✵TCM herbalism is also known as the pharmaceutics of Traditional Chinese Medicine or Chinese pharmaceutics. It is the branch of health science dealing with the preparation, dispensing, and proper utilization of Chinese herbs. It is primarily composed of Introduction to Chinese Medicinals, Classification of Chinese Herbs, Formulas, and Patent Medicines.
Introduction: Herbs regulating blood conditions include agents that modulate blood physiology—by stopping bleeding, promoting circulation, or tonifying blood. Hemostatic herbs specifically arrest bleeding, whether internal or external.
Hemostatic herbs function to arrest and control hemorrhage. They are indicated for bleeding syndromes such as hemoptysis, epistaxis, hematemesis, hematuria, hematochezia, uterine bleeding, purpura, and traumatic bleeding. Based on their mechanisms of action, hemostatic herbs are classified into four categories: (1) blood-cooling hemostatic herbs (heat-clearing hemostatic herbs), (2) stasis-resolving hemostatic herbs, (3) astringent hemostatic herbs, and (4) meridian-warming hemostatic herbs.
Blood-cooling hemostatic herbs (Heat-clearing hemostatic herbs) arrest bleeding by clearing heat from the blood and are indicated for hemorrhage due to blood-heat. These herbs are predominantly cold or cool in nature; they arrest bleeding while clearing heat and cooling the blood. They are primarily used for bleeding syndromes caused by blood-heat, presenting with bright red, thick blood; fever; restlessness; flushed face and ears; dry throat and mouth; thirst; red tongue with yellow coating; etc. Such herbs are commonly combined with heat-clearing and fire-purging herbs—but are contraindicated in cold syndromes. Representative herbs include Cirsii Japonici Herba seu Radix (Dà Jì), Sophorae Flos (Huái Huā), and other herbs include Sanguisorbae Radix (Dì Yú), Cirsii Herba (Xiǎo Jì), Capsellae Herba (Jì Cài), Boehmeriae Radix (Zhù Má), Imperatae Rhizoma (Bái Máo Gēn), Platycladi Cacumen (Cè Bǎi Yè), and Rumecis Patientiae Radix (Niú Xī).
Stasis-resolving hemostatic herbs arrest bleeding while simultaneously resolving blood stasis—a common underlying cause of recurrent or persistent hemorrhage. These herbs effectively arrest bleeding and promote blood circulation, making them especially suitable for hemorrhagic syndromes due to stasis obstructing the vessels, as well as for traumatic bleeding, contusions, and menostasis. Representative herbs include *Notoginseng Radix (Sān Qī), Rubiae Radix (Qiàn Cǎo), and other herbs include Typhae Pollen (Pú Huáng), and Ophicalcitum (Huā Ruǐ Shí).
Astringent hemostatic herbs arrest bleeding via astringent action and are indicated for various hemorrhagic conditions—except those associated with excess pathogens or blood stasis. Typically bitter and astringent in flavor and neutral in nature, they function to astringe, arrest bleeding, detoxify, alleviate dysentery, prevent malaria, and expel parasites. They are mainly used for deficiency-type bleeding syndromes—including chronic bleeding, post-traumatic hemorrhage, and bleeding due to Qi- or blood-deficiency. Charred preparations are commonly employed. Representative herbs include Bletillae Rhizoma (Bái Jí), Crinis Carbonisatus (Xuè Yú Tàn), and other herbs include Agrimoniae Herba (Xiān Hè Cǎo), Trachycarpi Petiolus Carbonisatus (Zōnɡ Lǘ Tàn), Nelumbinis Rhizomatis Nodus (Ǒu Jié), and Orostachyos Herba (Wǎ Sōnɡ).
Meridian-warming hemostatic herbs are herbs that are warm or hot in nature and arrest bleeding by warming the internal organs, reinforcing Spleen Yang, and strengthening the Chong Vessel; they are effective for treating hemorrhages due to Spleen’s failure to control blood or instability of the Chong Vessel. Meridian-warming hemostatic herbs function to arrest bleeding, warm the interior, and dispel cold; they are used for bleeding of the deficiency-cold type, and some herbs also relieve pain. These herbs are warm and drying in nature and should not be used for hemorrhagic syndromes due to excess heat or fire excess. Representative herbs of this category include Folium Artemisiae Argyi (Ài Yè), and other herbs include Terra Flava Usta (Zào Xīn Tǔ), and Baked Ginger (Páo Jiāng).
