, which can help maintain stable blood pressure.

References

[1] Wang Jiajun, Wang Zeping, Wang Xuelian, et al. Research advances in chemical constituents and pharmacological effects of Cornus officinalis[J]. Chinese Traditional and Herbal Drugs, 2025, 56(03): 1088-1103.

[2] Yu Hongwei. Cornus officinalis: Food and Medicine as One[J]. Henan Agriculture, 2024, (15): 2.