8 30g of Prunella vulgaris, 40g of Haliotis shell, 10g of chrysanthemum, and 15g of Scutellaria baicalensis. Decoct in water and take one dose daily.

(3) 120g of Prunella vulgaris, 120g of white sugar, and 100g of Cassia seed. Usage: First, add 200ml of water to the Prunella vulgaris and Cassia seed, simmer over low heat until the volume is reduced to 150ml, then filter. Reboil the remaining herbal residue. Combine the two decoctions, add the white sugar, stir well until dissolved, and take one dose every three days, divided into several servings. A total of 30 days constitutes one treatment course. (4) 15 live earthworms with white necks and 100g of white sugar. Usage: Cut open the earthworms, wash them thoroughly, marinate them in white sugar, and once they have liquefied, drink the mixture all at once. Take this remedy twice daily, morning and evening, for five days as one treatment course. (5) Red-skinned peanut kernels and vinegar. Usage: Soak the red-skinned peanut kernels in vinegar, seal tightly, and let them sit for more than one week—longer is better. Take three to five kernels each night before bed, chew them thoroughly, and swallow. Continue for seven days as one treatment course. Long-term use has no side effects; in addition to treating high blood pressure, it can also prevent arteriosclerotic cerebral infarction. (6) 1000g of chrysanthemum, 400g of Ligusticum chuanxiong, 200g of Moutan cortex, and 200g of Angelica dahurica. Usage: Sew a pillowcase from clean cloth, fill it with the above herbs, and use it as a pillow while sleeping. For those who are sensitive to the smell of Angelica dahurica, reduce the dosage accordingly. If you are overweight and experience afternoon hot flashes, increase the amount of Moutan cortex to 300g; if headaches occur when exposed to cold, add another 200g of Asarum. Each pillow can be used continuously for half a year. (7) 9g of Tribulus terrestris, 9g of yellow chrysanthemum, 9g of Scutellaria baicalensis, 20g of Prunella vulgaris, 15g of Fructus ligustri lucidii, and 1.5g of cinnamon (ground and swallowed). Decoct in water and take one dose daily. (8) 30g of Prunella vulgaris, 40g of Haliotis shell, 10g of chrysanthemum, and 15g of Scutellaria baicalensis. Decoct in water and take one dose daily. (9) 15g of Stachys floridiana, 10g of Pheretima, 10g of Eucommia ulmoides, 10g of Moutan cortex, 10g of Prunella vulgaris, 15g of Morus alba parasitic plant, and 10g of Picris hieracioides. Decoct in water and take one dose daily. (10) 15g of Achyranthes bidentata, 10g of Gentiana scabra, 10g of Prunella vulgaris, 10g of Pheretima, and 15g of Laminaria japonica. Decoct in water and take one dose daily. (11) 100g of fresh cherry leaves (equivalent to 60g of dried leaves). Decoct in water and take one dose twice daily, morning and evening. (12) One sunflower receptacle and ten red dates. Decoct in water, eat the dates and drink the broth. This remedy not only lowers blood pressure but also effectively prevents arteriosclerosis. (13) 12g of Radix Scrophulariae and 10g of Kuding tea. Decoct in water and take for hypertension due to yin deficiency and yang excess. (III) Traditional Chinese Patent Medicines

1. Songling Xuemaikang Capsules (Chengdu Kanghong Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.). Main ingredients: Pueraria lobata, pearl layer powder, etc. Effects: Calms the liver and subdues yang, tranquilizes the heart and calms the spirit. Used for headache, dizziness, irritability, palpitations, and insomnia associated with hypertension. Usage: Take three capsules each time, three times a day, orally.
2. Kebeiqi Capsules. Main ingredient: Antelope horn. Effects: Cools the blood, calms the liver, and lowers blood pressure. Usage: Take one to two capsules daily, orally.
3. Lingjiao Jiangxue Tablets. Main ingredients: Prunella vulgaris, Scutellaria baicalensis, Morus alba parasitic plant, etc. Effects: Clears heat, calms the liver, and lowers blood pressure. Usage: Take four tablets each time, three times a day, orally.
4. Compound Luobuma Tablets. Main ingredients: Luobuma leaves, hydralazine sulfate, etc. Effects: Calms the liver and lowers blood pressure. Usage: Take two tablets each time, three times a day, orally.
5. Zhenju Jiangya Tablets. Main ingredients: Mother-of-pearl, wild chrysanthemum, sophora flower buds, hydrochlorothiazide, and clonidine. Effects: Sedative, clears heat, and lowers blood pressure. Usage: Take one tablet each time, three times a day, orally.
6. Qingnao Jiangya Tablets. Main ingredients: Mother-of-pearl, Haliotis shell, Polygonum multiflorum, Uncaria rhynchophylla. Effects: Calms the liver and clears the brain, lowering blood pressure. Usage: Take four tablets each time, three times a day, orally.
7. Longdan Xiegan Oral Liquid (Chinese Pharmacopoeia). Main ingredients: Gentiana scabra, Gardenia jasminoides, Scutellaria baicalensis, Rehmannia glutinosa, Plantago major, Aristolochia fangchi, etc. Effects: Drains liver fire, clears damp-heat, and lowers blood pressure. Usage: Take one vial each time, three times a day, orally.
8. Liuwei Dihuang Pills (Chinese Pharmacopoeia). Main ingredients: Cornus officinalis, Dioscorea opposita, Rehmannia glutinosa, Moutan cortex, Alisma orientalis, Poria cocos. Effects: Nourishes the yin of the liver and kidneys. Usage: Take eight pills each time, three times a day, orally.
