Tea for High Blood Pressure
Banana tea
As we age, it is usual for our blood pressure to rise. High blood pressure can also be a hereditary condition or be caused by too much salt and animal fat in the diet or excessive alcohol consumption.
This tea can be taken daily by anyone over 45 years old or others who are suffering from high blood pressure. As the banana taste is quite strong and will scent the teapot, it is best to use a mug to make this tea, preferably a Chinese mug with a lid.
- Banana
- Green tea
- 1 ½ cups (430 ml) of water
In China, bananas are very small and a whole banana might be used for this recipe. In the West, bananas are very large and you will just need a peeled piece about 1 in. (2.5 cm) long for each mug.
Peel a banana, cut off and mash a 1 –in. – (2.5 –cm–) long piece, and put it into the mug.
Add green tea to taste. Bring the water to a fast boil and pour over the tea and banana. Cover and leave to stand for 2-3 minutes before drinking.
The lotus nut is the seed of the lotus plant (Nelumbo nucifera), which has been a sacred symbol in Buddhism for over 5.000 years. These fat round nuts are found within the round seed pod, which has a flat top with large round holes in it. The nuts look rather like peanuts but have a brown skin. The skin itself has a dry, leathery taste. You can buy lotus nuts in a plastic package in Chinese markets, although make sure you buy ones that still have their skins. The lotus nut is useful for lowering blood pressure.
· 12-15 lotus nuts
· 3 cups (850 ml) of water
Warm the pot and add 12-15 lotus nuts with green tea to taste. Bring the water to a fast boil and pour it over the tea and nuts. Cover and leave to stand for 5 minutes before drinking.
There is another way to make this tea. Put 12-15 nuts into a saucepan with 3 cups (850 ml) of cold water. Bring the water to the boil and allow to boil for 1-2 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat and add green tea to taste. Leave for a further 1-2 minutes before drinking.