✵As of January 1st, 2024, this category records a total of [24] commonly used TCM herbs, [25] related plant species, [1] related mineral, and [1] inorganic substance.
✵As of January 1st, 2024, this category records a total of [11] commonly used TCM herbs and [10] related plant species. These blood-cooling hemostatic herbs are introduced separately below:
Herba seu Radix Cirsii Japonici
Brief Introduction:Herba seu Radix Cirsii Japonici is the dried aerial part or root of Cirsium japonicum Fisch. ex DC., used as a hemostatic agent for treating hematemesis and hematuria due to blood-heat syndrome; it is also used in the treatment of hepatitis and hypertension. The herb is commonly referred to as Herba seu Radix Cirsii Japonici or Dà Jì.
Flos Sophorae (Pagodatree Flower)
Brief Introduction: The herb Flos Sophorae is the dried flower of Sophora japonica L., used (1) to cool blood and stop bleeding in various hemorrhages due to blood-heat—especially hemorrhoidal bleeding—and (2) to clear liver fire in cases of upward-flaming liver fire accompanied by headache, as well as in hypertension. The herb is commonly known as Flos Sophorae, Pagodatree Flower, or Huái Huā.
Flos Sophorae Immaturus (Pagodatree Flower-bud)
Brief Introduction:Flos Sophorae Immaturus is used similarly to the mature flower but exhibits stronger hemostatic and heat-clearing effects. It is commonly known as Flos Sophorae Immaturus, Pagodatree Flower Bud, or Huái Mǐ.
Fructus Sophorae (Pogodatree Pod)
Brief Introduction:Fructus Sophorae is the dried, ripe fruit of Sophora japonica L. Its actions resemble those of Pagodatree Flower, especially for hemorrhoidal bleeding. It is commonly known as Fructus Sophorae, Pagodatree Pod, or Huái Jiǎo.
Radix Sanguisorbae (Garden Burnet Root)
Brief Introduction:Radix Sanguisorbae is the dried root of Sanguisorba officinalis L. or Sanguisorba officinalis L. var. longifolia (Bertol.) Yü et Li. It is used as a blood-cooling hemostatic herb for treating various hemorrhagic conditions—including hematemesis, hemoptysis, epistaxis, hematochezia, and metrorrhagia—and is also an important agent for burn treatment. Commonly known as Radix Sanguisorbae, garden burnet root, or Dì Yú.
Herba Cirsii (Field Thistle)
Brief Introduction:Herba Cirsii consists of the dried aerial parts of Cirsium setosum (Willd.) MB. It is used (1) to cool the blood and stop bleeding—primarily for hematuria; (2) to dissipate blood stasis and clear toxins—indicated for boils and carbuncles; and (3) as an antihypertensive agent. It is commonly known as Herba Cirsii, Field Thistle, or Xiǎo Jì.
Herba Capsellae (Shepherd's Purse)
Brief Introduction:Herba Capsellae is the dried whole plant of Capsella bursa-pastoris (L.) Medik. It is used (1) as a blood-cooling hemostatic agent for menorrhagia, postpartum hemorrhage, and hematuria; and (2) as a diuretic for nephritic edema and hypertension. Commonly known as Shepherd’s Purse or Jì Cài, Herba Capsellae.
Radix Boehmeriae (Ramie Root)
Brief Introduction:Radix Boehmeriae is the dried root of Boehmeria nivea (L.) Gaud., used to arrest bleeding and prevent miscarriage in the treatment of bleeding associated with threatened abortion and menorrhagia. The herb is commonly known as Radix Boehmeriae, Ramie Root, or Zhù Má.
Rhizoma Imperatae (Lalang Grass Rhizome)
Brief Introduction:Rhizoma Imperatae is the dried rhizome of Imperata cylindrica (L.) Beauv. var. major (Nees) C.E. Hubb., used to cool the blood, arrest bleeding, clear heat, and promote diuresis in the treatment of epistaxis and hematuria due to blood-heat, edema, jaundice, and stranguria associated with heat. It is commonly known as Rhizoma Imperatae, Lalang Grass Rhizome, or Bái Máo Gēn.
