Hóng Huā (红花) — Safflower flower
On this page
- Overview
- Properties
- Actions and indications
- Key formulas
- Modern research
- Incompatibilities
- Cautions and contraindications
- Treatment at my clinic
1. Overview
Hóng Huā (红花) — Carthamus tinctorius — is known in English as Safflower flower. It belongs to the category of Herbs that invigorate Blood in the Chinese Materia Medica and is one of the important herbs in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). It is used in Chinese herbal medicine as a component of classical herbal formulas and in tailored prescriptions.
I prescribe Hóng Huā as part of bespoke herbal formulas from pharmaceutical-grade granules sourced from Sun Ten in Taiwan. Herbs are always combined with other herbs selected to match the patient’s individual TCM pattern. Online consultations are available for patients who cannot attend my clinic in person.
2. Properties
| Pinyin name | Hóng Huā |
|---|---|
| Chinese characters | 红花 |
| Latin name | Carthamus tinctorius |
| English name | Safflower flower |
| Nature | warm |
| Flavour | acrid |
| Channels entered | Heart, Liver |
| Category | Herbs that invigorate Blood |
3. Actions and indications
Principal actions
- Invigorates Blood and dispels stasis — the primary Blood-moving herb for gynaecology
- Unblocks the menstrual cycle and relieves pain
- Clears Heart Blood stasis and relieves chest pain
- Reduces masses and swellings
Indications
- Amenorrhoea and irregular menstruation from Blood stasis
- Dysmenorrhoea and post-partum abdominal pain
- Cardiovascular disease — coronary Blood stasis and angina
- Abdominal masses and fibroids
- Sports injuries and traumatic bruising
- Endometriosis pelvic pain from Blood stasis
4. Key formulas containing Hóng Huā
Hóng Huā appears in the following key formulas:
See the full Chinese herbal medicine formula directory for detailed information on all 88 classical formulas.
5. Modern research
Carthamus tinctorius (Hong Hua) is one of the most widely used Blood-invigorating herbs in TCM. Key bioactive constituents include carthamin (the red pigment), hydroxysafflor yellow A (HSYA), safflor yellow and flavonoids. Research confirms significant anti-platelet aggregation effects, vasodilatory properties, anti-inflammatory activity, analgesic effects and coronary artery dilation. HSYA is the primary cardioprotective constituent and has been shown to protect against myocardial ischaemia. Clinical research confirms benefits in cardiovascular disease, dysmenorrhoea and cerebrovascular conditions. Hong Hua injection is used in Chinese hospitals for ischaemic stroke.
6. Incompatibilities
Hóng Huā (红花) Safflower flower is not listed in either of the two classical incompatibility texts — Shi Ba Fan (Eighteen Antagonisms) or Shi Jiu Wei (Nineteen Mutual Inhibitions). As with every Chinese herb it should be prescribed only as part of a balanced formula by a registered Chinese herbalist (RCHM), who will check for interactions with any other herbs and prescription medications you are taking.
7. Cautions and contraindications
Strictly contraindicated during pregnancy — one of the most strongly contraindicated herbs due to its powerful uterotonic and abortifacient effects. Avoid in haemorrhagic conditions and Blood deficiency without stasis. Use with caution alongside anticoagulants.
Pattern contraindications
Contraindicated in pregnancy — Blood-invigorating herbs can stimulate uterine contraction and threaten the pregnancy. Use cautiously in patients with heavy menstrual bleeding, bleeding disorders or recent surgery.
Modern drug interactions
Contraindicated in pregnancy. Documented anticoagulant and antiplatelet activity — tell your GP if you take warfarin, DOACs, aspirin or clopidogrel.
Important: Chinese herbs should always be prescribed by a fully qualified herbalist who is a member of the Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine (RCHM). Never self-prescribe or self-administer Chinese herbs without professional guidance. Dr (TCM) Attilio D’Alberto is a member of the RCHM with over 25 years of clinical experience.
8. Treatment at my clinic
I prescribe Hóng Huā as part of tailored herbal formulas for a range of conditions including Endometriosis, Irregular menstrual cycle, High blood pressure, Fibroids. Every prescription is individually formulated following a full TCM assessment and adjusted throughout treatment as the pattern responds.
I see patients in person at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire. Online Chinese herbal medicine consultations are available throughout the UK and internationally. Visit the prices page for consultation fees.
Return to the Chinese herb directory or the Chinese herbal medicine main page.
Prefer to be treated from home? Chinese herbal medicine online consultations are available throughout the UK and worldwide. After a full video consultation, Dr (TCM) Attilio D'Alberto formulates a bespoke herbal prescription and posts your Chinese herbs directly to your door.
