San Qi, also known as Notoginseng Radix or Pseudoginseng Root, is a sweet, slightly bitter, and warm herb used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to stop bleeding, reduce swelling, relieve pain, and invigorate blood. It is one of the most important hemostatic herbs in TCM, known for its ability to both stop bleeding and dispel blood stasis. San Qi is widely used in internal and external trauma, bleeding disorders, and cardiovascular health.
Functions & Benefits
Stops Bleeding & Transforms Blood StasisSan Qi is highly effective in treating internal or external bleeding, including nosebleeds, blood in the urine or stool, uterine bleeding, and traumatic hemorrhage. Unlike many hemostatic herbs, it does not cause blood stagnation and is safe to use when bleeding is accompanied by stasis.
Reduces Swelling & Alleviates PainThis herb is commonly used in trauma-related injuries such as bruises, sprains, fractures, or soft tissue damage. It relieves pain by promoting blood flow, dispersing stagnation, and reducing inflammation.
Invigorates Blood & Dispels StasisSan Qi is included in many formulas for blood stasis-related pain, particularly in the chest and abdomen. It helps improve circulation, break up clots, and restore proper blood flow in acute and chronic conditions.
Supports Cardiovascular HealthIn modern herbal medicine, San Qi is recognized for its cardiovascular benefits, including reducing blood viscosity, improving microcirculation, and protecting blood vessels. It is often used in patients with coronary artery disease or post-stroke recovery.
Indications
Trauma with bleeding, swelling, or painHemorrhage from various causes, including uterine bleeding, nosebleeds, or blood in the urineChest pain, angina, or stroke recovery related to blood stasisInternal bleeding from injury or chronic inflammationPost-surgical recovery with bruising or risk of bleeding
Tongue & Pulse Diagnosis in TCM
Tongue: Dark or purplish with stasis spots, or red if there is active bleedingPulse: Choppy, wiry, or hesitant in blood stasis; rapid or thin if bleeding is active
Common TCM Patterns Treated by San Qi
San Qi treats Blood Stasis with Bleeding, Qi and Blood Stagnation from trauma, and Internal Bleeding due to heat or injury. These patterns typically present with pain, bleeding, bruising, swelling, or circulatory disorders.
Precautions & Contraindications
Use with caution during pregnancy unless directed by a practitionerNot recommended in cases of bleeding due to Qi Deficiency without stasisAvoid in patients taking anticoagulant medication without supervisionMay be too stimulating in patients with excess heat and no stagnation
Conclusion
San Qi is one of the most valuable herbs in TCM for treating bleeding and trauma. Its dual ability to stop bleeding and invigorate blood circulation makes it ideal for injuries, hemorrhage, and cardiovascular conditions. Its balanced nature allows it to be safely used in acute and chronic disorders involving blood stasis, swelling, and pain.
