Introduction
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It is a major risk factor for heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, and other serious health problems.
Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been used for centuries to treat high blood pressure. TCM practitioners believe that hypertension is caused by an imbalance in the body’s qi (energy) and blood. They use herbs to help restore balance and lower blood pressure.
There are a number of Chinese herbs that have been shown to be effective in lowering blood pressure. Some of the most common herbs used for this purpose include:
- Hawthorn berry (Crataegus oxyacantha)
- Chinese celery (Apium graveolens var. dulce)
- Danshen (Salvia miltiorrhiza)
- Magnolia bark (Magnolia officinalis)
- Rehmannia root (Rehmannia glutinosa)
These herbs work in different ways to lower blood pressure. Hawthorn berry, for example, has been shown to dilate blood vessels and improve blood flow. Chinese celery has diuretic properties, which help to remove excess fluid from the body and reduce blood pressure. Danshen has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which help to protect the heart and blood vessels. Magnolia bark has been shown to inhibit the production of angiotensin II, a hormone that causes blood vessels to constrict. Rehmannia root has滋阴降火 (nourishes Yin and reduces heat) properties, which help to cool the body and reduce blood pressure.
How to Use Chinese Herbs for High Blood Pressure
Chinese herbs are typically taken in the form of tea, pills, or capsules. The dosage and frequency of administration will vary depending on the herb used and the severity of the condition. It is important to talk to a qualified TCM practitioner before taking any Chinese herbs, as some herbs can interact with other medications or have side effects.
Benefits of Using Chinese Herbs for High Blood Pressure
Chinese herbs can be an effective and safe way to lower blood pressure. They are generally well-tolerated and have few side effects. Chinese herbs can also be used in conjunction with conventional medications to improve blood pressure control.
Conclusion
Chinese herbs offer a natural and effective way to lower blood pressure. If you are looking for a safe and effective way to improve your blood pressure, talk to your doctor about whether Chinese herbs may be right for you.
5 Chinese Herbs to Lower Blood Pressure in 2025
Table 1: Chinese Herbs for High Blood Pressure
| Herb | Benefits | Dosage | Side Effects |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hawthorn berry | Dilates blood vessels and improves blood flow | 1-2 cups of tea per day | May cause nausea or stomach upset |
| Chinese celery | Diuretic properties help to remove excess fluid from the body | 1-2 cups of tea per day | May cause diarrhea |
| Danshen | Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties help to protect the heart and blood vessels | 1-2 capsules per day | May cause stomach upset or diarrhea |
| Magnolia bark | Inhibits the production of angiotensin II, a hormone that causes blood vessels to constrict | 1-2 capsules per day | May cause headaches or dizziness |
| Rehmannia root | Nourishes Yin and reduces heat, which helps to cool the body and reduce blood pressure | 1-2 capsules per day | May cause stomach upset or diarrhea |
Table 2: Studies on the Effectiveness of Chinese Herbs for High Blood Pressure
| Study | Results |
|---|---|
| A study published in the journal Hypertension found that hawthorn berry extract was effective in lowering blood pressure in people with mild to moderate hypertension. | The study participants took 500 mg of hawthorn berry extract twice a day for 12 weeks. The results showed that the hawthorn berry extract significantly lowered systolic and diastolic blood pressure. |
| A study published in the journal Phytomedicine found that Chinese celery extract was effective in lowering blood pressure in people with high blood pressure. | The study participants took 500 mg of Chinese celery extract twice a day for 8 weeks. The results showed that the Chinese celery extract significantly lowered systolic and diastolic blood pressure. |
| A study published in the journal The American Journal of Cardiology found that danshen was effective in lowering blood pressure in people with high blood pressure. | The study participants took 100 mg of danshen twice a day for 12 weeks. The results showed that the danshen significantly lowered systolic and diastolic blood pressure. |
| A study published in the journal The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that magnolia bark was effective in lowering blood pressure in people with high blood pressure. | The study participants took 200 mg of magnolia bark extract twice a day for 12 weeks. The results showed that the magnolia bark extract significantly lowered systolic and diastolic blood pressure. |
| A study published in the journal The American Journal of Chinese Medicine found that rehmannia root was effective in lowering blood pressure in people with high blood pressure. | The study participants took 500 mg of rehmannia root extract twice a day for 12 weeks. The results showed that the rehmannia root extract significantly lowered systolic and diastolic blood pressure. |
Table 3: Side Effects of Chinese Herbs for High Blood Pressure
| Herb | Side Effects |
|---|---|
| Hawthorn berry | May cause nausea or stomach upset |
| Chinese celery | May cause diarrhea |
| Danshen | May cause stomach upset or diarrhea |
| Magnolia bark | May cause headaches or dizziness |
| Rehmannia root | May cause stomach upset or diarrhea |
Table 4: Interactions Between Chinese Herbs and Medications
| Herb | Medication | Interaction |
|---|---|---|
| Hawthorn berry | Blood thinners | May increase the risk of bleeding |
| Chinese celery | Diuretics | May increase the risk of dehydration |
| Danshen | Blood thinners | May increase the risk of bleeding |
| Magnolia bark | Antidepressants | May increase the risk of side effects |
| Rehmannia root | Blood sugar medications | May increase the risk of hypoglycemia |
- Talk to your doctor before taking any Chinese herbs, as some herbs can interact with other medications or have side effects.
- Start with a low dose of any Chinese herb and gradually increase the dose as needed.
- Be patient when taking Chinese herbs, as it may take several weeks or months to see results.
- If you experience any side effects from taking Chinese herbs, stop taking them and talk to your doctor.
- Talk to your doctor about whether Chinese herbs may be right for you.
- Find a qualified TCM practitioner who can recommend the right herbs for you.
- Start with a low dose of any Chinese herb and gradually increase the dose as needed.
- Be patient when taking Chinese herbs, as it may take several weeks or months to see results.
- If you experience any side effects from taking Chinese herbs, stop taking them and talk to your doctor.
