Herb Herbs that invigorate the Blood

Liu Ji Nu

Diverse wormwood herbs | 刘寄奴

Artemisiae anomalae herba

TCM Properties

Temperature

Warm

Taste

Bitter

Organ Affinity

Spleen, Heart

Parts Used

Whole plant

TCM Actions & Uses

Traditional Chinese Medicine properties and applications of Liu Ji Nu

Traditional Actions

Strongly invigorate Blood
Promote menstrual flow
Remove Blood Stagnation
Relieve pain
Promote digestion
Remove food stagnation

Key TCM Concepts

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Liu Ji Nu belongs to the 'Herbs that invigorate the Blood' category. Like the name indicates these herbs tend to stimulate the Blood flow. In TCM they're used to help the circulation of Blood in cardiovascular conditions or menstrual irregularities as well as to treat acute pains caused by Blood Stagnation. They can also be used to treat Blood Stagnation when it causes certain tumors, cysts and hardened clots.

 

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

 

Liu Ji Nu also tastes Bitter. 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 Liu Ji Nu tends to have a cleansing action on the body by clearing Heat, drying Dampness and promoting elimination via urination or bowel movements.

 

The tastes of ingredients in TCM also determine what Organs and Meridians they target. As such Liu Ji Nu is thought to target the Spleen and the Heart. In TCM the Spleen assists with digestion, Blood coagulation and Fluids metabolism in the body. In addition to regulating Blood flow, the Heart is believed to be the store of the 'Mind' which basically refers to someone's vitality.

Common Applications

Amenorrhea Postpartum abdominal pain Fractures Contusions Sprains Abdominal pain due to food stagnation Burns Bleeding wounds Swelling pain Fracture pain Trauma pain Dysmenorrhea

Preparation & Dosage

Traditional and modern methods for preparing Liu Ji Nu

Traditional Preparation

During the flowering period in August, pull up the plant along with its roots, dry it in the sun, remove the roots and soil, then bundle it up.

Recommended Dosage

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

3-9g

Safety & Contraindications

Important safety information and precautions for Liu Ji Nu

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, Liu Ji Nu 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

Formulas Containing Liu Ji Nu

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

Find formulas with Liu Ji Nu