Herb Herbs that invigorate the Blood

Shui Zhi

Leeches | 水蛭

Whitmania pigra, Hirudo mipponica or Whitmania acranulata

TCM Properties

Temperature

Neutral

Taste

Bitter, Salty

Organ Affinity

Urinary Bladder, Liver

Parts Used

The dried worm body

TCM Actions & Uses

Traditional Chinese Medicine properties and applications of Shui Zhi

Traditional Actions

Strongly invigorate Blood
Remove Blood Stagnation
Promote menstrual flow
Dispel masses

Key TCM Concepts

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Shui Zhi 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 Shui Zhi is Neutral in nature. This means that Shui Zhi 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 Shui Zhi means that you don't have to worry about that!

 

Shui Zhi also tastes Bitter and Salty. 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 Shui Zhi 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 Salty ingredients tend to have a draining effect in the body because they clear accumulations, remove Phlegm and soften hard lumps.

 

The tastes of ingredients in TCM also determine what Organs and Meridians they target. As such Shui Zhi is thought to target the Bladder and the Liver. In TCM the impure water collected by the Kidneys that cannot be used by the body is sent to the Bladder for storage and excretion as urine. 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

Swellings Cysts Tumors Fibroids Amenorrhea Abdominal mass Trauma Stasis by traumatic injury Trauma swellings

Preparation & Dosage

Traditional and modern methods for preparing Shui Zhi

Traditional Preparation

Collect the leeches, boil and dry.

Recommended Dosage

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

1-3g of the powder

Safety & Contraindications

Important safety information and precautions for Shui Zhi

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, Shui Zhi 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 Shui Zhi

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

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