What are the Chinese herbs that promote blood circulation, remove blood stasis, and reduce swelling?
Nov 13, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Xiuhong
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, commonly used Chinese herbs for promoting blood circulation, removing blood stasis, and reducing swelling include Frankincense (Ru Xiang), Sparganium (San Leng), Notoginseng (San Qi), Chinese Angelica (Dang Gui), and Salvia Miltiorrhiza (Dan Shen). It is recommended to consult a physician before selecting the appropriate medication. If the aforementioned medications are required, it is advisable to use them under the guidance of a qualified physician to avoid unnecessary physical harm. During the course of medication, avoid consuming spicy foods such as pepper, chili peppers, and onions.
Generally, the main Chinese herbs that promote blood circulation, remove blood stasis, and reduce swelling include frankincense, sparganium rhizome, notoginseng, angelica root, and salvia root. It is recommended to consult a physician before selecting the appropriate medication for oneself. Detailed explanations are as follows:
1. Frankincense
Frankincense is the resin exuded from the bark of the Boswellia carterii tree of the Oleaceae family and has functions of promoting blood circulation, removing blood stasis, nourishing blood, and relieving pain. It can be used to treat injuries, abscesses, rheumatic joint pain, muscle cramps, and blood stasis injuries. Frankincense is commonly used in the form of processed herbal slices and can be taken internally or applied externally.
2. Sparganium Rhizome
Sparganium rhizome comes from the dried tuber of the plant Sparganium stoloniferum of the Typhaceae family. It promotes blood circulation, regulates Qi, reduces masses, and relieves pain. It can be used to treat abdominal masses, dysmenorrhea, postpartum abdominal pain, and amenorrhea caused by blood stasis. It is usually taken as a decoction.
3. Notoginseng
Notoginseng is a perennial herb from the Panax genus of the Araliaceae family. It has a sweet and warm nature and functions to reduce swelling, disperse blood stasis, promote blood circulation, and relieve pain. It can be used to treat hemorrhagic disorders and traumatic injuries and can be taken internally or applied externally.
4. Angelica Root
Angelica root is the dried root of Angelica sinensis of the Apiaceae family. It nourishes and activates blood circulation, regulates menstruation, and relieves pain. It is a commonly used herb in gynecology and can also be used to treat symptoms such as pallor due to blood deficiency, dizziness, and palpitations. It is generally taken as a decoction.
5. Salvia Root
Salvia root is the dried root and rhizome of Salvia miltiorrhiza of the Lamiaceae family. It has a bitter and slightly cold taste and functions to cool the blood, reduce swelling, promote blood circulation, and remove blood stasis. It is a commonly used herb for promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis. It is usually taken as a decoction, but can also be used to make tea, wine infusions, or soups.
If any of the above medications are needed, it is recommended to use them under the guidance of a qualified physician to avoid unnecessary physical harm. During the treatment period, avoid consuming irritating foods such as pepper, chili, and onion, which are detrimental to recovery.
