What are the benefits, effects, and contraindications of Caulis Spatholobi (Chicken Blood Vine)?
Chicken Blood Vine has effects and benefits such as promoting blood circulation, regulating menstruation, and treating numbness and paralysis. Contraindications include pregnant and lactating women, patients with bleeding disorders, individuals with liver or kidney insufficiency, and others who should avoid its use. Specific details are as follows:
I. Effects and Benefits
1. Promoting Blood Circulation
Chicken Blood Vine has the effect of invigorating blood and resolving blood stasis, which can improve symptoms such as sallow complexion due to blood deficiency and rheumatic pain.
2. Regulating Menstruation
Chicken Blood Vine promotes blood circulation and thus helps regulate menstrual cycles.
3. Treating Numbness and Paralysis
With a bitter, sweet, and warm nature, Chicken Blood Vine acts on the liver and kidney meridians. Due to its blood-activating properties, it can alleviate local numbness.
II. Contraindications
1. Pregnant and Lactating Women
Due to its blood-activating and stasis-resolving effects, Chicken Blood Vine may induce uterine contractions and potentially affect the fetus or infant; therefore, pregnant and lactating women should avoid using it.
2. Patients with Bleeding Disorders
Chicken Blood Vine’s ability to promote blood circulation may exacerbate symptoms of bleeding disorders, such as gastrointestinal bleeding or menorrhagia; thus, these patients should avoid its use.
3. Individuals with Liver or Kidney Insufficiency
Chicken Blood Vine has certain toxicity and may cause further damage to patients with impaired liver or kidney function; therefore, such individuals should avoid its use.
In addition to the above-mentioned effects, benefits, and contraindications, Chicken Blood Vine also has the effect of relaxing tendons and unblocking collaterals. It is contraindicated in individuals with allergic constitutions. This herb should only be used under the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider; self-medication should be avoided to prevent adverse reactions.