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San qi
April 3, 2011, Sunday
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SAN qi (literally three-seven) is a frequently used TCM herb for activating blood circulation, stopping bleeding and relieving pain. It is also called "shen(参) san qi" as it tastes a bit like ginseng. One legend says san qi is named according to the years the herb needs to develop its medicinal abilities.
The story involves two brothers. The elder brother earned quite a good living by planting and selling herbs; his first product being a magic herb that stopped bleeding. The younger brother was an idle man who could barely feed himself but the elder brother gave him some shoots to start a similar business. The younger brother grew a good amount of the herb and spread the word of its magic power to attract many buyers. A rich man bought his herb for his son who was coughing up blood. But no magical effect occurred and the boy later died. The younger brother was sued and jailed. When the elder brother heard the complete story from his younger brother, he was so sorry that he didn't warn his brother in advance.
"How can you sell the herb within a year of growth?" said the elder brother. "It needs at least three years of growth before it gains its magic power. And it gains the best effect when it is seven years old."
Like ginseng, the older san qi grows, the more effective it becomes. san qi can both activate blood circulation and stop bleeding when necessary. It is widely used to help reduce risk of heart and blood-vessel-related problems such as coronary disease and strokes. It is also a major ingredient of the famous TCM patent drug for external use - "Yunnan Baiyao", as it can help relieve inflammation, stop bleeding, relieve pain and thus helps accelerate wound healing. It will not leave blood stagnation while performing its ceasing bleeding function. But pregnant women should avoid using san qi in case of miscarriage.
The story involves two brothers. The elder brother earned quite a good living by planting and selling herbs; his first product being a magic herb that stopped bleeding. The younger brother was an idle man who could barely feed himself but the elder brother gave him some shoots to start a similar business. The younger brother grew a good amount of the herb and spread the word of its magic power to attract many buyers. A rich man bought his herb for his son who was coughing up blood. But no magical effect occurred and the boy later died. The younger brother was sued and jailed. When the elder brother heard the complete story from his younger brother, he was so sorry that he didn't warn his brother in advance.
"How can you sell the herb within a year of growth?" said the elder brother. "It needs at least three years of growth before it gains its magic power. And it gains the best effect when it is seven years old."
Like ginseng, the older san qi grows, the more effective it becomes. san qi can both activate blood circulation and stop bleeding when necessary. It is widely used to help reduce risk of heart and blood-vessel-related problems such as coronary disease and strokes. It is also a major ingredient of the famous TCM patent drug for external use - "Yunnan Baiyao", as it can help relieve inflammation, stop bleeding, relieve pain and thus helps accelerate wound healing. It will not leave blood stagnation while performing its ceasing bleeding function. But pregnant women should avoid using san qi in case of miscarriage.
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