Cacumen Platycladi (Chinese Arborvitae Twig and Leaf)
Brief Introduction:Cacumen Platycladi is the dried twigs and leaves of Platycladus orientalis (L.) Franco., used as a blood-cooling hemostatic agent to treat epistaxis, hemoptysis, hematemesis, hematochezia, and metrorrhagia. It is also employed to address premature graying of hair. Common names include Cacumen Platycladi, Chinese Arborvitae Twig and Leaf, and Cè Bǎi Yè.
Radix Rumecis Patientiae (Patient Dock Root)
Brief Introduction:Radix Rumicis Patientiae is the dried root of Rumex patientia L., used as a blood-cooling and hemostatic herb for hemorrhages caused by excessive heat in the blood. It is commonly known as Radix Rumicis Patientiae, Patient Dock Root, or Niú Xī Xī.
✵As of January 1st, 2024, this category records a total of [5] commonly used TCM herbs, [6] related plant species, and [1] related mineral. These stasis-resolving hemostatic herbs are introduced separately below:
Radix Notoginseng (Sanchi)
Brief Introduction:Radix Notoginseng is the dried root and rhizome of Panax notoginseng (Burk.) F.H. Chen ex C.C. Chow (Araliaceae). It is used to invigorate blood circulation, resolve blood stasis, stop bleeding, and alleviate pain. It is indicated for various types of external and internal hemorrhage, blood stasis syndrome, and pain due to traumatic injury or angina pectoris. Commonly known as Radix Notoginseng, Sanchi, or Sān Qī.
Radix Rubiae (Qiàn Cǎo)
Brief Introduction:Radix Rubiae is the dried root and rhizome of Rubia cordifolia L., used to cool the blood, resolve stasis, and stop bleeding in the treatment of epistaxis, metrorrhagia, and traumatic bleeding. It is commonly known as Radix Rubiae or Qiàn Cǎo.
Pollen Typhae (Cat-tail Pollen)
Brief Introduction:Pollen Typhae is the dried pollen of Typha angustifolia L., Typha orientalis Presl., or related species. It is used to invigorate blood circulation, dispel blood stasis, and alleviate pain—particularly in the treatment of dysmenorrhea, postpartum abdominal pain, and gastralgia. It is commonly known as Pollen Typhae, Cat-tail Pollen, or Pú Huánɡ.
Brief Introduction:Pollen Typhae Carbonisatum is used as a hemostatic herb that also promotes blood circulation to remove stasis.
✵Pollen Typhae Carbonisatum is the carbonized residue obtained by traditional processing of Pollen Typhae. Its botanical origin is identical to that of Pollen Typhae, as described in the preceding entry “Pollen Typhae (Cattail Pollen)”.
Ophicalcitum (Ophicalcite)
Brief Introduction: The herb Ophicalcitum is a marble containing green serpentine, used as an astringent hemostatic agent for treating hemoptysis and hematemesis, and externally for incised wounds. It is commonly known as Ophicalcitum, Ophicalcite, or Huā Ruǐ Shí.
✵As of January 1st, 2024, this category records a total of [6] commonly used TCM herbs, [8] related plant species, and [1] related inorganic substance. These astringent hemostatic herbs are introduced separately below:
Rhizoma Bletillae (Common Bletilla Tuber)
Brief Introduction:Rhizoma Bletillae is the steamed and dried tuber of Bletilla striata (Thunb.) Reichb. f., used (1) as a hemostatic for treating hemoptysis, hematemesis, and traumatic bleeding, and (2) to reduce swelling and promote tissue regeneration in the treatment of boils and burns. It is commonly known as Rhizoma Bletillae, Common Bletilla Tuber, Common Bletilla Pseudobulb, Tuber of Common Bletilla, Tuber of Hyacinth Bletilla, or Bái Jí.
Crinis Carbonisatus (Carbonized Hair)
Brief Introduction:Crinis Carbonisatus is used to arrest bleeding and dispel blood stasis, primarily for treating various types of hemorrhage. It is commonly known as Crinis Carbonisatus, Carbonized Hair, or Xuè Yú Tàn.
