Xi (Qian) Cao Granules, 100g

Qian Cao Gen, also known as Xi Cao or Qian Cao, is the root of Rubia cordifolia and is classified among the Herbs that Regulate Blood: Herbs that Stop Bleeding (Hemostatics). Known by its common English names Madder Root, Rubia Root, Heart-Leaf Madder Root, and India Madder Root, this cold-natured herb enters the Heart and Liver channels and is particularly valued for its dual ability to both cool and move the Blood.

TCM Herb Profile

Qian Cao Gen is especially useful for hemoptysis and hematemesis, and can be used alone for hematemesis due to Heat. This herb is more effective at stopping bleeding if dry-fried or charred; charred Rubia Root (Qian Cao Tan) is not as cold, does not cool the Blood nor remove Stasis as well, but is better at stopping bleeding and is used for all types of bleeding. This herb invigorates the Blood when combined with wine and stops bleeding when roasted.

Beyond its hemostatic actions, Qian Cao Gen invigorates the Blood to address pain due to Blood Stasis, especially chest and flank pain, retained lochia, pain from traumatic injury, joint pain, and early-stage carbuncles. It disperses Wind-Dampness for Bi pain and unblocks the channels and vessels for Wind pain in the bones and joints. Some sources also say that this herb resolves Phlegm and stops cough, cooling the Liver and transforming Phlegm for chronic, stubborn cough with chest pain due to Liver Fire Attacking the Lungs.

Some sources include this herb in the "Blood Invigorating" category. One source notes that this herb stops epistaxis, leukorrhagia, puerperal faintness, agalactia, irregular menstruation, hematochezia, hemorrhoids, and fistula. Another source notes that this herb relieves pain caused by Wind, promotes menstruation, induces abortion, and addresses jaundice and abdominal masses. This herb has a preventative and remedial action on stone formation. This herb has shown to be effective in inhibiting the growth of cancer cells. It is said to cure hemostasis and arthralgia due to Blood Deficiency without any side effects.

Herb Comparisons for Practitioners

Qian Cao Gen, Hb. Sive Rx. Cirsii Japonici (Da Ji), and Hb. Cirsii (Xiao Ji) all enter the Blood to cool Heat, stop bleeding, and dispel Blood Stasis. Qian Cao Gen is used more in gynecology to treat vaginal bleeding due to Heat and also enters the Lungs to treat cough due to Liver Fire Attacking the Lungs. Xiao Ji facilitates urination and treats Bloody Lin. Da Ji disperses clumps and reduces sores, especially when fresh.

Both Qian Cao Gen and Fol. Callicarpae Formosanae (Zi Zhu) cool the Blood and stop bleeding. Qian Cao Gen also invigorates the Blood, unblocks the collaterals, and is better for bleeding associated with Blood Stasis and Heat in the Blood. Zi Zhu is astringent, resolves toxicity, and treats sores.

This herb benefits women when combined with Rx. Angelicae Sinensis (Dang Gui) and Rx. Paeoniae Alba (Bai Shao).

This product is offered as a granule preparation in a 100g quantity by Min Tong