9. Qiju Dihuang Drink (Chinese Pharmacopoeia). Main ingredients: Liuwei Dihuang Pills plus goji berries and chrysanthemum. Effects: Nourishes the liver and kidneys, improves eyesight, and lowers blood pressure. Usage: Take one vial each time, three times a day, orally.
10. Niuhuang Jiangya Pills (empirical formula, Chinese Pharmacopoeia). Main ingredients: Buffalo gallstone, antelope horn, mother-of-pearl, borneol, curcuma, codonopsis, white peony, buffalo horn powder, realgar, cassia seed, astragalus, etc. Effects: Clears heart and transforms phlegm, calms the spirit and lowers blood pressure. Used for cases of excessive liver fire, dizziness, irritability, abundant phlegm-fire, and hypertension. Usage: Take one to two pills each time, once a day.
11. Naoliqing Pills (empirical formula, Chinese Pharmacopoeia). Main ingredients: Magnetite, ochre, mother-of-pearl, Pinellia ternata, yeast granules, achyranthes, peppermint oil, borneol, pig bile (or pig bile paste, pig bile powder). Effects: Calms the liver and subdues yang, awakens the mind and calms the spirit. Used for hypertension caused by excessive liver yang, dizziness, tinnitus, bitter taste in the mouth, and difficulty sleeping. Usage: Take ten pills each time, twice a day.
12. Maijun’an (Pueraria Lobata Blood Pressure Lowering Tablets) (Wuhan Zhonglian Pharmaceutical Factory). Main ingredients: Pueraria lobata, Uncaria rhynchophylla, etc. Effects: Calms the liver and dispels wind, relieves muscle pain, and lowers blood pressure. Used for hypertension, coronary heart disease, stiff neck and shoulders, dizziness and headache, insomnia and palpitations, tinnitus and forgetfulness, irritability, and numbness in the limbs. Usage: Take four to five tablets each time, two to three times a day.
13. Compound Hook Honey Tablets (Compound Hook Honey Blood Pressure Lowering Tablets) (empirical formula). Main ingredients: hook vine alkaloids, honey fungus, Prunella vulgaris, chrysanthemum, hawthorn, Morus alba parasitic plant, Polygonum multiflorum, Ligustrum lucidum, Haliotis shell, Achyranthes, polygonatum, sour jujube seeds, Pueraria lobata. Effects: Nourishes kidney yin, calms the liver and subdues yang, dispels wind and calms the spirit. Used for hypertension caused by kidney yin deficiency or excessive liver yang, including dizziness and vertigo. Usage: Take two to four tablets each time, three times a day.
14. Tianma Gou Teng Drink (instant powder) (Sichuan Provincial Drug Standard). Main ingredients: Tianma, hook vine, Haliotis shell, Gardenia jasminoides, Scutellaria baicalensis, Achyranthes, Eucommia ulmoides, Leonurus cardiaca, Morus alba parasitic plant, night-blooming jasmine, red poria. Effects: Calms the liver and dispels wind, clears heat and promotes blood circulation, nourishes the liver and kidneys, used for hypertension caused by excessive liver yang, liver wind disturbing the upper body, headache, dizziness, and insomnia. This formula has a significant blood pressure-lowering effect on renal, primary, and neurogenic hypertension. Usage: Take one to two packets each time, dissolve in water, three times a day.
15. Tianma Honey Fungus Instant Powder. Effects: Calms the liver and dispels wind, sedates. Usage: Take 10g each time, three times a day.
16. Honey Fungus Tablets. Effects: Calms the liver and dispels wind. Usage: Take three to five tablets each time, three times a day. Ten days constitute one treatment course; if after two courses there is still no effect, discontinue use.
17. Hook Vine Tablets. Effects: Lowers blood pressure. Indicated for all stages of hypertension. Usage: Take 0.01 to 0.02mg each time, three times a day.
18. Eucommia Ulmoides Blood Pressure Lowering Tablets. Effects: Clears liver heat and lowers blood pressure. Indicated for hypertension. Usage: Take five tablets each time, three times a day.
19. Cucumber Vine Blood Pressure Lowering Sugar-Coated Tablets. Effects: Clears heat and promotes diuresis; calms the liver and subdues yang. Indicated for dizziness, irritability, and elevated blood pressure. Usage: Take three to six tablets each time, three times a day.
20. Niuhuang Jiangya Tablets (empirical formula, Chinese Pharmacopoeia). Effects: Clears heart and transforms phlegm, calms the spirit and lowers blood pressure. Indicated for cases of excessive liver fire, dizziness, irritability, abundant phlegm-fire, and hypertension. Usage: Take 1.5 to 3g each time, once a day, washed down with warm water; avoid if experiencing diarrhea.
21. Qingnao Jiangya Tablets. Effects: Has blood pressure-lowering properties. Indicated for high blood pressure, dizziness, insomnia, and forgetfulness. Usage: Take four to six tablets each time, three times a day; pregnant women should avoid.
22. Blood Pressure Lowering Syrup. Effects: Calms liver fire and lowers blood pressure. Indicated for dizziness, irritability, insomnia, and brain swelling and dizziness caused by high blood pressure. Usage: Take 15ml each time, three times a day.
