Hypertension is a disease of unknown etiology characterized primarily by higher-than-normal systemic arterial pressure. Generally, adults with resting blood pressure (i.e., systolic/diastolic pressure) consistently exceeding 140/90 mmHg are diagnosed with hypertension. Patients with hypertension should practice dietary moderation, avoid overeating, reduce their intake of sweets, maintain a healthy weight, and avoid foods high in calories, fat, and cholesterol (the “three highs”). They should eat plenty of fresh vegetables and fruits rich in vitamins. They should avoid tobacco, alcohol, and strong tea, and limit their intake of spicy seasonings. Limit salt intake and appropriately increase dietary potassium intake. Foods suitable for long-term consumption to lower blood pressure include garlic, onions, celery, shepherd’s purse, mung beans, corn, chrysanthemum buds, winter melon, kelp, nori, bananas, and apples; Medicinal dishes and beverages made from ingredients that serve both as food and medicine—such as chrysanthemum, cassia seeds, kudzu root, robama leaves, locust blossoms, corn silk, processed he shou wu, goji berries, Gastrodia elata, and hawthorn—can also be consumed long-term.
The following are clinically proven, affordable, effective, and delicious tea, drink, and decoction recipes:
Fresh Celery Juice Tea，From *Proven Tea, Decoction, and Soup Recipes for Common Ailments*,Calms the liver and lowers blood pressure. Suitable for all types of hypertension; particularly suitable for patients with hyperlipidemia or diabetes.
Chrysanthemum Buds and Green Tea，From *Proven Tea, Decoction, and Soup Recipes for Common Ailments*,Clears liver heat, promotes diuresis, detoxifies, and lowers blood pressure. Suitable for all types of hypertension; particularly suitable for those with hypertension caused by rising liver fire.