Herba Agrimoniae (Hairvein Agrimonia Herb)
Brief Introduction:Herba Agrimoniae consists of the dried aerial parts of Agrimonia pilosa Ledeb. It is used (1) as an astringent hemostatic agent for various hemorrhagic conditions—including bloody dysentery—and (2) to clear heat, resolve toxins, and reduce swelling in the treatment of boils, sores, and carbuncles. It is also employed in the management of malaria. Common names include Herba Agrimoniae, Hairvein Agrimonia Herb, Hairyvein Agrimonia Herb, and Xiān Hè Cǎo (literally “Crane Herb”).
Brief Introduction:Petiolus Trachycarpi Carbonisatus is the carbonized petiole of Trachycarpus fortunei (Hook.) H. Wendl., used as an astringent hemostatic agent for treating hematemesis, epistaxis, hematochezia, and menorrhagia. It is commonly known as Petiolus Trachycarpi Carbonisatus, Carbonized Windmill Palm Petiole, or Zōng Lǘ Tàn.
Nodus Nelumbinis rhizomatis (Lotus Rhizome Node)
Brief Introduction:Nodus Nelumbinis Rhizomatis is the dried rhizome node of Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn., used to cool the blood, arrest bleeding, and invigorate blood circulation to remove stasis. It is indicated for epistaxis, hemoptysis, hematuria, and abnormal uterine bleeding. It is commonly known as Nodus Nelumbinis Rhizomatis, Lotus Rhizome Node, or Ǒu Jié.
Herba Orostachyos (Roof Stonecrop)
Brief Introduction:Herba Orostachyos is the dried aerial part of Orostachys fimbriatus (Turcz.) Berger., used primarily as a hemostatic agent for treating hematochezia and hematemesis, and externally for skin ulcers. It is commonly known as Herba Orostachyos, Roof Stonecrop, or Wǎ Sōnɡ.
✵As of January 1st, 2024, this category records a total of [2] commonly used TCM herbs, [1] related plant species, and [1] inorganic substance. These meridian-warming hemostatic herbs are introduced separately below:
Brief Introduction:Folium Artemisiae Argyi is the dried leaf of Artemisia argyi Lévl. et Vant., used to warm the uterus and stop bleeding in cases of functional uterine bleeding, infertility, and dysmenorrhea. It is commonly known as Argyi Wormwood Leaf, ài yè, Aiye, Argyi Leaf, Chinese mugwort leaf, Folium Artemisiae Argyi, Artemisia, Artemisia leaf, Artemisiae Argyi Folium, dried leaf of Artemisia, or ài yè.
Terra Flava Usta (Calcined Yellow Earth)
Brief Introduction:Terra Flava Usta consists of clean, calcined yellow earth formed into small lumps. It is used as (1) an antiemetic for nausea and vomiting due to chronic gastric disorders or pregnancy; (2) an antidiarrheal for chronic diarrhea; and (3) a hemostatic agent for bleeding caused by spleen-Qi deficiency failing to control the blood. It is commonly known as Terra Flava Usta, Calcined Yellow Earth, or Fú Lóng Gān.
✵TCM herbalism is also known as the pharmaceutics of Traditional Chinese Medicine or Chinese pharmaceutics. It is the branch of health science dealing with the preparation, dispensing, and proper utilization of Chinese herbs. It is primarily composed of Introduction to Chinese Medicinals, Classification of Chinese Herbs, Formulas, and Patent Medicines.
Introduction: Herbs regulating blood conditions include agents that modulate blood physiology—by stopping bleeding, promoting circulation, or tonifying blood. Hemostatic herbs specifically arrest bleeding, whether internal or external.
Brief Introduction: Herba seu Radix Cirsii Japonici is the dried aerial part or root of Cirsium japonicum Fisch. ex DC., used as a hemostatic agent for treating hematemesis and hematuria due to blood-heat syndrome; it is also used in the treatment of hepatitis and hypertension. The herb is commonly referred to as Herba seu Radix Cirsii Japonici or Dà Jì.
