Shuǐ Zhì (水蛭) — leech
Information only — not used or prescribed at this clinic. This page documents a traditional animal-derived substance for reference and education. I do not use or prescribe any animal products. Every formula I prescribe is built entirely from plant and mineral herbs.
Although it may be used by some practitioners, I do not prescribe any animal-derived substances.
Plant and mineral alternatives I use instead include Tao Ren, Hong Hua, San Leng and E Zhu.
On this page
1. Overview
Shuǐ Zhì (水蛭) — leech (Hirudo) — is a traditional animal-derived substance of the Chinese Materia Medica, historically placed in the category of herbs that invigorate Blood. It is described here for information and reference only. I do not use or prescribe Shuǐ Zhì or any other animal product; I prescribe plant and mineral herbs in their place, matched to each patient's TCM pattern.
2. Properties
| Pinyin name | Shuǐ Zhì |
|---|---|
| Chinese characters | 水蛭 |
| Source | leech (Hirudo) |
| Nature | Neutral |
| Flavour | Salty, bitter |
| Channels entered | Liver |
| Traditional category | Invigorate Blood |
3. Traditional actions and indications
In classical Chinese herbal texts, Shuǐ Zhì was traditionally described as follows. This is historical and educational information, not a recommendation to use it.
Traditional actions
- Breaks up Blood stasis
- Dispels masses and accumulations
Traditional indications
- Severe Blood stasis with masses
- Fixed abdominal masses
4. Plant and mineral alternatives
In my practice I use plant and mineral herbs in place of Shuǐ Zhì, chosen to achieve the same clinical aim within a balanced formula. Commonly used alternatives include Tao Ren, Hong Hua, San Leng and E Zhu. The right choice always depends on the individual TCM pattern identified in consultation. Read more about Chinese herbal medicine or book an online herbal consultation.
5. Why it is not prescribed
Although Shuǐ Zhì may be used by some practitioners, I do not prescribe any animal-derived substances; plant and mineral herbs are used instead. All Chinese herbs should be prescribed by a fully qualified herbalist registered with the Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine (RCHM), which prohibits the use of endangered species. Dr (TCM) Attilio D'Alberto is a member of the RCHM and the British Acupuncture Council and does not use animal products of any kind.
Formulas containing Shuǐ Zhì
Shuǐ Zhì appears in the following traditional formulas, documented here for reference only and not prescribed in animal form:
Return to the Chinese herb directory or the Chinese herbal medicine main page.
