Sān Léng (三棱) — Sparganium Rhizome

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

Sān Léng (三棱) is the dried rhizome of Sparganium stoloniferum, known in English as bur-reed rhizome. It belongs to the category of Herbs that strongly invigorate the Blood in the Chinese Materia Medica and is one of the most potent Blood-stasis-breaking herbs in Chinese herbal medicine. It is almost always paired with É Zhú — the two herbs share an essentially identical clinical role and are used together for stubborn Blood-stasis abdominal masses, fibroids and severe dysmenorrhoea.

I prescribe Sān Léng as part of bespoke herbal formulas from pharmaceutical-grade granules sourced from Sun Ten in Taiwan.

2. Properties

3. Actions and indications

Principal actions

1. Strongly breaks Blood stasis and moves Qi
2. Disperses accumulations and reduces masses
3. Alleviates pain from Blood-and-Qi stagnation

Indications

1. Long-standing Blood-stasis abdominal masses (Zhēng Jiǎ), including uterine fibroids
2. Severe dysmenorrhoea with dark clotted flow and marked cramping
3. Amenorrhoea from longstanding Blood stasis
4. Chronic abdominal pain with palpable fixed masses

4. Modern research

Sparganium contains a range of triterpenes, sterols, lignans, organic acids and volatile oils. Pharmacological studies report antiplatelet, anti-thrombotic, anti-inflammatory and apoptotic effects on tumour cell lines. Sān Léng-É Zhú formulas have been investigated for endometriosis-associated dysmenorrhoea and for adjunctive support in some oncology contexts, with promising but not definitive clinical data.

5. Cautions and contraindications

Contraindicated in pregnancy. As a strong Blood-breaking herb, Sān Léng can promote uterine contraction and disrupt pregnancy. Avoid in patients with heavy menstrual bleeding, bleeding disorders and anaemia from Qi or Blood deficiency. Use with caution alongside anticoagulants and antiplatelet drugs.

Important: Chinese herbs should always be prescribed by a fully qualified herbalist who is a member of the Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine (RCHM). Dr (TCM) Attilio D’Alberto is a member of the RCHM with over 25 years of clinical experience.

6. Treatment at my clinic

I prescribe Sān Léng as part of tailored herbal formulas for selected presentations of uterine fibroids, endometriosis-associated dysmenorrhoea, and stubborn Blood-stasis pain. It is reserved for clearly diagnosed Blood-stasis patterns and used for limited periods at a time. Every prescription is individually formulated following a full TCM assessment.

I see patients in person at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire. Online Chinese herbal medicine consultations are available.

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.