Wáng Bù Liú Xíng (王不留行) — Vaccaria Seed

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

Wáng Bù Liú Xíng (王不留行) is the ripe dried seed of Vaccaria segetalis, known in English as cowherb seed or vaccaria seed. It belongs to the category of Herbs that invigorate the Blood in the Chinese Materia Medica and is particularly used in Chinese herbal medicine for insufficient lactation, breast lumps, painful periods with Blood stasis, and as the ear-press seed traditionally used in auricular therapy.

I prescribe Wáng Bù Liú Xíng 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. Invigorates the Blood and unblocks the menstrual flow
2. Promotes lactation and unblocks the breasts
3. Disperses breast lumps

Indications

1. Insufficient lactation in postnatal women
2. Breast distension, lumps and early-stage mastitis
3. Painful periods with Blood stasis
4. Amenorrhoea from Blood stasis
5. Use as ear-press seeds in auricular acupuncture for ongoing point stimulation between sessions

4. Modern research

Vaccaria seed contains triterpenoid saponins (notably vaccarosides), cyclic peptides and flavonoids. Studies report effects on prolactin secretion (relevant to its traditional lactation use), uterine motility, and antiplatelet activity. Anti-inflammatory and weak antitumour effects have been reported in preclinical models.

5. Cautions and contraindications

Contraindicated in pregnancy — the Blood-moving action can promote uterine contraction. Avoid in patients with Blood deficiency without stasis. Use with caution alongside anticoagulants.

Important: Chinese herbs should always be prescribed by a fully qualified herbalist who is a member of the Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine (RCHM).

6. Treatment at my clinic

I prescribe Wáng Bù Liú Xíng as part of tailored herbal formulas for insufficient lactation, breast distension and cyclical breast tenderness, and selected presentations of painful periods with Blood stasis. The seeds themselves are also used as ear-press seeds during auricular acupuncture treatment. 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.

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