23. Naoliqing (Naoliqing Tablets). Effects: Calms the liver and lowers blood pressure, clears heat and relieves pain. Indicated for cases of rising liver heat, dizziness, dry throat, headache, brain swelling, insomnia, forgetfulness, palpitations, tinnitus, poor appetite, and hypertension. Usage: Take ten pills each time, twice a day; for tablet form, take 1g each time, twice a day. Pregnant women and those with weak constitutions or cold conditions should avoid (this product has been widely used in recent years to treat hypertension).
24. Shanming Compound (empirical formula). Effects: Lowers blood lipids and blood pressure. Indicated for hypertension and hyperlipidemia. Usage: Take 10ml each time, twice a day.
25. Tianma Tablets (empirical formula). Effects: Nourishes the liver and kidneys, enriches yin and blood, dispels wind and strengthens waist and knees. Indicated for hemiplegia after cerebrovascular accidents, migraines, lower back pain, numbness in the limbs, sequelae of polio, and hypertension. Usage: Take six tablets each time, two to three times a day.
26. Changteng Blood Pressure Lowering Tablets. Effects: Calms the liver and dispels wind, relieves muscle pain. Indicated for hypertension, coronary heart disease, stiff neck and shoulders, dizziness and headache, insomnia and palpitations. Usage: Take four to five tablets each time, three to four times a day.
27. Awakening Brain Blood Pressure Lowering Tablets. Effects: Opens up the orifices and awakens the brain, calms the heart and sedates, combats heat and inflammation. Indicated for hypertension, slurred speech, and abundant phlegm. Usage: Take five to ten pills each time, once or twice a day; pregnant women and those with gastrointestinal ulcers should avoid.
28. Niuhuang Jiangya Capsules (developed formula, Chinese Pharmacopoeia). Effects: Clears heart and transforms phlegm, calms the spirit and lowers blood pressure. Indicated for cases of excessive liver yang, dizziness, abundant phlegm-water, and hypertension. Usage: Take four pills each time, 0.2g per pill, once a day; those with higher blood pressure may take six to eight pills.
29. Angong Jiangya Pills (Chinese Pharmacopoeia). Effects: Clears heart and cools the liver, dispels wind and subdues yang, calms the liver and lowers blood pressure. Indicated for dizziness, stiff neck and brain swelling, palpitations and frequent dreams, irritability associated with high blood pressure. Also applicable to cases of hypertensive crisis, where blood pressure suddenly spikes, head and neck become stiff, face turns red, dizziness and vomiting occur, pulse becomes string-like and urgent, or there are symptoms of mental blockage such as feeling restless and uneasy. Usage: Take one to two pills each time, twice a day. Precautions: Do not take if blood pressure is not high, no excessive liver yang, or strong liver and heart fire; avoid if suffering from yin deficiency or qi deficiency; avoid spicy, drying, fatty, greasy foods that generate phlegm and heat.
30. Eucommia Ulmoides Blood Pressure Lowering Tablets. Effects: Clears liver heat and lowers blood pressure. Indicated for treating hypertension, which corresponds to “excessive liver yang” in traditional Chinese medicine; often caused by insufficient kidney water, lack of water to nourish wood, insufficient liver yin, and inability of yin to restrain yang. Usage: Take five tablets each time, three times a day, washed down with warm water.
31. Luo Huang Blood Pressure Lowering Tablets. Effects: Calms the liver and clears heat, promotes blood circulation and resolves stasis. Indicated for treating heart-kidney disharmony and dizziness caused by excessive liver yang, stiff neck, irritability, and constipation. Usage: Take four to six tablets each time, twice a day, washed down with warm water; pregnant women should use with caution. -32. Jiangya Ling Tablets. Effects: Lowers blood pressure; modern pharmacological research proves they have a mild yet lasting blood pressure-lowering and sedative effect, while also slowing the heart rate. Similar to reserpine, but with milder side effects like nasal congestion. Indicated for early-stage hypertension, renal, arteriosclerotic, or endocrine-related hypertension, and as an adjunct medication for tachycardia and hyperthyroidism. Usage: Take one to two tablets each time, but once blood pressure stabilizes, take one tablet each time; avoid if suffering from digestive ulcers.
32. Quick-Acting Niuhuang Pills. Effects: Clears heat and lowers blood pressure, calms the spirit and opens up the orifices. Indicated for treating irritability, unconsciousness, and dizziness caused by hypertension. Usage: Take one pill each time, twice a day; for children, reduce the dosage appropriately, washed down with warm water; pregnant women should avoid.
33. Wutong Tablets. Effects: Lowers blood lipids and blood pressure. Pharmacological experiments prove they dilate peripheral blood vessels and lower blood pressure. Indicated for treating hypertension and hyperlipidemia. Usage: Take four tablets each time, three times a day, washed down with warm water after meals.
34. Heart-Calming Blood Pressure Lowering Tablets. Effects: Calms the spirit and strengthens the heart, lowers blood pressure. Indicated for hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and other related diseases. Usage: Take sugar-coated tablets, five tablets each time, three times a day, washed down with warm water, or follow doctor’s instructions. Avoid anger and excessive sweet and fatty foods; abstain from alcohol.
35. Blood Pressure-Lowering and Life-Prolonging Tablets. Effects: Nourishes the liver and kidneys, replenishes essence, clears heat and detoxifies, drains liver fire. Indicated for hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and other related diseases. Usage: Take four to six tablets each time, twice a day, washed down with plain water. Diet should be light and moderate; sexual activity should be restrained. Suitable for patients with both deficiency and excess conditions, but those with pure deficiency should avoid long-term use.
