Herb Herbs that invigorate the Blood

Wang Bu Liu Xing

Vaccaria seeds | 王不留行

Vaccaria hispanica

TCM Properties

Temperature

Neutral

Taste

Bitter

Organ Affinity

Stomach, Liver

Parts Used

Dried seeds

TCM Actions & Uses

Traditional Chinese Medicine properties and applications of Wang Bu Liu Xing

Traditional Actions

Invigorate Blood
Promote menstrual flow
Promote lactation
Reduce breast swelling

Key TCM Concepts

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

 

Wang Bu Liu Xing 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 Wang Bu Liu Xing 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 Wang Bu Liu Xing is thought to target the Stomach and the Liver. In TCM the Stomach is responsible for receiving and ripening ingested food and fluids. It is also tasked with descending the digested elements downwards to the Small Intestine. 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

Clogged milk ducts Low milk supply Mastitis Dysmenorrhea Amenorrhea Breast abcesses Breast swelling

Research Studies

Scientific research and clinical studies on Wang Bu Liu Xing

Various pharmacological studies confirmed that the crude extracts or purified compounds from Vaccaria hispanica showed galactopoietic activity, antitumor activity, effect on the blood and vessels, antioxidant activity and ameliorative effect on osteopenia.1

Sources:

1. Zhou, G., Tang, L., Wang, T. et al (2016). Phytochemistry and pharmacological activities of Vaccaria hispanica (Miller) Rauschert: a review. Phytochem Rev 15: 813. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11101-015-9425-1

Preparation & Dosage

Traditional and modern methods for preparing Wang Bu Liu Xing

Traditional Preparation

Collect seeds and dry them

Recommended Dosage

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

3-9 grams

Safety & Contraindications

Important safety information and precautions for Wang Bu Liu Xing

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, Wang Bu Liu Xing 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 Wang Bu Liu Xing

Discover traditional and modern TCM formulas that use Wang Bu Liu Xing as an ingredient to understand its clinical applications.

Find formulas with Wang Bu Liu Xing