Hypertension is a serious condition. Without timely treatment, it can lead not only to dizziness, headaches, and discomfort but also to complications like stroke or cerebral hemorrhage. For the sake of your health, it is essential to seek treatment for hypertension promptly.
Traditional Chinese Medicine Approaches to Hypertension
I. Medicinal Tea Infusions
1. Cassia Seed and Goji Berry Tea
Prepare a small handful each of cassia seeds and goji berries, washing and draining them thoroughly.Next, stir-fry the cassia seeds in a hot pan several times, then transfer them to a large bowl and crush them. Add the washed goji berries and an appropriate amount of rock sugar to the bowl. Pour in an adequate amount of water, then place the mixture in a steamer and simmer over water for about an hour. Finally, once the liquid is ready, strain it and drink it as tea.
Effect: Drinking this tea once daily over an extended period can help improve hypertension. Hypertensive patients may consume it in moderation. Cassia seeds can moderately lower blood pressure, making them quite effective as an adjunct treatment for hypertension.
2. Chrysanthemum Hawthorn Tea
Prepare 3-5 fresh hawthorn berries, 2-4 chrysanthemum flowers, and an appropriate amount of tea leaves. Wash the hawthorn berries, slice them thinly, and place them in a teacup. Add the rinsed chrysanthemum flowers and tea leaves. Once the tea has steeped to a rich color, it is ready to drink.
Benefits: This tea helps lower blood pressure and clear liver heat. Hypertensive patients may consume it regularly in moderation.
II. Dietary Remedies
1. Century Egg Rice Porridge
Prepare 1 preserved century egg, 50g dried mussels, and a small handful of rice. Rinse the mussels and rice thoroughly. Bring water to a boil, then add the rice and cook until it blooms.Add the dried mussels and the preserved egg cut into four small pieces. Stir continuously with a spoon until the porridge is cooked. Season with an appropriate amount of salt before serving.
Benefits: This porridge not only nourishes the liver and kidneys but also benefits essence and blood, making it highly effective for treating hypertension. It is recommended for hypertensive patients to prepare and consume it in the morning and evening.
2. Vegetable Congee
Prepare 100g japonica rice and 60g fresh celery. Bring a pot of water to a boil. While waiting for the water to boil, trim the celery roots, wash thoroughly, then julienne or finely chop and set aside. Rinse the japonica rice. Once the water boils, add the rice and cook.After the broth boils once or twice, add the celery and simmer until the rice is tender. Just before serving, add an appropriate amount of salt and MSG, stir well, and it's ready to eat.
Benefits: This porridge is made by simmering celery and japonica rice together. Celery has blood pressure-lowering effects. Patients with hypertension are advised to consume it in moderation.
Dietary Principles for Hypertension Patients
1. Eat smaller, more frequent meals
Hypertension patients should avoid overeating in one sitting. Instead, consume smaller portions more frequently throughout the day. After meals, rest for at least half an hour before taking a walk or engaging in light physical activity to aid digestion. Consistently following this practice helps maintain a healthy weight, which effectively controls blood pressure.
2. Limit High-Cholesterol Foods
Hypertension patients should minimize or ideally avoid foods high in cholesterol. Long-term consumption of such foods can cause significant fat deposits in arteries, potentially worsening hypertension. Therefore, individuals with hypertension must reduce or eliminate fatty meats, organ meats, squid, egg yolks, and similar foods.
3. Maintain a light diet
Individuals with hypertension should consistently adhere to a light diet. Meals must not be excessively salty, as high salt intake increases the likelihood of developing hypertension. Therefore, reduce salt usage when cooking daily dishes and avoid high-salt preserved foods.