It's the season for fresh ginseng to hit the market recently, and my family has also bought some fresh ginseng. However, there is a hypertensive patient at home. Can I ask if it is safe for hypertensive patients to eat fresh ginseng?
Can hypertensive patients eat fresh ginseng?
Yes, they can eat it in moderation.
Hypertension is a common chronic disease characterized by increased arterial blood pressure in the systemic circulation, which can cause damage to the heart, brain, kidneys, and other organs.
Fresh ginseng is a common nourishing food with the function of replenishing qi and strengthening the body. It has a dual regulatory effect on blood pressure and can help dilate blood vessels and reduce vascular resistance to a certain extent, which can assist in lowering blood pressure. Therefore, hypertensive patients can eat fresh ginseng, but it is not recommended to consume too much to avoid adverse effects.
Is fresh ginseng effective in lowering blood pressure?
Single herbal medicine has limited antihypertensive effects.
Although fresh ginseng has a certain regulatory effect on blood pressure, its medicinal effect is different from that of dried ginseng. Moreover, the therapeutic effect of single herbal medicine is limited. If systematic treatment for hypertension is needed, it is recommended to seek guidance from a doctor for individualized treatment.
What should be noted when hypertensive patients eat fresh ginseng?
1. Cannot replace antihypertensive drugs
Although fresh ginseng has a certain regulatory effect on blood pressure, it cannot completely replace antihypertensive drugs. Hypertensive patients should continue taking antihypertensive drugs while consuming fresh ginseng to avoid an increase in blood pressure and discomfort.
2. Avoid eating radishes
It is not advisable to eat radishes immediately after consuming fresh ginseng. This is because fresh ginseng replenishes qi, while radishes promote qi circulation. Eating them together may affect the nourishing effect of ginseng.
3. Avoid eating grapes
Fresh ginseng should not be consumed together with grapes because grapes contain tannic acid, which easily forms precipitates with the protein in ginseng, affecting absorption and reducing the efficacy.
Who should not eat fresh ginseng?
1. Patients with colds
Fresh ginseng has a good nourishing effect, but it is not suitable to consume tonics during a cold. Otherwise, it may cause stagnation of pathogenic factors in the body, hinder the body's ability to expel them, and worsen cold symptoms.
2. Yin deficiency and fire hyperactivity
Fresh ginseng has a good qi-nourishing effect. If consumed by individuals with symptoms such as restlessness, dry mouth and thirst, and night sweats caused by yin deficiency, it may exacerbate existing discomfort.
3. Those with strong allergies
Individuals with strong allergic reactions should be cautious when consuming fresh ginseng, as it may cause allergic reactions such as rashes, itching all over the body, and abdominal discomfort. If unsure about personal allergies, a small amount of fresh ginseng can be taken first to observe any adverse reactions. If there are no discomforts, continue consumption.
How to get the best effects when consuming fresh ginseng?
Ginseng and Lily Porridge
Ingredients: 150g rice, 15g lily, 60g fresh ginseng, 1 tablespoon cooking wine, 3g ginger, 6g green onion, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon chicken essence, 8g sesame oil.
Instructions:
1. Wash the lily and set aside.
2. Remove impurities from the fresh ginseng, wash it, and cut it into slices.
3. Cut the ginger into small pieces and chop the green onion.
4. Rinse the rice.
5. Then put the rice, lily, fresh ginseng, ginger, green onion, and cooking wine into a pot.
6. Add water and bring to a boil over high heat, then simmer for 35 minutes over low heat.
7. Finally, add salt, chicken essence, and sesame oil to serve.
Fresh ginseng stew
1. Wash the fresh ginseng and slice it thinly.
2. Place 10-15 slices in a bowl.
3. Add an appropriate amount of water and seal the bowl.
4. Place the bowl in a pot, steam for about 1-2 hours.
5. Drink the medicinal juice and then consume the ginseng slices.
