Panax notoginseng (Sanqi), a prized herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), offers multiple therapeutic actions, including activating blood circulation, clearing heat and toxins, stopping bleeding and promoting tissue regeneration, reducing inflammation and pain, and moistening the intestines. Below is a detailed breakdown:

1. Activates Blood Circulation and Resolves Stasis (Huóxuè Huàyū)

• Mechanism: Contains active compounds like notoginsenosides (sānqī zàogān) and panaxadiols, which dilate blood vessels, improve microcirculation, and dissolve blood stasis.

• Applications: Addresses blood stagnation, bruises, and cardiovascular conditions.

2. Clears Heat and Detoxifies (Qīngrè Jiědú)

• TCM Meridian Affinity: Enters the Liver and Stomach meridians (guī gānjīng, wèijīng).

• Applications: Reduces symptoms of "heat excess" (shànghuǒ), such as red eyes, sore throat, mouth ulcers, and gum swelling.

3. Stops Bleeding and Promotes Healing (Zhǐxiě Shēngjī)

• Mechanism: Rich in dencichine (sānqī ānsuān) and proteins, which enhance platelet function and collagen synthesis.

• Applications: Accelerates wound healing, reduces bleeding, and treats traumatic injuries with redness, swelling, or hemorrhage.

4. Reduces Inflammation and Relieves Pain (Xiāoyán Zhǐtòng)

• Mechanism: Contains flavonoids that inhibit inflammatory cytokines (e.g., TNF-α, IL-6).

• Applications: Alleviates pain and swelling in inflammatory conditions like arthritis or soft tissue injuries.

5. Moistens Intestines and Relieves Constipation (Rùncháng Tōngbiàn)

• Mechanism: High in dietary fiber, which stimulates bowel motility.

• Applications: Relieves constipation, dry stools, and difficulty in defecation.

Contraindications and Precautions

• Avoid in:

  • Menstruating women (may increase menstrual flow).

  • Pregnant women (risk of uterine contractions).

• Suitable for: Patients with hypertension, hyperlipidemia, or hyperglycemia.

• Dietary Caution: Do not pair with cold-natured foods (e.g., raw vegetables, cold drinks) to avoid exacerbating body cold (tǐhán).

• Allergy Alert: Discontinue use and seek medical care if symptoms like skin itching or blisters occur.

Key Notes

• Always consult a TCM practitioner for personalized dosage and formulation.

• Sanqi is commonly consumed as a powder, capsule, or in decoctions.

By leveraging its multi-targeted actions, Panax notoginseng serves as a versatile herb in both preventive and therapeutic TCM practices.