I have a friend who has been suffering from hypertension for many years. Recently, he heard that Schisandra chinensis can lower blood pressure, so he bought a lot of Schisandra chinensis to drink. I am a little worried, so I wanted to ask if Schisandra chinensis can lower blood pressure?
Can Schisandra Chinensis Lower Blood Pressure?
Schisandra chinensis does not have the effect of lowering blood pressure.
Hypertension is a disease characterized by increased arterial blood pressure in the systemic circulation. Traditional Chinese medicine divides hypertension into various types, such as excessive liver yang, liver and kidney yin deficiency, yin and yang deficiency, phlegm and dampness obstruction, and qi deficiency and blood stasis. Schisandra chinensis has sour and sweet flavors, warm nature, and has the effects of astringing and consolidating, replenishing qi and generating fluid, and tonifying the kidney and calming the mind. However, it does not have a significant antihypertensive effect.
Can Hypertensive Patients Take Schisandra Chinensis?
Yes, they can.
Schisandra chinensis has sour and sweet flavors, warm nature, and enters the lung, heart, and kidney meridians. It is commonly used to treat symptoms such as chronic cough due to lung deficiency, spontaneous sweating, thirst due to fluid damage, fatigue-induced emaciation, and chronic diarrhea. There is no clear relationship between Schisandra chinensis and the formation of hypertension. Therefore, if hypertensive patients have the above symptoms, they can also take Schisandra chinensis in moderation.
How to Take Schisandra Chinensis
Schisandra Chinensis Porridge
Ingredients: 10g Schisandra chinensis, 10g jujube, 100g glutinous rice, appropriate amount of rock sugar.
Instructions:
1. Crush the Schisandra chinensis and remove the jujube pits.
2. Wash the glutinous rice, add the Schisandra chinensis and jujube to the pot.
3. Pour in an appropriate amount of water and cook the porridge.
4. After the porridge is cooked, add an appropriate amount of rock sugar and cook for about 5 minutes.
5. Take it once in the morning and evening.
Schisandra Chinensis and Goji Berry Tea
Ingredients: 6g Schisandra chinensis, 6g goji berries.
Instructions:
1. Crush the Schisandra chinensis and put it in a cup.
2. Add goji berries and pour in boiling water.
3. Cover and let it steep for about 15 minutes.
4. During this time, you can add water 2-3 times and drink it as tea.
Precautions for Hypertensive Patients Taking Schisandra Chinensis
1. Pay attention to the dosage
The general medicinal dosage of Schisandra chinensis is 2-6 grams. Schisandra chinensis is a type of traditional Chinese medicine and should not be taken in excessive amounts. If taken in doses of 13-18 grams or more at a time, it may cause adverse reactions such as burning sensation in the stomach, belching, acid reflux, nausea, and vomiting. If Schisandra chinensis is used as a treatment for a certain disease, it is recommended to consult a doctor for detailed dosage guidance and follow the doctor's instructions.
2. Prevent allergies
A small percentage of people may have allergies or toxic reactions when taking Schisandra chinensis, such as urticaria, fever, headache, and nausea. If you are unsure whether you are allergic, you can start by taking a small amount of Schisandra chinensis and observe for about 1 hour. If there are no adverse reactions, you can continue taking it.
3. Not suitable for those with initial cough
Schisandra chinensis has a sour taste and has a strong astringent effect on the lungs. It is good at treating chronic cough and cough due to deficiency. However, for those with early-stage cough caused by external factors, the treatment should focus on dispersing and expelling pathogenic factors. Taking Schisandra chinensis in the early stage of cough may cause the retention of pathogenic factors in the body, leading to worsening of cough, headache, and other symptoms.
4. Not suitable for those with initial rash
Schisandra chinensis should not be taken in the early stage of rash. The treatment for early-stage rash should focus on dispersing and promoting eruption, while Schisandra chinensis has a consolidating effect. Taking Schisandra chinensis in the early stage of rash may cause the retention of pathogenic factors in the body, leading to worsening of rash symptoms.
Daily Health Care for Hypertensive Patients
1. Low-salt and low-fat diet
Consuming excessive salt and fat may worsen blood vessel blockage and increase blood viscosity, leading to increased blood pressure. Hypertensive patients should eat light and protein-rich foods, such as black fungus, celery, eggs, fish, etc.
2. Pay attention to keeping warm
Cold stimulation can cause blood vessel constriction and increase blood pressure. Therefore, hypertensive patients must pay attention to keeping warm and avoid getting cold.
3. Monitor blood pressure regularly
Blood pressure fluctuates at different times. Hypertensive patients should monitor their blood pressure daily. If the blood pressure fluctuates significantly, they should go to the hospital for detailed consultation with a doctor.
4. Avoid straining during defecation
If hypertensive patients strain too hard during defecation, it may cause cerebral vascular rupture and lead to cerebral hemorrhage. If there is constipation, it should be promptly reported to the doctor.
5. Exercise appropriately
Hypertensive patients are not suitable for intense exercise, but moderate-intensity exercise can help reduce vascular tension. Examples include tai chi, walking, etc.
