Herbs

San Qi: The "Miracle Root" for Blood Circulation

Updated March 2026 ยท 7 min read

San Qi (ไธ‰ไธƒ), also known as Tian Qi or Panax Notoginseng, is one of the most prized herbs in Chinese Medicine. It has a unique dual ability: it stops bleeding AND breaks up blood stasis โ€” two seemingly opposite actions in one herb. No other herb does this as well.

What Makes San Qi Special?

San Qi belongs to the same genus as Ginseng (Panax), but while Ginseng tonifies Qi, San Qi specializes in Blood. The famous physician Li Shizhen (ๆŽๆ—ถ็) called it "the most precious herb among all herbs for Blood" in his Ben Cao Gang Mu (ๆœฌ่‰็บฒ็›ฎ, 1578 CE).

Its unique property: it moves Blood without damaging it, and stops bleeding without causing stasis. This makes it safe and effective for a wide range of conditions.

Key Benefits

1. Cardiovascular Health

San Qi is widely used in China for heart and vascular health. It improves blood circulation, reduces blood viscosity, and helps maintain healthy cholesterol levels. Yunnan Baiyao, China's most famous medicine, contains San Qi as its primary ingredient.

2. Pain Relief (Blood Stasis)

In TCM, pain from Blood stasis is sharp, fixed, and worse at night. San Qi powerfully moves stagnant Blood, making it effective for traumatic injuries, post-surgical recovery, and chronic pain conditions.

3. Stop Bleeding

Paradoxically, San Qi also stops bleeding โ€” nosebleeds, heavy menstrual bleeding, blood in stool, and internal bleeding. It does this by promoting clotting at the wound site while keeping blood flowing normally elsewhere.

4. Bruises and Injuries

San Qi is the go-to herb for traumatic injuries. Martial artists in China have used it for centuries to heal bruises, sprains, and fractures faster. It reduces swelling and promotes tissue repair.

5. Skin Health

By improving microcirculation, San Qi helps with dark spots, uneven skin tone, and post-acne marks. Many Chinese beauty products contain San Qi powder for this reason.

Forms and Dosage

  • Raw powder (็”Ÿไธ‰ไธƒ็ฒ‰): 1-3g, 1-2 times daily, mixed in warm water. Best for moving Blood and pain relief. Take on an empty stomach.
  • Cooked powder (็†Ÿไธ‰ไธƒ็ฒ‰): 3-5g, steamed or stir-fried with chicken. Best for tonifying Blood after illness or surgery. More nourishing, less moving.
  • Capsules: Follow product instructions, typically 2-4 capsules daily.
  • Yunnan Baiyao (ไบ‘ๅ—็™ฝ่ฏ): The famous patent medicine. Follow package directions for injuries and bleeding.

Raw vs Cooked: Which to Choose?

  • Raw (็”Ÿ): Moves Blood, stops bleeding, reduces swelling, relieves pain โ†’ for injuries, cardiovascular health, acute conditions
  • Cooked (็†Ÿ): Tonifies Blood, nourishes โ†’ for post-surgery recovery, anemia, weakness after blood loss

Chinese saying: "็”Ÿๆ‰“็†Ÿ่กฅ" โ€” raw for breaking, cooked for building.

San Qi Chicken Soup Recipe

Nourishing Blood Recovery Soup:

  • San Qi powder (cooked/็†Ÿ) โ€” 10g
  • Chicken (half, chopped) โ€” 500g
  • Red dates โ€” 5 pieces
  • Goji berries โ€” 15g
  • Ginger โ€” 3 slices
  • Salt โ€” to taste

Blanch chicken, then simmer all ingredients in a clay pot for 1.5 hours. Excellent for post-surgery recovery, postpartum, or general Blood nourishment.

Who Should Avoid San Qi?

  • Pregnant women โ€” San Qi moves Blood strongly and can cause uterine contractions
  • People on blood thinners (warfarin, aspirin) โ€” may increase bleeding risk
  • Before surgery โ€” stop 2 weeks before any scheduled surgery
  • Children under 12 โ€” unless prescribed by a practitioner
  • During heavy menstruation โ€” raw San Qi may increase flow (cooked is okay)

Want to Know If San Qi Is Right for You?

San Qi is powerful but not for everyone. A TCM wellness consultation can assess your Blood circulation pattern and recommend the right form and dosage.

Book a Free Consultation โ†’

Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only. If you are taking blood-thinning medications, consult your doctor before using San Qi.