Líng Xiāo Huā (凌霄花) — Campsis Flower

On this page

1. Overview
2. Properties
3. Actions and indications
4. Modern research
5. Cautions and contraindications
6. Treatment at my clinic

1. Overview

Líng Xiāo Huā (凌霄花) — Campsis grandiflora flower, also known as Flos Campsis or Chinese trumpet creeper flower — is a Blood-invigorating herb in the Chinese Materia Medica. It belongs to the category of Herbs that invigorate the Blood and is used in Chinese herbal medicine primarily for gynaecological complaints arising from Blood stasis, and for stubborn skin patterns with Heat in the Blood.

I prescribe Líng Xiāo Huā as part of bespoke herbal formulas from pharmaceutical-grade granules sourced from Sun Ten in Taiwan — independently tested to the highest international quality and safety standards. Herbs are never prescribed individually outside a properly balanced formula; they 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

3. Actions and indications

Principal actions

1. Invigorates the Blood and breaks Blood stasis
2. Cools the Blood and dispels Wind
3. Resolves Heat-toxin in the skin

Indications

1. Amenorrhoea and irregular menstruation from Blood stasis
2. Postpartum abdominal pain from retained lochia and Blood stasis
3. Painful periods with dark, clotted flow
4. Abdominal masses associated with long-standing Blood stasis
5. Wind-Heat skin patterns including urticaria, persistent itching, eczema and rosacea

4. Modern research

Campsis grandiflora flower has been investigated for a range of bioactive constituents including flavonoids (apigenin, luteolin), phenolic acids, iridoids and triterpenoids. Pharmacological studies report anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, vasorelaxant and mild antiplatelet activity, which is broadly consistent with its traditional Blood-moving uses. Topical and oral preparations have been studied for inflammatory skin conditions. The herb remains less extensively researched than mainstream Blood-invigorating herbs such as Dan Shen and Hong Hua, and the available data are mostly preclinical; clinical trial evidence in humans is limited.

5. Cautions and contraindications

Contraindicated in pregnancy. As a strong Blood-moving herb, Líng Xiāo Huā can promote uterine contraction and is traditionally forbidden during pregnancy. Use with caution in patients with Blood deficiency without stasis, and in those prone to heavy menstrual bleeding.

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 and the British Acupuncture Council with over 25 years of clinical experience.

6. Treatment at my clinic

I prescribe Líng Xiāo Huā as part of tailored herbal formulas for selected presentations of amenorrhoea, irregular menstruation, painful periods with marked Blood stasis, and stubborn inflammatory skin presentations. 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 for patients throughout the UK and internationally, with herbs dispensed by post. Visit the prices page for consultation fees.

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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.