Sān Qī (三七) — Notoginseng root / Tienchi ginseng

On this page

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

1. Overview

Sān Qī (三七) — Panax notoginseng — is known in English as Notoginseng root / Tienchi ginseng. It belongs to the category of Herbs that stop bleeding 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 Sān Qī 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

3. Actions and indications

Principal actions

1. Stops bleeding without causing Blood stasis — the most important haemostatic herb
2. Invigorates Blood and dispels stasis — simultaneously stops bleeding AND moves Blood
3. Reduces swelling and alleviates pain from trauma
4. The premier herb for traumatic injury, bruising and internal bleeding

Indications

1. Traumatic injury — the most important herb for trauma, bruising and swelling
2. Haemorrhage from any cause — haemoptysis, haematuria, uterine bleeding
3. Cardiovascular disease — reduces coronary Blood stasis and prevents platelet aggregation
4. Post-surgical recovery and wound healing
5. Angina pectoris from Heart Blood stasis
6. Abnormal uterine bleeding combined with Blood stasis

4. Key formulas containing Sān Qī

Sān Qī appears in the following key formulas:

• Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang

See the full Chinese herbal medicine formula directory for detailed information on all 70 classical formulas.

5. Modern research

Panax notoginseng (San Qi / Tienchi Ginseng) is one of the most pharmacologically potent and commercially important Chinese medicinal herbs. It contains notoginsenosides (unique to this species) alongside ginsenosides shared with Panax ginseng. Research confirms potent anti-platelet aggregation effects, vasodilatory activity, anti-inflammatory properties, liver-protective effects, and the paradoxical ability to both stop bleeding AND prevent pathological clotting. San Qi is one of the primary ingredients in Yunnan Baiyao, one of the most widely sold Chinese patent medicines in the world. Clinical research confirms significant benefits in cardiovascular disease, traumatic injury and liver fibrosis.

6. Cautions and contraindications

Avoid during pregnancy due to blood-moving properties. Use with caution alongside anticoagulant medications. The raw powdered form (Sheng San Qi) is used for trauma and cardiovascular; the cooked form (Shu San Qi) is more tonifying.

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.

7. Treatment at my clinic

I prescribe Sān Qī as part of tailored herbal formulas for a range of conditions including High blood pressure, Fibroids, Sports injuries. 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.