Activating blood and dispelling stasis herbs are used to treat diseases caused by blood stasis in the body due to various reasons, leading to poor blood flow in organs and meridians. There are many traditional Chinese medicines (TCM) for activating blood and dispelling stasis, mainly categorized into those that regulate menstruation, relieve swelling and pain, and stop bleeding. The best herb for activating blood and dispelling stasis is San Qi (Panax notoginseng), which promotes blood circulation without causing bleeding, making it particularly suitable for patients with cerebral embolism and stasis-type heart disease.
Herbs for Activating Blood and Dispelling Stasis
1. Da Xue Teng (Sargentodoxa cuneata)
Da Xue Teng is prepared from the dried stems of the plant. It mainly grows in the southern regions and is harvested in autumn and winter. Its effects include activating blood circulation, dispelling stasis, and relieving pain. It is used to treat menstrual irregularities, amenorrhea, and dysmenorrhea caused by blood stasis. Da Xue Teng has a neutral nature and can also treat rheumatic pain and persistent pain due to damp-heat in the large intestine.
2. Yu Jin (Curcuma longa)
Yu Jin is processed by removing dirt and fine roots, then steaming and drying for medicinal use. It mainly grows in Zhejiang, Guangdong, and Sichuan. Its flavor is bitter and cold, and it enters the liver, lung, and heart meridians. Its effects include activating blood circulation, dispelling stasis, relieving pain, and regulating qi. It is used to treat stasis-type heart diseases.
3. Zang Hong Hua (Crocus sativus)
Zang Hong Hua is the stigma of the saffron flower, a precious medicinal material mainly grown in Tibet. Its flavor is sweet and neutral, with the effect of activating blood circulation and unblocking meridians. Zang Hong Hua is particularly effective for women suffering from amenorrhea and dysmenorrhea, and it can also be used for stasis-type heart disease. Due to its high price and low yield, it can be used in foot baths for daily maintenance, which also has the effect of activating blood circulation and dispelling stasis.
4. Dan Shen (Salvia miltiorrhiza)
Dan Shen is made from the dried roots of the plant, which are harvested in spring and autumn, cleaned, and processed for medicinal use. It has the effect of activating blood circulation and dispelling stasis, and it can be used as a daily tea. Dan Shen is suitable for patients with stasis-type heart disease and those who frequently experience bruising, as well as for individuals experiencing anxiety during menopause.
5. Ze Lan (Lycopus lucidus)
Ze Lan is the above-ground part of the plant, harvested in summer and autumn, and processed for medicinal use. Its properties are pungent and warm, and it enters the liver and spleen meridians. It has the effects of activating blood circulation, regulating menstruation, reducing swelling, and dispelling stasis. Ze Lan can be used in formulas for regulating menstruation, treating menstrual irregularities, amenorrhea, and dysmenorrhea, and it can also be used for postpartum discharge.
6. Yi Mu Cao (Leonurus japonicus)
Yi Mu Cao is harvested from the above-ground parts of the plant, preferably fresh and collected before flowering in early summer, then processed for medicinal use. It is known as the top herb for gynecological issues, treating menstrual flow issues due to blood stasis, amenorrhea, and postpartum discharge. Yi Mu Cao also has diuretic and anti-edema effects. Women with dysmenorrhea can soak their feet in Yi Mu Cao to promote blood circulation and relieve pain.
7. Chuan Xiong (Ligusticum chuanxiong)
Chuan Xiong has the effect of activating blood circulation and promoting qi flow. It mainly grows in Sichuan, with a pungent and warm nature, entering the liver and gallbladder meridians. It can treat liver qi stagnation leading to menstrual issues such as amenorrhea and reduced flow. Chuan Xiong is known as the “qi herb in blood” and can treat rheumatic pain and headaches caused by wind.
8. San Qi (Panax notoginseng)
San Qi, also known as Wen San Qi, has the effect of activating blood circulation without causing bleeding, making it the top herb for activating blood and dispelling stasis. San Qi has a warm and bitter flavor, entering the liver and stomach meridians, and is used to treat all diseases caused by blood stasis. San Qi not only promotes blood circulation but also stops bleeding, and it can be consumed daily without the need for additional herbs to avoid excessive blood movement.
9. Tu Bie Chong (Eupolyphaga sinensis)
Tu Bie Chong is the dried female of the earthworm, processed for medicinal use. It is widely distributed and has a salty and cold nature, entering the liver meridian. Its main effects include breaking blood stasis, dispelling stasis, and promoting healing. It is used to treat joint sprains and fractures caused by external injuries.
Conclusion: Through the above introduction, it is believed that everyone has gained an understanding of the herbs for activating blood circulation and dispelling stasis, as well as which herbs can be used for foot baths. These nine herbs are all effective for activating blood circulation and dispelling stasis, each treating different diseases. When using TCM for health maintenance, it is essential to clearly identify your symptoms before use.
Note:This account aims to promote TCM culture, and the TCM knowledge mentioned in the text is for learning and exchange purposes only.Source: Comprehensive Knowledge of Chinese Herbal Medicine