36. Hawthorn Blood Pressure Lowering Pills. Effects: Digests food, transforms phlegm, strengthens the spleen, drains heat and resolves stasis in the liver. Indicated for hypertension and hyperlipidemia. Usage: Take one to two pills each time, twice a day, on an empty stomach, washed down with warm water. Regulate emotions, avoid anger, keep diet light, and avoid smoking and drinking. Those with kidney deficiency due to hypertension should avoid.
37. Blood Pressure-Nourishing Instant Powder. Effects: Nourishes yin and blood, calms the liver and subdues yang, clears heat and dispels wind. Indicated for hypertension caused by liver yin deficiency and excessive liver yang. Usage: Take 10g each time, twice a day, washed down with warm water. Avoid sadness, anger, and spicy foods.
38. Compound Eucommia Tablets. Effects: Clears liver and lowers blood pressure, promotes blood circulation and nourishes the kidneys. Indicated for hypertension caused by excessive liver yang with signs of heat. Usage: Take five tablets each time, three times a day, washed down with warm water. Those with low blood pressure should avoid.
39. Qingnao Jiangya Pills. Effects: Clears the head and calms the spirit, lowers blood pressure. Indicated for hypertension. Usage: Take four to six pills each time, three times a day, washed down with warm water. Avoid anger, sadness, spicy foods, and greasy, sweet, alcoholic beverages. Pregnant women should avoid. (IV) Single Herb Traditional Chinese Medicine Traditional Chinese medicine has a long history of treating hypertension; the following herbs all have blood pressure-lowering effects, most of which have been confirmed through animal experiments and modern pharmacological research. They are now introduced to readers for reference in the prevention and treatment of hypertension. It must be noted that the scope of TCM treatment is very broad and each herb has its own specific focus. Therefore, in addition to the “nature,” “meridian tropism,” and “functions” of the herbs, we will focus on introducing content specifically related to hypertension.
40. Rauvolfia serpentina. Nature: bitter, sweet, cold. Meridian tropism: liver and heart. Functions: clears wind-heat, reduces liver fire, eliminates swelling and toxins. Treats headache and dizziness associated with hypertension. In the 1950s, the earliest antihypertensive drug, “Reserpine,” was extracted from the alkaloids of Rauvolfia serpentina. Dosage: 3 to 5 grams. Note: this herb is toxic, use with caution.
41. Luobuma. Nature: sweet, bitter, cold. Meridian tropism: liver and kidney. Functions: clears heat and reduces fire, strengthens the heart and promotes urination, treats heart disease, hypertension, neurasthenia, nephritis, and edema. Pharmacology: lowers blood pressure and strengthens the heart. Treats hypertension. Dosage: 10 to 15 grams. Note: this herb has diuretic, blood pressure-lowering, and calming effects, especially suitable for hypertensive patients who are irritable. The source of this herb is abundant, economical, and non-toxic.
42. Hanfangji. Nature: bitter, cold. Meridian tropism: bladder, spleen, stomach. Functions: promotes water metabolism, drains damp-heat from the lower burner. Pharmacology: Hanfangji Jia has a significant blood pressure-lowering effect. Treats hypertension. Dosage: 5 to 15 grams. Note: for hypertensive patients with heart damage and lower limb edema, combine with Astragalus. There is an ancient prescription called “Fangji-Huangqi Soup.”
43. Qingmuxiang. Nature: pungent, cold. Meridian tropism: lungs and spleen. Functions: promotes qi flow, detoxifies, reduces swelling, treats enteritis, diarrhea, and hypertension. Pharmacology: lowers blood pressure. Treats hypertension. Dosage: 5 to 15 grams. Suitable for hypertensive patients with poor intestinal function.
44. Qingzixiang. Nature: bitter, cool. Meridian tropism: liver. Functions: dispels wind-heat, clears liver fire, treats hypertension. Dosage: 5 to 15 grams. Note: suitable for hypertensive patients with eye diseases.
45. Daye Gouteng. Nature: sweet, bitter, cool. Meridian tropism: liver and heart. Functions: clears heat and calms the liver, dispels wind and calms the spirit, treats convulsions, hypertension, and nervous headaches. Dosage: 5 to 15 grams. Note: suitable for hypertensive patients with excessive liver yang causing dizziness and tinnitus.
46. Hawthorn. Nature: sweet, sour, slightly warm. Meridian tropism: spleen, kidney, liver. Functions: digests food, disperses blood stasis. Pharmacology: slow and lasting blood pressure-lowering effect, strengthens the heart, dilates coronary arteries, lowers cholesterol, increases the ratio of lecithin to cholesterol. Dosage: 10 to 20 grams. Note: suitable for hypertension with triple-high syndrome.
47. Baimaogen. Nature: sweet, cold. Meridian tropism: lungs and stomach. Functions: cools the blood and stops bleeding, clears heat and promotes urination. Pharmacology: rich in potassium salts, lowers blood pressure. Treats nephritis. Dosage: 15 to 30 grams. Note: suitable for hypertensive patients with damp-heat in the kidney meridian.
48. Yuzhu. Nature: sweet, neutral. Meridian tropism: lungs and stomach. Functions: nourishes yin, moistens dryness, relieves annoyance. Pharmacology: lowers blood pressure and strengthens the heart. Dosage: 10 to 15 grams. Note: for hypertensive patients with obvious yin deficiency, accompanied by lung-heart, high heart, and coronary heart disease, this herb is essential.
