chinese herbs for hypertension

Hypertension is a prevalent chronic condition, and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) posits that it can be managed by restoring the balance of Yin and Yang within the body. Certain herbs are believed to play a supportive role in reducing blood pressure. However, the use of TCM for hypertension should be overseen by a qualified practitioner, given the variability in individual constitutions and medical histories, necessitating tailored treatment strategies.

In TCM, hypertension is often linked to conditions such as excessive liver yang, obstruction by phlegm and dampness, and deficiencies in qi and blood. Consequently, TCM practitioners select different herbs to address these distinct imbalances. For instance, herbs like chrysanthemum, prunella, and cassia seeds are used for their heat-clearing and liver-calming properties, which are beneficial for patients with hypertension attributed to excessive liver yang; hawthorn, salvia, and notoginseng are chosen for their ability to activate blood circulation and eliminate stasis, making them suitable for patients with hypertension due to phlegm and dampness obstruction; and astragalus, codonopsis, and atractylodes macrocephala are prescribed to tonify qi and nourish blood, fitting for those with hypertension associated with qi and blood deficiencies.

It is important to recognize that treating hypertension with TCM is not an immediate fix; it requires ongoing commitment and lifestyle modifications, including a balanced diet, regular physical activity, and emotional well-being. Additionally, TCM herbs can have side effects and contraindications, so their use should be under the direction of a healthcare provider rather than self-administered. Should blood pressure remain uncontrolled or new symptoms arise, timely medical consultation is advised to revise the treatment plan.