Properties and Channels: Pungent, warm. Enters the Heart and Liver meridians.
Functions: Invigorates blood circulation and dispels blood stasis; regulates menstruation.
Applications:
1. Used for dysmenorrhea, blood stasis leading to amenorrhea, postpartum abdominal pain due to blood stasis, masses and accumulations, traumatic injuries with pain and numbness, as well as joint pain. Hong Hua (Safflower) enters the Heart and Liver blood levels, possessing a pungent and warm nature that invigorates blood circulation and dispels stasis, thus regulating the meridians. It is often combined with other blood-invigorating and stasis-dispelling herbs such as Tao Ren (Peach Kernel), Dang Gui (Angelica Sinensis), Chuan Xiong (Szechuan Lovage), and Chi Shao (Red Peony) for the treatment of the aforementioned conditions.
2. Used for dark rashes caused by heat and blood stasis. Its blood-invigorating and stasis-dispelling properties can be combined with Dang Gui, Zi Cao (Lithospermum), and Da Qing Ye (Isatis Leaf) which cool the blood and clear heat, such as in the Dang Gui Hong Hua Tang (Dang Gui and Safflower Decoction).
This herb is excellent for invigorating blood circulation and dispelling stasis, and in recent years has been widely used in various clinical settings for conditions related to blood stasis or poor blood flow. For example, in treating coronary heart disease with angina, it is often combined with Dan Shen (Salvia), Chuan Xiong, and Chi Shao; for thromboangiitis obliterans, where the affected limb shows dark red or purplish discoloration due to qi stagnation and blood stasis, it is commonly used with Dang Gui, Tao Ren, Chi Shao, Ru Xiang (Frankincense), and Mo Yao (Myrrh).
Dosage: 3-10g.
Precautions: Not to be used by pregnant women.