Patient's question:
My mom has a close friend who suffers from high blood pressure. They often chat about their conditions and share stories. Recently, she heard from someone that soaking feet in honghua (red flower) tea is effective for high blood pressure and asked my mom to try it. I'm not sure about it, so I want to ask an expert if this method is really effective.Doctor's answer:
High blood pressure cannot be treated by soaking feet in safflower. Safflower is a blood-activating herb. Soaking feet with mugwort and safflower can improve blood circulation, warm the uterus, dispel cold, clear heat, and remove dampness. However, experts recommend that high blood pressure patients should not use this formula for foot soaking, as it may cause blood pressure fluctuations. Experts believe that both mugwort and safflower have the functions of warming the meridians, dispelling cold, activating blood, and dredging collaterals. High blood pressure patients using this formula may easily experience recurrent cerebral edema and dizziness.