Herb Herbs that invigorate the Blood

San Leng

Common burreed tubers | 三棱

Sparganium stoloniferum

TCM Properties

Temperature

Neutral

Taste

Bitter, Pungent

Organ Affinity

Spleen, Liver

Parts Used

The tuber or rhizome

TCM Actions & Uses

Traditional Chinese Medicine properties and applications of San Leng

Traditional Actions

Strongly invigorate Blood
Circulate Qi
Remove food stagnation
Relieve pain

Key TCM Concepts

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), San Leng 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 San Leng is Neutral in nature. This means that San Leng typically doesn't affect the balance in your body. Balance between Yin and Yang is a key health concept in TCM. Eating too many "Hot" (Yang) ingredients can lead to an imbalance whereby one has a Yang Excess. The inverse is true as well: too many "Cold" (Yin) ingredients can lead to a Yin Excess. The Neutral nature of San Leng means that you don't have to worry about that!

 

San Leng also tastes Bitter and Pungent. 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 San Leng 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 Pungent ingredients tend to promote the circulations of Qi and Body Fluids. That's why for instance someone tends to sweat a lot when they eat spicy/pungent food.

 

The tastes of ingredients in TCM also determine what Organs and Meridians they target. As such San Leng is thought to target the Spleen and the Liver. In TCM the Spleen assists with digestion, Blood coagulation and Fluids metabolism in the body. 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

Low milk supply Food stagnation Abdominal pain Abdominal distention Irregular menstruation Amenorrhea Dysmenorrhea Postpartum abdominal pain Abdominal masses

Preparation & Dosage

Traditional and modern methods for preparing San Leng

Traditional Preparation

Collect the tuber or rhizome, clean, remove skin and dry

Recommended Dosage

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

3-10g

Safety & Contraindications

Important safety information and precautions for San Leng

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, San Leng 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 San Leng

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

Find formulas with San Leng