49. Baiguo Ye. Nature: sweet, bitter, astringent, neutral. Meridian tropism: heart and lungs. Functions: benefits the heart and consolidates the lungs, clears dampness and stops diarrhea. Pharmacology: dilates coronary arteries, has a certain blood pressure-lowering effect. Treats angina pectoris associated with coronary heart disease. Dosage: 5 to 15 grams. Note: suitable for hypertensive patients with abundant phlegm-dampness and coronary heart disease.
50. Digupi. Nature: sweet, bitter, cool. Meridian tropism: kidney and liver. Functions: clears heat, dispels wind, promotes moisture. Treats hypertension and dizziness/headache. Pharmacology: significant blood pressure-lowering effect. Treats hypertension and lowers cholesterol. Dosage: 15 to 25 grams.
51. Juemingzi. Nature: bitter, sweet, cool. Meridian tropism: liver and kidney. Functions: clears the liver, brightens the eyes, promotes urination, facilitates bowel movements. Treats hypertension and habitual constipation. Pharmacology: lowers blood pressure and lowers cholesterol. Can also lower blood lipids and blood sugar. Dosage: 5 to 15 grams. Note: do not crush it, otherwise it will be ineffective.
52. Honghua. Nature: pungent, warm. Meridian tropism: heart and liver. Functions: activates blood circulation, clears stasis, relieves pain. Pharmacology: lowers blood pressure. Treats coronary heart disease. Dosage: 5 to 10 grams. Note: suitable for coronary heart disease with qi stagnation. It is one of the components of Coronary II (Danshen, Honghua, Chishao, Chuanxiong, Jiangxiang).
53. Lianqiao. Nature: bitter, cool. Meridian tropism: heart, liver, spleen. Functions: clears heat, detoxifies, disperses knots, reduces swelling. Pharmacology: strengthens the heart and promotes urination. Treats nephritis and retinal hemorrhage. Dosage: 15 to 25 grams. Note: those with arterial sclerosis and retinal hemorrhage must use it.
54. Hanqin. Nature: sweet, bitter, cool. Meridian tropism: kidney and liver. Functions: clears heat, dispels wind, promotes moisture. Treats hypertension and dizziness/headache. Pharmacology: significant blood pressure-lowering effect. Treats hypertension and lowers cholesterol. Dosage: 15 to 25 grams.
55. Danpi. Nature: pungent, bitter, cool. Meridian tropism: heart and spleen. Functions: clears heat, cools the blood, activates blood circulation, dispels stasis. Pharmacology: lowers blood pressure. Treats hypertension. Dosage: 5 to 15 grams. Note: suitable for all stages of hypertension.
56. Xin Yi. Nature: pungent, warm. Meridian tropism: lungs and stomach. Functions: dispels wind, opens up the orifices. Pharmacology: lowers blood pressure. Dosage: 5 to 15 grams. Note: suitable for hypertensive patients with blocked lung orifices.
57. Mulingshi. Nature: sweet, neutral. Meridian tropism: heart, liver, spleen, kidney. Functions: lubricates joints, preserves vital energy, enriches essence, strengthens tendons and bones, improves complexion. Pharmacology: lowers blood pressure. Treats coronary heart disease and arrhythmia. Abnormality. Dosage: 5–20 g. According to: It has the effects of tonifying the root, strengthening the body, and anti-aging.
58. Qingfeng Teng (Green Wind Vine) Taste and nature: bitter, neutral. Meridians: liver, kidney. Effects: dispelling wind-dampness, promoting urination. Pharmacology: significantly, rapidly, and persistently lowers blood pressure. Dosage: 15–25 g. According to: Suitable for hypertension caused by kidney yin deficiency and liver yang excess. Prevents and treats hypertensive crises.
59. Cizhili (Tribulus) Taste and nature: pungent, bitter, warm. Meridians: liver, lung. Functions: dispersing wind, improving vision, descending qi and promoting blood circulation. Pharmacology: lowers blood pressure and diuresis. Dosage: 10–15 g.
60. Zexie (Alisma) Taste and nature: sweet, cold. Meridians: kidney, bladder. Effects: promoting water metabolism, eliminating dampness, clearing heat. Pharmacology: diuretic, antihypertensive, hypoglycemic. Has a good effect on regulating blood lipids. Dosage: 10–20 g. According to: Shows good efficacy for hypertension with kidney damage.
61. Yinchen (Artemisia Capillaris) Taste and nature: bitter, pungent, cool. Meridians: liver, spleen, bladder. Functions: clearing heat and removing dampness, treating damp-heat jaundice. Pharmacology: lowers blood pressure and diuresis; improves atherosclerosis and fatty liver. Dosage: 15–25 g. According to: Effective for damp-heat in the liver and gallbladder.
62. Fuling (Poria) Taste and nature: sweet, bland, neutral. Meridians: heart, spleen, lung. Functions: removing dampness, promoting water metabolism, strengthening the spleen, harmonizing the stomach, calming the heart, and soothing the spirit. Pharmacology: diuretic and hypoglycemic. Dosage: 15–30 g. According to: Hypertension and diabetes often share common pathological bases; although pharmacological records do not yet show antihypertensive effects, it is still a good medicine for treating hypertension.
63. Gouteng (Uncaria rhynchophylla) Taste and nature: sweet, cool. Meridians: liver, heart. Functions: clearing heat, calming the liver, extinguishing wind and settling惊. Pharmacology: lowers blood pressure. Treats hypertension. Dosage: 8–15 g. According to: This herb should not be decocted for long; it should be added later.
