[Ocean Swimmer]

I met someone who had borderline high blood pressure. I do too since ECT and as a side effect to the meds I'm taking.

His blood pressure went back to normal after 6 weeks of these herbs.

I have the name of his doctor.

I'm wondering if any of my psych meds could be substituted for herbs.

I know what I'm on is hard on my liver and kidneys.

[barbella]

Hi Ocean Swimmer! Is that a wild ginger plant? It's beautiful, whatever it is!

OK, your question about Chinese herbs. First, I think it would be a good idea to check the credentials of the herbalist to make sure they are what they say they are. Is Chinese medicine regulated in Costa Rica? If it is, that will make it easier to check the credentials.

I think it could take a while to 'rebalance' everything with herbs. Does the herbalist also do acupuncture? Some people find that helpful, especially in conjunction with herbs. Do you think your doctor would be open to collaborating with the herbalist? That would be an ideal situation. Then they can share information directly.

There might also be some changes that you could make (diet, lifestyle, etc.) the herbalist could advise you on.

I guess I am trying to say it could be worth a try but it could involve a fair amount of time, effort and expense. I do feel it's important for your doctor to know what other interventions you are considering.

Whatever you decide to do, I hope things turn out well for you!

[Ocean Swimmer]

Thank you Barbella.

No the Dr is in CA where I live part time. I checked all of that stuff online.

Yes. He's an acupuncturist too. Has a clinic near my home.

I know I need more in my life. I'm not balanced. I eat too much sugar. Am a vegetarian and probably don't get enough protein.

You might consider juicing. A small raw beet, sweet Apple, and a couple of carrots. Beets help detox the liver, the apple gives a sweet taste (plus is healthy, too.) Juicing is a commitment and requires a juicer, but the juices are heavenly. Check out the Juice Lady online, if interested.

[Ocean Swimmer]

Thank you. The flower is a Heliconia. There are 100 varieties. Yes some are from ginger family.

I drink fresh pipa juice. It's in a coconut called a Pipa. It's said to lower blood pressure.

I also drink lemon fresh and orange fresh. I eat a bag of apples once per month.

I make speg sauce with 5 different types of chilis ,homegrown. Onions,carrots,tomatoes,and garlic,cilantro fresh ,and herbs and spices. I eat it twice per week with Parmesan cheese on top.
I also eat fresh boiled plantains with beans and cilantro.

[barbella]

Sounds like you've already got a lot covered, Ocean Swimmer! I know acu/herbal is regulated in the USA. Chinese medicine practitioners usually have some great dietary advice that they tailor specifically to each person based on their constitution - for some people lots of citrus would be perfect but others may require less. Typically, TCM doesn't favour a vegetarian diet but I think it's still possible to get what you need without animal products - it just takes a bit more work.

Since the practitioner is licensed, they would be very ethical and wouldn't suggest anything that could harm you so I hope you can get an appointment and get a good evaluation and a way forward. I'm really interested in Chinese medicine so, if you don't mind, could you please keep us updated on your progress?

Wishing you all the best!

& thanks for the info about the plant/flower - it's spectacular!

[shortandcute]

I don't think I've tried chinese herbs much.