Chinese Herbs for Reducing Blood Pressure

The herbs below are safe Chinese herbs that are known to reduce blood pressure. They can be taken every day. Many patients report lowering of blood pressure within 6 weeks. Although safe, and can be used by most people, this list is meant as an aide for patients and NOT a recommendation to be used blindly. Please come in for a consultation before using these herbs.

The herbs can be obtained in any herb shop in China Town: the closest to us is in Boston, but you can also order herbs with a credit card with companies such as Spring Wind (415-921-9990) or Asia Natural (800-355-3808) and they will ship them to you (the herbs are sold by the pound).

Du Zhong (eucomia) 杜仲

Sang Ji Sheng (taxillum) 桑寄生

Shan Zha (cratagus/hawthorn berry) 山楂

Ku Ding Cao (bitter melon leaf) 苦丁 草

Some places do not have that and sell Ku Ding Cha (tea – 苦丁茶) instead. That also works.

As hawthorn berries are very sour, I recommend you get a hawthorn berry product at the health food store: it is quite a popular product and can be easily obtained.

The Ku Ding Cao is very bitter, I would not mix it with the other herbs. The Du Zhong and Sang Ji Sheng are easy on the palate. Shan Zha is quite sour. You take a handful of each herb, place in a pot, pour water on it (6 cups), and let it soak for 20 minutes. Bring to a boil and then simmer for 10-15 minutes.

Use the water as your base water for tea (ginger, peppermint, whatever) or drink as is, at least 1 cup, 3 times a day.

You can use the herbs again the next day: cover with 5 cups of water, boil and simmer for 15-20 minutes. Use the liquid that day. And throw away the herbs (or compost – they are NOT organic).

On the third day start with fresh herb.

Other general recommendations for hypertension are relaxation techniques (meditation, total relaxation, etc), as well as yoga, and the opening of the major joints of the body (shoulders and hips). Swimming (breast stroke) is excellent.