Danshen is a relatively common traditional Chinese medicine in daily life. Many hypertensive patients take Danshen as a health supplement. So, can Danshen lower blood pressure?
Can Danshen lower blood pressure?
It has a certain antihypertensive effect.
From the perspective of Western medicine, hypertension refers to a disease characterized by increased systemic arterial blood pressure, which is related to factors such as cardiac output, heart rate, peripheral resistance, arterial vessel elasticity, and blood vessel capacity. Danshen contains components such as tanshinone, cryptotanshinone, protocatechualdehyde, and salvianolic acid, which can dilate blood vessels, improve blood flow and microcirculation disorders, thus reducing blood pressure.
From the perspective of traditional Chinese medicine, hypertension is classified into various patterns such as liver yang hyperactivity, liver and kidney yin deficiency, yin and yang deficiency, phlegm-dampness obstruction, and qi deficiency and blood stasis. Danshen has a bitter and slightly cold nature, and it has the effects of promoting blood circulation, resolving stasis, extinguishing fire, calming the mind, and calming the liver. It can alleviate the discomfort symptoms in patients with liver yang hyperactivity and qi deficiency and blood stasis type hypertension.
How to take Danshen for lowering blood pressure
Danshen antihypertensive decoction
Ingredients: Danshen 10 grams, hawthorn 10 grams, Sanqi 5 grams.
Method:
1. Put Danshen, Sanqi, and hawthorn in a pot.
2. Add an appropriate amount of warm water and bring to a boil over high heat.
3. Simmer for about 30 minutes over low heat.
4. Remove the residue and drink the decoction.
Danshen honey tea
Recipe: Danshen 30 grams, honey 20 grams.
Method:
1. Wash and slice Danshen, put it in a pot.
2. Add an appropriate amount of water and bring to a boil over high heat.
3. Simmer for about 20 minutes over low heat.
4. Take the decoction and let it cool slightly.
5. Add honey and stir well.
6. Take 1-2 times daily.
Precautions for taking Danshen to lower blood pressure
1. Avoid blind usage
Although Danshen has a certain antihypertensive effect, its effect is limited and cannot completely control blood pressure. Therefore, even if hypertensive patients take Danshen, they should continue to take antihypertensive drugs to avoid an increase in blood pressure.
2. Do not exceed the dosage
Although Danshen has a certain antihypertensive effect, it is still a traditional Chinese medicine with a prescribed dosage. The usual dosage of Danshen is 10-30 grams. As Danshen has a strong blood-activating effect, excessive intake may cause gastrointestinal bleeding.
3. Potassium supplementation for long-term use
Long-term use of Danshen may lead to a decrease in potassium content in the body. Therefore, it is recommended to consume foods high in potassium, such as oranges, peanuts, and soybeans, while taking Danshen to prevent a decrease in blood potassium levels.
4. Avoid concurrent use with Luli
According to the "Eighteen Incompatibilities" in traditional Chinese medicine, Danshen and Luli are incompatible. Taking them together may cause toxic side effects.
5. Avoid concurrent use with anticoagulant drugs
Danshen has an antiplatelet aggregation effect. Taking it with other anticoagulant drugs may enhance the anticoagulant effect, which may lead to bleeding. Therefore, Danshen should be avoided with anticoagulant drugs such as aspirin and warfarin.
6. Beware of allergic reactions
Some people may be allergic to Danshen. After taking it, they may experience symptoms such as stomach pain, nausea, itching all over the body, and even chest tightness, shortness of breath, and decreased blood pressure. It is recommended to take a small amount before taking it and observe for about 1 hour. If there are no discomfort symptoms, continue taking it.
Who should not take Danshen to lower blood pressure
1. Pregnant women
Danshen is a blood-activating medicine that has a certain stimulating effect on the uterus and can cause uterine contractions. Taking a large amount of Danshen during pregnancy may lead to miscarriage.
2. Patients with bleeding disorders
Danshen has a strong blood-activating and stasis-resolving effect, which can stimulate blood vessels. Taking Danshen by patients with bleeding disorders may increase the amount of bleeding.
Tips
Emotions are also one of the causes of hypertension. If a person is under long-term mental stress, especially when experiencing anger, bad mood, or a sense of severe loss, it may cause significant fluctuations in blood pressure or directly increase blood pressure. Therefore, hypertensive patients should pay attention to stabilizing their emotions and cultivating an optimistic and cheerful temperament.