64. Lianzi Xin (Lotus Seed Heart) Taste and nature: bitter, cold. Meridians: heart, lung, kidney. Functions: clearing the heart, dispelling heat, stopping bleeding, astringing essence. Pharmacology: lowers blood pressure. Dosage: 1–3 g.
65. Helie Di (Lotus Leaf Pedicle) Taste and nature: bitter, neutral. Meridians: heart, liver, spleen. Functions: clearing summer heat, removing dampness, harmonizing blood, securing pregnancy. Pharmacology: lowers blood pressure. Dosage: 8–15 g. According to: This product contains lotus alkaloids, which are toxic; therefore, it should not be used in large quantities or for long periods.
66. Xia Kucao (Prunella Vulgaris) Taste and nature: bitter, pungent, cold. Meridians: liver, gallbladder. Functions: clearing the liver, dispersing nodules, treating dizziness and vertigo. Pharmacology: lowers blood pressure. Dosage: 10–25 g.
67. Chaihu (Bupleurum) Taste and nature: bitter, cool. Meridians: liver, gallbladder. Functions: harmonizing exterior and interior, soothing the liver and uplifting yang. Pharmacology: lowers blood pressure. Dosage: 8–12 g.
68. Chouwutong (Stachys Arvensis) Taste and nature: bitter, sweet, warm. Meridians: liver. Functions: dispelling wind-dampness, lowering blood pressure, treating hemiplegia. Pharmacology: lowers blood pressure. Treats hypertension. Dosage: 10–15 g. According to: The blood-pressure-lowering effect is certain, but gastrointestinal reactions are common. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, and constipation.
69. Haizao (Seaweed) Taste and nature: bitter, salty, cold. Meridians: lung, spleen, kidney. Functions: softening hard masses, eliminating phlegm, promoting water metabolism, clearing heat. Pharmacology: lowers blood pressure and lipid levels. Dosage: 8–15 g.
70. Yimu Cao (Motherwort) (and Wuyuizi) Taste and nature: pungent, bitter, cool. Meridians: pericardium, liver. Functions: activating blood circulation and removing stasis, regulating menstruation and eliminating water. Pharmacology: lowers blood pressure. Dosage: 15–30 g. According to: Motherwort is a gynecological medicine; when used for hypertension, it is suitable for patients with irregular menstruation.
71. Sangjisheng (Mistletoe) Taste and nature: bitter, sweet, neutral. Meridians: liver, kidney. Functions: tonifying the liver and kidneys, strengthening muscles and bones, removing wind-dampness, unblocking meridians. Pharmacology: lowers blood pressure. Treats coronary heart disease and angina pectoris. Dosage: 15–30 g. According to: Effectively alleviates symptoms of hypertension.
72. Wutong Ye (Paulownia Leaf) Taste and nature: bitter, cold. Meridians: heart, lung, kidney. Functions: dispelling wind and removing dampness, clearing heat and detoxifying, treating hypertension. Pharmacology: lowers blood pressure. Treats hypertension. Dosage: 5–30 g. According to: This herb has been widely reported, comes in many dosage forms, has relatively certain effects, is readily available nationwide, and is worthy of further research and promotion.
73. Zhizi (Gardenia) Taste and nature: bitter, cold. Meridians: heart, liver, lung, stomach. Functions: clearing heat and draining fire, cooling blood. Pharmacology: sedation and blood-pressure reduction. Dosage: 10–20 g. According to: Gardenia clears heat from the three burners; it is especially suitable for cases of liver yang excess and real fire in the liver and gallbladder.
74. Huangqin (Scutellaria) Taste and nature: bitter, cold. Meridians: heart, lung, gallbladder, large intestine. Functions: draining real fire, relieving vexation. Pharmacology: lowers blood pressure and promotes diuresis. Treats hypertension. Dosage: 3–6 g.
75. Ye Juhua (Wild Chrysanthemum) Taste and nature: bitter, pungent, cool. Meridians: lung, liver. Functions: dispersing wind, clearing heat, reducing swelling, detoxifying. Pharmacology: lowers blood pressure. Treats hypertension. Dosage: 10–20 g.
76. Huangjing (Polygonatum) Taste and nature: sweet, neutral. Meridians: spleen, lung, kidney. Functions: tonifying the middle jiao and replenishing qi, nourishing the heart and lungs, strengthening muscles and bones. Pharmacology: lowers blood pressure. Dosage: 15–25 g.
77. Huanggua Teng (Cucumber Vine) Taste and nature: bland, neutral. Meridians: stomach. Functions: promoting water metabolism, detoxifying. Treats hypertension. Dosage: 30–60 g.
78. Qiong Yi (Earthworm) Taste and nature: salty, cold. Meridians: liver, spleen, lung. Functions: clearing heat, calming the liver, relieving asthma, unblocking meridians. Pharmacology: lowers blood pressure. Treats hypertension. Dosage: 8–18 g. According to: Effective for cerebral ischemia, cerebral embolism, and stroke.
79. Ye Baihe (Wild Lily) Taste and nature: slightly bitter, astringent, neutral. Meridians: heart, lung. Functions: clearing heat, removing dampness, detoxifying. Pharmacology: significant and lasting blood-pressure reduction. Dosage: 10–30 g.