Brief Introduction: The herb Flos Sophorae is the dried flower of Sophora japonica L., used (1) to cool blood and stop bleeding in various hemorrhages due to blood-heat—especially hemorrhoidal bleeding—and (2) to clear liver fire in cases of upward-flaming liver fire accompanied by headache, as well as in hypertension. The herb is commonly known as Flos Sophorae, Pagodatree Flower, or Huái Huā.
Brief Introduction: Flos Sophorae Immaturus is used similarly to the mature flower but exhibits stronger hemostatic and heat-clearing effects. It is commonly known as Flos Sophorae Immaturus, Pagodatree Flower Bud, or Huái Mǐ.
Brief Introduction: Fructus Sophorae is the dried, ripe fruit of Sophora japonica L. Its actions resemble those of Pagodatree Flower, especially for hemorrhoidal bleeding. It is commonly known as Fructus Sophorae, Pagodatree Pod, or Huái Jiǎo.
Brief Introduction: Radix Sanguisorbae is the dried root of Sanguisorba officinalis L. or Sanguisorba officinalis L. var. longifolia (Bertol.) Yü et Li. It is used as a blood-cooling hemostatic herb for treating various hemorrhagic conditions—including hematemesis, hemoptysis, epistaxis, hematochezia, and metrorrhagia—and is also an important agent for burn treatment. Commonly known as Radix Sanguisorbae, garden burnet root, or Dì Yú.
Brief Introduction: Herba Cirsii consists of the dried aerial parts of Cirsium setosum (Willd.) MB. It is used (1) to cool the blood and stop bleeding—primarily for hematuria; (2) to dissipate blood stasis and clear toxins—indicated for boils and carbuncles; and (3) as an antihypertensive agent. It is commonly known as Herba Cirsii, Field Thistle, or Xiǎo Jì.
Brief Introduction: Herba Capsellae is the dried whole plant of Capsella bursa-pastoris (L.) Medik. It is used (1) as a blood-cooling hemostatic agent for menorrhagia, postpartum hemorrhage, and hematuria; and (2) as a diuretic for nephritic edema and hypertension. Commonly known as Shepherd’s Purse or Jì Cài, Herba Capsellae.
Brief Introduction: Radix Boehmeriae is the dried root of Boehmeria nivea (L.) Gaud., used to arrest bleeding and prevent miscarriage in the treatment of bleeding associated with threatened abortion and menorrhagia. The herb is commonly known as Radix Boehmeriae, Ramie Root, or Zhù Má.
Brief Introduction: Rhizoma Imperatae is the dried rhizome of Imperata cylindrica (L.) Beauv. var. major (Nees) C.E. Hubb., used to cool the blood, arrest bleeding, clear heat, and promote diuresis in the treatment of epistaxis and hematuria due to blood-heat, edema, jaundice, and stranguria associated with heat. It is commonly known as Rhizoma Imperatae, Lalang Grass Rhizome, or Bái Máo Gēn.
Brief Introduction: Cacumen Platycladi is the dried twigs and leaves of Platycladus orientalis (L.) Franco., used as a blood-cooling hemostatic agent to treat epistaxis, hemoptysis, hematemesis, hematochezia, and metrorrhagia. It is also employed to address premature graying of hair. Common names include Cacumen Platycladi, Chinese Arborvitae Twig and Leaf, and Cè Bǎi Yè.
Brief Introduction: Radix Rumicis Patientiae is the dried root of Rumex patientia L., used as a blood-cooling and hemostatic herb for hemorrhages caused by excessive heat in the blood. It is commonly known as Radix Rumicis Patientiae, Patient Dock Root, or Niú Xī Xī.
Brief Introduction: Radix Notoginseng is the dried root and rhizome of Panax notoginseng (Burk.) F.H. Chen ex C.C. Chow (Araliaceae). It is used to invigorate blood circulation, resolve blood stasis, stop bleeding, and alleviate pain. It is indicated for various types of external and internal hemorrhage, blood stasis syndrome, and pain due to traumatic injury or angina pectoris. Commonly known as Radix Notoginseng, Sanchi, or Sān Qī.
Brief Introduction: Radix Rubiae is the dried root and rhizome of Rubia cordifolia L., used to cool the blood, resolve stasis, and stop bleeding in the treatment of epistaxis, metrorrhagia, and traumatic bleeding. It is commonly known as Radix Rubiae or Qiàn Cǎo.
