Benefits
Helps maintain healthy blood pressure already in the normal range.*
Traditional Chinese Medicine: A Modern Health Issue
The unique herbal formula in Best Blood Pressure Support draws upon the Materia Medica of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). This ancient system classifies herbs according to properties such as flavor, temperature and bio-energetic effects on the human body. Herbs are combined to balance each other; this is especially important with regard to the temperature quality: a formula with one or more “hot” herbs will include herbs that cool, so that the entire formula is not overly “hot.”
Best Blood Pressure Support contains three “cooling” herbs, based on the concept that excess heat in the body can set the stage for imbalances in blood pressure. The other three herbs have a “warming” influence that promotes healthy circulation and normalized blood vessel function.
Baikal Scullcap root: Also known by its common name, Chinese Scullcap, Baikal scullcap root is a cooling herb. It is recommended in herbal texts for clearing heat in the upper part of the body, which tends to rise to the head.1,2 We can associate this with the kind of stress and tension characteristic of a person you would think of as a “hot head.” In the terminology of TCM, this correlates to a pattern called “ascending liver yang,” or “liver yang rising.” The body’s yang function, which has a bio-correspondence to activity of the sympathetic nervous system (fight or flight), is out of balance and blood pressure changes are often part of the picture. Such an individual, someone who looks like they’re about to “blow a gasket,” might benefit from blood pressure support.
Cassia tora seed: Cassia tora has a cooling quality similar to Baikal skullcap. It expels excess heat, with an added beneficial soothing effect on the eyes.1,2
Ligusticum chuaxiong: Ligusticum has a warming effect that promotes healthy circulation of blood and “Qi.”1,2 Sometimes conceptualized as the body’s vital energy, “Qi” refers to the entire spectrum of bio-energetic and bio-chemical functions that maintain life on both the physical/material and non-physical levels. In good health, Qi circulates freely. If the flow of Qi is blocked or “stagnant,” negative functional imbalances may manifest.
White peony root: Another cooling herb used by TCM herbalists to counteract ascending liver yang and harmonize stagnant Qi, white peony is said to “tonify the blood,” which correlates to a nourishing effect on the body.1,2
Turmeric rhizome: Turmeric, popular all over the world as the spice used in curry, is a warming herb. It has an invigorating action on circulation of blood and Qi. Turmeric contains natural constituents called “curcuminoids” (collectively “curcumin”), that have beneficial effects stemming from their ability to neutralize free radicals and promote tissue comfort.3
Nardostachys chinensis: Another warm herb, Nardostachys chinensis regulates Qi and disperses excess cold. Belonging to the same family of herbs as valerian, which is well known to western herbalists for its relaxing benefits, Nardostachys chinensis has a similar calming effect on the nervous system.2
Research Studies
The Best Blood Pressure Support formula has been studied in uncontrolled human trials conducted at hospitals in China. In a group of patients who exhibited signs of the “ascending liver yang” syndrome described above, the formula had a measurable positive impact on blood pressure.4 In studies on mice, the formula demonstrates blood-pressure adjusting effects.4 Individually, Baikal skullcap, Cassia tora, Ligusticum chuaxiong, white peony root and turmeric rhizome likewise show an ability to normalize blood pressure in animals.4
Quality Control
In this era, when the quality of herbal products is under increased scrutiny, the manufacturing and quality control procedures used in production of Best Blood Pressure Support Formula are a model of Good Manufacturing Practice. Best Blood Pressure Support is an example of compliance with the FDA regulations on Current Good Manufacturing Practice for dietary supplements, which took effect on June 25, 2008. Each herb is properly identified and tested upon arrival at the manufacturing facility. Documented procedures and controls ensure that each batch meets established specifications for potency, purity and quality. Finished batches are then put through another battery of tests to confirm conformance to quality standards.
Safety
Suggested Adult Use: As a dietary supplement, take 4 tablets every morning.
Does Not Contain: milk, egg, wheat, corn, sugar, sweeteners, starch, salt, or preservatives.
Scientific References
1. Bensky D, Gamble A. Chinese Herbal Medicine; Seattle: Eastland Press; 1986.
2. Hsu H-Y, Chen Y-P, Shen S-J, et al. Oriental Materia Medica. New Canaan, CT: Keats Publishing; 1986.
3. Araújo CAC, Leon LL. Biological activities of Curcuma longa L. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz. 2001; 96(5):723-8.
4. Heilongjiang Chinese Medicine University’s Clinical and Pharmaceutical Department. Unpublished report.