San Qi
Panax notoginseng (Burk.) F.H. Chen
β― TCM Properties
Dispels Stasis and Stops Bleeding; Invigorates Blood and Dispels Stasis; Reduces Swelling and Alleviates Pain
Western Herbalism Properties
Botanical Description
Panax notoginseng (Burkill) F.H. Chen ex C.Y. Wu & K.M. Feng (Araliaceae), sometimes called Chinese ginseng or sanchi, is a perennial herb 30-60 cm tall arising from a stout, fleshy, conical to spindle-shaped taproot bearing concentric ring scars and several radiating lateral rootlets. The single erect stem carries a terminal whorl of three to four palmately compound leaves, each typically with five to seven oblanceolate, serrate leaflets. In summer a long-peduncled umbel of small, greenish-yellow flowers gives rise to a cluster of bright-red, kidney-shaped drupes that ripen from green. Native to mountainous regions of Yunnan and Guangxi provinces in southwestern China and now cultivated under shade there, the dried root (San Qi) is celebrated in TCM and modern Western phytotherapy chiefly to stop bleeding, dispel blood stasis, and relieve pain.
Dosage
| Form | Amount | Frequency | Duration | Population | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| decoction | 6-15g | Daily | β | β | β |
Cultural & Historical Context
Traditional Chinese Uses
San Qi (notoginseng root, tienchi ginseng) is a warm, sweet-slightly-bitter herb considered one of the most important hemostatic herbs in Chinese medicine β with the unique property of stopping bleeding while simultaneously dispersing Blood stasis. This dual action makes it useful for bleeding from trauma where preventing clot formation is also important, such as in traumatic injuries with bruising and internal bleeding. It is also used for menstrual conditions from Blood stagnation and chest pain from coronary artery disease.
Traditional American Uses
None Documented
Important Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any herbal remedy, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.