80. Yin Chaihu (Silver Bupleurum) Taste and nature: sweet, bitter, cool. Meridians: liver, stomach. Functions: clearing heat and cooling blood. Pharmacology: lowers cholesterol and alleviates arteriosclerosis. Dosage: 5–15 g.
81. Zhu Mao Cai (Pigweed) Taste and nature: sweet, cool. Meridians: liver. Functions: lowering blood pressure, treating hypertension. Pharmacology: lowers blood pressure. Dosage: 20–30 g. According to: In the 1950s, pharmaceutical factories produced this herb under the brand names “Xue Keping” and “Zeng Ershou.”
82. Wang Jiangnan (Southern View) Taste and nature: bitter, cold. Meridians: stomach, large intestine. Functions: purifying the lungs, clearing the liver, harmonizing the stomach, reducing swelling, detoxifying. Pharmacology: lowers blood pressure. Dosage: 10–15 g.
83. Ge Gen (Kudzu Root) Taste and nature: sweet, pungent, neutral. Meridians: spleen, stomach. Functions: uplifting yang and relaxing muscles, relieving vexation and quenching thirst, treating hypertension and angina pectoris. Pharmacology: lowers blood pressure, improves cerebral blood flow, increases coronary blood flow, lowers blood sugar. Treats hypertension-related neck stiffness, coronary heart disease, angina pectoris, and retinal diseases. Dosage: 10–20 g.
84. Pian Xu (Sedge) Taste and nature: bitter, cold. Meridians: bladder. Functions: promoting diuresis, clearing heat, killing parasites. Pharmacology: diuretic and blood-pressure-lowering. Dosage: 10–15 g.
85. Huaihua (Sophora Flower) Taste and nature: bitter, cold. Meridians: liver, large intestine. Functions: clearing heat, cooling blood, stopping bleeding, preventing stroke. Pharmacology: lowers lipid levels, reduces blood pressure, dilates coronary arteries, improves myocardial ischemia, protects capillary resistance, and reduces vascular permeability. Dosage: 10–15 g.
86. Pu Huang (Cattail Pollen) Taste and nature: sweet, pungent, cool. Meridians: liver, heart. Functions: cooling blood and stopping bleeding. Pharmacology: lowers blood pressure and promotes coagulation. Dosage: 8–15 g. According to: This product can be used for cerebral hemorrhage.
87. Lou Lu (Lobelia) Taste and nature: bitter, salty, cold. Meridians: stomach, large intestine. Functions: clearing heat, detoxifying, reducing swelling, draining pus, and unblocking blood vessels. Pharmacology: dilates blood vessels and lowers blood pressure. Dosage: 8–15 g. According to: Overseas, the seeds of this plant are used for hypertension and arteriosclerosis as a cardiac tonic. (V) Acupuncture Treatment Traditional Chinese Medicine believes: “All diseases seek only one thing—unblocking.” “Unblocking” refers to unblocking the flow of qi. All methods of treating hypertension in TCM aim to achieve unblocking of qi and balance yin and yang. Acupuncture can directly unblock the meridians, regulate qi and blood, promote yin-yang balance, restore the disorder of qi and blood, thereby achieving the goals of lowering blood pressure and alleviating symptoms. Acupuncture has little effect on normal blood pressure; however, when blood pressure is too high or too low, acupuncture has a clear reverse-regulating effect, lowering blood pressure in hypertensive patients and raising it in hypotensive patients. Numerous clinical reports indicate that acupuncture is most effective for stage I hypertension, and no adverse reactions have been found due to rapid drops in blood pressure caused by acupuncture.
88. Body acupuncture: For treating hypertension, acupoints are selected based on syndrome differentiation, following local, adjacent, and meridian-based principles, as well as experience-based selection, all of which can achieve certain effects. Common syndrome-differentiated acupoint selection rules include clearing the liver, draining the gallbladder, calming the liver and extinguishing wind, nourishing the heart and calming the spirit, strengthening the spleen and transforming phlegm, tonifying the liver and kidneys while unblocking meridians, etc. Techniques vary: for excess syndromes, use draining methods; for deficiency syndromes, use tonifying methods; generally, use both tonifying and draining methods. (1) Common acupoints for lowering blood pressure. Main acupoints: Quchi, Hegu, Sanyinjiao, Taichong. Associated acupoints: For headaches and dizziness, add Fengchi, Taiyang, Baihui, Yanglingquan. For five-heart vexation, add Houxi, Waiguan. For convulsions, add Fengfu, Dazhui, Shixuan. For insomnia, add Shenmen, Anmian, Yinlingquan. For palpitations, add Neiguan, Xinyu. For heavy phlegm, add Fenglong, Zusanli, Taixi. For lower back pain and frequent urination, add Yaoyan, Shenyu, Weizhong. For extremely high blood pressure, consider adding Yongquan, Renying, Ganyu, Danyu. Regarding Quchi and Hegu, they are the original and combined acupoints of the Hand Yangming Large Intestine Meridian. Taichong is the original and transport acupoint of the Foot Jueyin Liver Meridian. Sanyinjiao is the original acupoint of the Foot Taiyin Spleen Meridian and also the intersection point of the three foot yin meridians. Together, they clear the liver and drain fire, nourish yin and subdue yang, transform phlegm and unblock meridians. Needles remain for 30 minutes. Once daily, 10 sessions constitute one course of treatment. (2) Syndrome-differentiated treatment. ①Liver yang excess type. Treatment method: select acupoints along the liver and gallbladder meridians, using draining methods. Selected acupoints: Fengchi, Ganyu, Shenyu, Xingjian, Taichong. Explanation: Fengchi releases floating