Qiàn Cǎo (茜草) — Madder root
On this page
- Overview
- Properties
- Actions and indications
- Key formulas
- Modern research
- Incompatibilities
- Cautions and contraindications
- Treatment at my clinic
- Frequently asked questions
1. Overview
Qiàn Cǎo (茜草) — Rubia cordifolia — is known in English as Madder root. It belongs to the category of herbs that cool the Blood and stop bleeding in the Chinese Materia Medica and is used in Chinese herbal medicine both as a component of classical herbal formulas and within tailored prescriptions in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM).
I prescribe Qiàn Cǎo 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
| Pinyin name | Qiàn Cǎo |
|---|---|
| Chinese characters | 茜草 |
| Latin name | Rubia cordifolia |
| English name | Madder root |
| Nature | Cold |
| Flavour | Bitter |
| Channels entered | Liver |
| Category | Regulate the blood |
3. Actions and indications
Principal actions
- Cools the Blood and stops bleeding
- Invigorates the Blood and dispels stasis
- Unblocks the menses
Indications
- Bleeding with Heat, including nosebleed and blood in the urine
- Heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding
- Amenorrhoea and painful periods with Blood stasis
- Traumatic injury with bruising and fixed pain
4. Key formulas containing Qiàn Cǎo
Qiàn Cǎo is an ingredient in a number of classical formulas. The following are among the most important:
See the full Chinese herbal medicine formula directory for detailed information on all 346 formulas.
5. Modern research
Madder root contains anthraquinones. It is unusual in both stopping bleeding and moving Blood, which makes it useful where bleeding coexists with stasis. Research is largely preclinical.
6. Incompatibilities
The classical Ming-dynasty texts Shi Ba Fan (Eighteen Antagonisms) and Shi Jiu Wei (Nineteen Mutual Inhibitions) record herb pairs that should not be combined. Modern practitioners treat these as strong cautions rather than absolute contraindications.
No classical incompatibilities are recorded for Qiàn Cǎo in the Shi Ba Fan or Shi Jiu Wei.
7. Cautions and contraindications
Avoided in pregnancy because of its Blood-moving action, and used with caution in Spleen deficiency-Cold. Unexplained bleeding requires medical assessment first.
Pattern contraindications
Not appropriate for bleeding from Qi deficiency alone, where tonifying and securing herbs are needed.
Modern drug interactions
No specific drug interactions are well established for Qiàn Cǎo at normal prescribed doses. As with all Chinese herbs, tell your herbalist about every prescribed medication so the formula can be reviewed for interactions and adjusted where necessary.
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.
8. Treatment at my clinic
I prescribe Qiàn Cǎo within tailored formulas where bleeding and Blood stasis occur together, after appropriate investigation.
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.
Return to the Chinese herb directory or the Chinese herbal medicine main page.
9. Frequently asked questions
What is Qian Cao (madder root) used for?
Qian Cao is used both to cool the Blood and stop bleeding and to invigorate the Blood and clear stasis — a dual action that suits bleeding associated with Heat and stasis, and menstrual problems such as absent or painful periods caused by Blood stasis.
What are the benefits of Qian Cao?
Its ability to stop bleeding without leaving stasis behind, and to move stuck Blood, makes it useful for stasis-type gynaecological complaints and for traumatic injury within a matched formula.
How is Qian Cao taken?
Typically 6–9g in decoction. The charred form is favoured to emphasise stopping bleeding, while the raw form emphasises moving Blood; a practitioner selects the right preparation.
Who should not take Qian Cao?
As a Blood-moving herb it is avoided in pregnancy, and it is used cautiously where there is no Blood stasis or where bleeding is due to deficiency-cold rather than Heat.
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.