Brief Introduction: Pollen Typhae is the dried pollen of Typha angustifolia L., Typha orientalis Presl., or related species. It is used to invigorate blood circulation, dispel blood stasis, and alleviate pain—particularly in the treatment of dysmenorrhea, postpartum abdominal pain, and gastralgia. It is commonly known as Pollen Typhae, Cat-tail Pollen, or Pú Huánɡ.
Brief Introduction: Pollen Typhae Carbonisatum is used as a hemostatic herb that also promotes blood circulation to remove stasis.
Brief Introduction: The herb Ophicalcitum is a marble containing green serpentine, used as an astringent hemostatic agent for treating hemoptysis and hematemesis, and externally for incised wounds. It is commonly known as Ophicalcitum, Ophicalcite, or Huā Ruǐ Shí.
Brief Introduction: Rhizoma Bletillae is the steamed and dried tuber of Bletilla striata (Thunb.) Reichb. f., used (1) as a hemostatic for treating hemoptysis, hematemesis, and traumatic bleeding, and (2) to reduce swelling and promote tissue regeneration in the treatment of boils and burns. It is commonly known as Rhizoma Bletillae, Common Bletilla Tuber, Common Bletilla Pseudobulb, Tuber of Common Bletilla, Tuber of Hyacinth Bletilla, or Bái Jí.
Brief Introduction: Crinis Carbonisatus is used to arrest bleeding and dispel blood stasis, primarily for treating various types of hemorrhage. It is commonly known as Crinis Carbonisatus, Carbonized Hair, or Xuè Yú Tàn.
Brief Introduction: Herba Agrimoniae consists of the dried aerial parts of Agrimonia pilosa Ledeb. It is used (1) as an astringent hemostatic agent for various hemorrhagic conditions—including bloody dysentery—and (2) to clear heat, resolve toxins, and reduce swelling in the treatment of boils, sores, and carbuncles. It is also employed in the management of malaria. Common names include Herba Agrimoniae, Hairvein Agrimonia Herb, Hairyvein Agrimonia Herb, and Xiān Hè Cǎo (literally “Crane Herb”).
Brief Introduction: Petiolus Trachycarpi Carbonisatus is the carbonized petiole of Trachycarpus fortunei (Hook.) H. Wendl., used as an astringent hemostatic agent for treating hematemesis, epistaxis, hematochezia, and menorrhagia. It is commonly known as Petiolus Trachycarpi Carbonisatus, Carbonized Windmill Palm Petiole, or Zōng Lǘ Tàn.
Brief Introduction: Nodus Nelumbinis Rhizomatis is the dried rhizome node of Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn., used to cool the blood, arrest bleeding, and invigorate blood circulation to remove stasis. It is indicated for epistaxis, hemoptysis, hematuria, and abnormal uterine bleeding. It is commonly known as Nodus Nelumbinis Rhizomatis, Lotus Rhizome Node, or Ǒu Jié.
Brief Introduction: Herba Orostachyos is the dried aerial part of Orostachys fimbriatus (Turcz.) Berger., used primarily as a hemostatic agent for treating hematochezia and hematemesis, and externally for skin ulcers. It is commonly known as Herba Orostachyos, Roof Stonecrop, or Wǎ Sōnɡ.
Brief Introduction: Folium Artemisiae Argyi is the dried leaf of Artemisia argyi Lévl. et Vant., used to warm the uterus and stop bleeding in cases of functional uterine bleeding, infertility, and dysmenorrhea. It is commonly known as Argyi Wormwood Leaf, ài yè, Aiye, Argyi Leaf, Chinese mugwort leaf, Folium Artemisiae Argyi, Artemisia, Artemisia leaf, Artemisiae Argyi Folium, dried leaf of Artemisia, or ài yè.
Brief Introduction: Terra Flava Usta consists of clean, calcined yellow earth formed into small lumps. It is used as (1) an antiemetic for nausea and vomiting due to chronic gastric disorders or pregnancy; (2) an antidiarrheal for chronic diarrhea; and (3) a hemostatic agent for bleeding caused by spleen-Qi deficiency failing to control the blood. It is commonly known as Terra Flava Usta, Calcined Yellow Earth, or Fú Lóng Gān.