Herb Herbs that stop bleeding

Da Ji

Japanese thistle | 大蓟

Cirsium japonicum

TCM Properties

Temperature

Cool

Taste

Bitter, Sweet

Organ Affinity

Heart, Liver

Parts Used

Dried aerial parts and roots

TCM Actions & Uses

Traditional Chinese Medicine properties and applications of Da Ji

Traditional Actions

Stop bleeding by cooling the Blood
Disperse Blood Stagnation to reduces swelling

Key TCM Concepts

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Da Ji belongs to the 'Herbs that stop bleeding' category. Like the name indicates these herbs tend to have hemostatic properties, meaning that they help stop various types of hemorrhages and echymosis. Unlike other herbs they often tend to be used externally.

 

Furthermore Da Ji is Cool in nature. This means that Da Ji tends to help people who have too much 'Heat' in their body, although with less effect than a plant that would be Cold in nature. Balance between Yin and Yang is a key health concept in TCM. Those who have too much Heat in their body are said to either have a Yang Excess (because Yang is Hot in nature) or a Yin deficiency (Yin is Cold in Nature). Depending on your condition Da Ji can help restore a harmonious balance between Yin and Yang.

 

Da Ji also tastes Bitter and Sweet. The so-called 'Five Phases' theory in Chinese Medicine states that the taste of TCM ingredients is a key determinant of their action in the body. Bitter ingredients like Da Ji tends to have a cleansing action on the body by clearing Heat, drying Dampness and promoting elimination via urination or bowel movements. On the other hand Sweet ingredients tend to slow down acute reactions and detoxify the body. They also have a tonic effect because they replenish Qi and Blood.

 

The tastes of ingredients in TCM also determine what Organs and Meridians they target. As such Da Ji is thought to target the Heart and the Liver. In addition to regulating Blood flow, in TCM the Heart is believed to be the store of the 'Mind' which basically refers to someone's vitality. The Liver on the other hand is often referred as the body's "general" because it is in charge of regulating the movements of Qi and the Body Fluids. It also takes a leading role in balancing our emotions.

Common Applications

Nosebleed Hematemesis Hematuria Hematochezia Abnormal uterine bleeding Carbuncles Sores Traumatic bleeding

Research Studies

Scientific research and clinical studies on Da Ji

Cirsium japonicum contains antihemorrhagic substances.1

Water extract from roots of Cirsium japonicum in vitro showed a considerable α-glucosidase inhibitory (antidiabetic) activity.2

Sources:

1. Hitoshi I, Takayuki U, Kuniro T, Takuo K (1987). Studies on Antihemorrhagic Substances in Herbs Classified as Hemostatics in Chinese Medicine. VII. On the Antihemorrhagic Principle in Cirsium japonicum DC. Chemical and Pharmaceutical Bulletin, 1987, 35(2): 861-864. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1248/cpb.35.861

2. Yin J, Heo SI, Wang MH. Antioxidant and antidiabetic activities of extracts from Cirsium japonicum roots. Nutr Res Pract. 2008 Winter; 2(4):247-251. DOI: https://doi.org/10.4162/nrp.2008.2.4.247

Preparation & Dosage

Traditional and modern methods for preparing Da Ji

Traditional Preparation

Remove impurities, wash, soak in water, cut and dry.

Recommended Dosage

Note: The following information is provided for educational purposes only and is not meant to replace professional medical advice.

9-15 grams

Safety & Contraindications

Important safety information and precautions for Da Ji

This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before using any herb or supplement.

Herb-Drug Interactions

Like many herbs, Da Ji may interact with certain medications. If you are taking any prescription medications, we recommend consulting with a healthcare provider knowledgeable in herb-drug interactions.

Related Educational Resources

Browse Herbs that stop bleeding Herbs

Explore all herbs in the Herbs that stop bleeding category to discover herbs with similar properties and therapeutic actions.

View all Herbs that stop bleeding herbs

Formulas Containing Da Ji

Discover traditional and modern TCM formulas that use Da Ji as an ingredient to understand its clinical applications.

Find formulas with Da Ji