I. Treatment of Hypertension

I. Treatment of Hypertension

1. Qiju Dihuang Decoction: Rehmannia Root, Cornus Fruit, Dioscorea Rhizome, Cortex Moutan, Poria, Alisma, Goji Berries, Chrysanthemum Flowers—boiled in water and taken as one dose per day. This formula originates from “Yi Ji,” combining Six-Flavor Rehmannia Pill with chrysanthemum and goji berries, suitable for mild hypertension; however, in unstable phases of hypertension, when blood pressure typically ranges from 18.7 to 20 kPa/11.3 to 12.7 kPa [140–150/85–95 mmHg], patients may experience slight headaches, dizziness, dry mouth, lower back soreness, leg weakness, tinnitus, and other symptoms. The pulse is deep and wiry, with a slightly weak radial pulse. At this stage, hypertension reflects initial kidney qi deficiency and initial liver yang excess. After long-term use of this formula, I have observed that hypertension can be completely resolved—first taking several doses of the herbal decoction, followed by long-term use of the pills, without any toxic side effects. Modern experimental studies suggest that Qiju Dihuang Pill also has the effects of lowering lipids, reducing blood sugar, and preventing arterial sclerosis, with particularly prominent protective effects on target organs of arterial sclerosis—heart, brain, and kidneys. As a health supplement for the elderly, this formula has attracted widespread attention.

I usually combine this formula with Coronary Heart Disease No. 2 (red peony root, chuanxiong, safflower, fragrant sandalwood, dan Shen), adding Tianma and Gou Ding whenever dizziness worsens.

2. Xia Ku Cao Compound: Safflower, Earthworm, Xia Ku Cao, Seaweed, Mulberry Parasite, Scutellaria, Uncaria, Belladonna—boiled in water and taken as one dose per day. This formula is based on my clinical experience, suitable for blood pressure between 18.7 and 24 kPa/12 to 14.7 kPa [140–180/90–110 mmHg], accompanied by noticeable headaches, dizziness, and intermittent mild numbness in the hands and feet. The brilliance of this formula lies in its primary ingredients—Earthworm, Xia Ku Cao, and Uncaria—to lower blood pressure; Safflower and Seaweed promote blood circulation and soften hard tissues, Scutellaria clears heat, and Belladonna promotes diuresis, collectively achieving a blood pressure-lowering effect. Long-term clinical observation shows that this formula has a significant lipid-lowering effect, addressing both the symptoms and underlying causes of hypertension, with especially promising long-term outcomes. After more than 30 doses of this formula, I have never experienced a recurrence of hypertension.

3. Zhen Gan Xi Feng Decoction: Huai Niuxi, Raw Dragon and White Peony Root, Turtle Shell, Raw Hematite, Yuan Shen, Winter Bamboo, Autumn Bamboo, Raw Wheat Germ, Artemisia, Licorice—boiled in water and taken as one dose per day. This formula originates from “Zhong Zhong Can Xi Lu,” suitable for blood pressure between 21.3 and 29.3 kPa/13.3 to 17.3 kPa [160–220/100–130 mmHg], accompanied by severe headaches, dizziness, numbness in the limbs, or hemiplegia. The brilliance of this formula lies in its large dosage of Huai Niuxi (30–60g), which Zhang Xichun believed was the primary remedy for treating hypertensive cerebral congestion. A large quantity of metal and stone-based herbs were also used to strengthen the calming effect. My experience shows that this formula is effective for severe hypertension accompanied by cerebral vascular spasm, cerebral infarction, or cerebral atrophy.

When I add leeches, Sanqi from the Han Dynasty, and other blood-breaking herbs to this formula, the therapeutic effect becomes even better!