Can Donghancai (Winter Cold Vegetable) lower blood pressure?

Aug 11, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Yu Yongchao

Introduction

Winter hancai usually refers to winter mallow (Malva verticillata L.). In general, winter mallow may have certain auxiliary effects in lowering blood pressure, but it cannot replace medications and should be consumed appropriately according to individual conditions. When consuming winter mallow, it is recommended to prepare it using light cooking methods such as stir-frying with little oil or making soup, avoiding high-fat and high-salt preparations. In daily life, maintaining a low-salt diet and regular physical activity are more important for stable blood pressure control.

Donghancai usually refers to winter mallow (Malva verticillata L.). Under normal circumstances, winter mallow may provide some auxiliary benefits for lowering blood pressure, but it cannot replace medications. It should be consumed reasonably in combination with individual conditions. Detailed analysis is as follows:

Winter mallow is rich in potassium, dietary fiber, and other components. Potassium helps promote the excretion of sodium from the body and contributes to maintaining stable blood pressure; dietary fiber aids in regulating blood lipid levels, reducing vascular strain, and thereby exerting positive effects on blood pressure control. Consuming winter mallow in moderation can be part of dietary management and provide support for blood pressure regulation. However, as a vegetable, winter mallow's effect on lowering blood pressure is relatively mild. Relying solely on its consumption is unlikely to achieve significant blood pressure reduction and cannot substitute pharmacological treatment for hypertension. Moreover, excessive consumption may cause gastrointestinal discomfort, such as bloating and diarrhea, particularly in individuals with cold deficiency of the spleen and stomach, who should therefore control their intake carefully.

When consuming winter mallow, it is recommended to cook it using light methods such as stir-frying or making soup, avoiding the use of excessive oil and salt. In daily life, maintaining a low-salt diet and regular physical activity are more important for stable blood pressure control.

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Can Artemisia selengensis lower blood pressure?

Under normal circumstances, Artemisia selengensis may help lower blood pressure to some extent. When consuming Artemisia selengensis, it is important to wash it thoroughly to remove impurities and pesticide residues. The amount consumed each time should not be excessive to avoid gastrointestinal discomfort. Individuals with deficiency-cold in the spleen and stomach should consume it in moderation and avoid eating it raw. Artemisia selengensis cannot replace antihypertensive medications; individuals with high blood pressure should follow medical advice for treatment.

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Can Donghancai (Winter Cold Vegetable) lower cholesterol?

Malva verticillata, commonly known as Malva, may have a certain auxiliary effect in lowering cholesterol. However, one should not rely solely on Malva for cholesterol reduction. It is recommended to consume Malva together with other low-cholesterol, high-fiber foods to better achieve its supportive benefits. In daily life, it is also important to combine regular physical activity and healthy eating habits.