At what age can one start taking Tianqi (Notoginseng)?

Generally, it is recommended that children begin taking Panax notoginseng (Sanqi) at the age of 12 or older, and only in moderate amounts. The detailed explanation is as follows:

Panax notoginseng, also known as Sanqi, is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb known for its effects of dispersing blood stasis, stopping bleeding, reducing swelling, and relieving pain. Children under 12 years old have immature immune systems, and taking Sanqi may negatively affect their growth and development. Therefore, it is not recommended for children under 12 to consume Sanqi, so as not to impair health or interfere with treatment outcomes. For children aged 12 and above, limited use of Sanqi under medical supervision may be appropriate if they experience conditions such as hemoptysis, epistaxis, bloody stools, external bleeding, stabbing pain in the chest or abdomen due to blood stasis, or swelling and pain from falls or injuries. However, even for healthy children, routine or preventive use of Sanqi is generally not advised.

The dosage of Sanqi for children is typically much lower than that for adults. The exact dose should be precisely determined by a doctor based on the child's age, weight, and specific condition. Parents should strictly follow the prescribed dosage and must not adjust it on their own. It is usually recommended to use a mild method of administration, such as grinding Sanqi into a fine powder and taking it with warm water. Avoid using strong solvents to prevent additional irritation to the child’s body. As a traditional Chinese medicine, Sanqi should be used with attention to proper dosage to avoid adverse health effects from overuse.