yang, paired with Xingjian and Taichong to drain the excess yang in the liver and gallbladder, addressing the symptoms; selecting Ganyu and Shenyu on the back to tonify the liver and kidneys, addressing the root cause. ②Damp-turbidity obstruction type. Treatment method: clear and transform phlegm and dampness, using draining methods. Selected acupoints: Renying, Zhongwan, Neiguan, Zusanli, Fenglong, Jie Xi. Explanation: With excessive phlegm and dampness, select Zhongwan, Zusanli, and Fenglong to cleanse turbid phlegm; select Renying and Neiguan to harmonize the stomach and reduce turbidity; select Jie Xi to clear stomach fire and transform turbid phlegm. ③Liver-kidney yin deficiency type. Treatment method: tonify the liver and kidneys, contain wood and suppress fire, using tonifying methods. Selected acupoints: Shimeng, Ganyu, Shenyu, Taixi, Piyu. Explanation: Select Shimeng, Ganyu, Shenyu, and Piyu to tonify the liver and kidneys; select Taixi to calm the liver yang. ④Qi-blood deficiency type. Treatment method: focus on nourishing the heart, spleen, liver, and kidneys, using tonifying methods, possibly with moxibustion. Selected acupoints: Piyu, Shenyu, Guanyuan, Zusanli, Baihui, Renying. Explanation: Select Piyu and Shenyu to nourish vital energy; select Zusanli and Renying to transform food and water into essence and blood; Baihui and Guanyuan belong to the Du and Ren meridians, capable of nourishing qi and blood, ensuring smooth qi and blood flow.
89. Ear acupuncture: The auricle is part of the body surface; when internal organs are diseased, corresponding areas of the auricle may exhibit pain, desquamation, discoloration, rashes, and other manifestations. By applying needle stimulation or pressure at these specific sensitive points, one can achieve the goal of regulating meridians and qi and blood to treat illness. In the prevention and treatment of hypertension, ear acupuncture is also a commonly used and effective therapeutic method. Common acupoints include cortex, endocrine, Shenmen, adrenal glands, heart, liver, gallbladder, kidneys, sympathetic nerves, liver yang, brainstem, and blood-pressure grooves. Based on syndrome differentiation, select 4–5 acupoints each time, needle once daily, 10 sessions constitute one course of treatment. Alternatively, needles can be implanted or adhesive tape can be used to press Wang Buliu Xing, massaging 3–4 times daily, replacing every 3–4 days, 10 sessions constitute one course of treatment. Or use a triangular needle to prick the blood-pressure groove and a small amount of bloodletting at the ear tip, once every other day, 5 sessions constitute one course of treatment.
90. Acupoint injection: Select acupoints: ①Hegu, Sanyinjiao; ②Neiguan, Zusanli; ③Quchi, Taichong. Use these three groups of acupoints alternately, injecting 2 ml of procaine or 0.2 mg of reserpine, choosing one drug each time and injecting into two acupoints. Only inject after obtaining qi upon needle insertion, once daily or every other day, 10 sessions constitute one course of treatment.
91. Moxibustion: Use moxa wool separated by ginger, salt, direct moxibustion, or use moxa sticks for direct moxibustion. Avoid burns. Once or every other day, about 10–30 minutes each time, 10 sessions constitute one course of treatment. Commonly selected acupoints: Yongquan, Shimeng, Zusanli, Guanyuan, Sanyinjiao, Yanglingquan, Quchi, Fengchi, Juegu, Weizhong, Zhaohai. Select 2–4 acupoints each time. (VI) Massage and Qigong for Hypertension
92. Massage falls under the scope of external therapies in TCM. Through various techniques applied to specific areas of the body surface, it can unblock meridians, activate blood circulation and remove stasis, balance yin and yang; dilate blood vessels and promote blood circulation, thereby lowering blood pressure. Below are three massage methods that can lower blood pressure. ①Assume a prone position: Use both palms to push from the shoulders and back toward the buttocks six times; use both palms to push along the back of the legs toward the heels six times; use both palms to push along the above path from the shoulders to the heels six times; then use both thumbs to press the blood-pressure points (6 cm lateral to the sixth cervical vertebra), Dazhui, Jianjing, and Feiyu each 60 times. ②Assume a supine position: Use both palms to push from the ribs downward toward the pelvic rim five times; press the Liangmen acupoints on both sides 120 times, plus another 120 times on the right side; use both Yongquan acupoints to massage clockwise 60 circles each. ③Assume a sitting position: Use the thumb to push along the linear acupoint bridge (starting from behind the ear near the mastoid process to the inner edge of the clavicle on the same side, in front of the sternocleidomastoid muscle) on both sides 60 times; push straight from Yintang to the hairline, going back and forth 10 times; push from Yintang along the eyebrow arch to the Qingming acupoints on both sides, 10 times each; push from the left Taiyang acupoint across the forehead to the right Taiyang acupoint, going back and forth 10 times; press the Fengchi acupoints on both sides 60 times each. Assume a supine position: Center around the navel and massage outward in a circular pattern six times; sequentially press Zhongwan, Shenque, Da Heng, Qihai, and Guanyuan 60 times each; sequentially massage the above acupoints clockwise 60 times each. For the above methods: Choose one method for treatment, such as methods ① and ③, which can be alternated every other day or every third day, once daily.