Herb Herbs that invigorate the Blood

Xi Hong Hua

Saffron | 西红花

Crocus sativus

TCM Properties

Temperature

Neutral

Taste

Sweet

Organ Affinity

Heart, Liver

Parts Used

Dried stigma

TCM Actions & Uses

Traditional Chinese Medicine properties and applications of Xi Hong Hua

Traditional Actions

Activates Blood circulation and eliminates Blood stasis.
Cools the Blood and detoxifies.
Calms the mind.

Key TCM Concepts

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

 

Xi Hong Hua also tastes 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. Sweet ingredients like Xi Hong Hua tends 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 Xi Hong Hua 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

Amenorrhea Depression Palpitations Postpartum hemorrhoids Erectile dysfunction Irregular menstruation Dysmenorrhea

Research Studies

Scientific research and clinical studies on Xi Hong Hua

Saffron supplementation improved symptoms in patients with major depressive disorders1.

Saffron odor exert some effects in the treatment of premenstrual syndrome, dysmenorrhea and irregular menstruation.2.

Saffron showed a positive effect on sexual function with increased number and duration of erectile events seen in patients with erectile dysfunction.3.

Sources:

1. Hausenblas HA; Saha D; Dubyak PJ; Anton SD (November 2013). "Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) and major depressive disorder: a meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials". Journal of Integrative Medicine. 11 (6): 377–383. doi:10.3736/jintegrmed2013056

2. Fukui H, Toyoshima K, Komaki R. (2011). Psychological and neuroendocrinological effects of odor of saffron (Crocus sativus). Phytomedicine. , 18(8-9):726-30. doi: 10.1016/j.phymed.2010.11.013. Epub 2011 Jan 15.

3. Shamsa A, Hosseinzadeh H, Molaei M, Shakeri MT, Rajabi O. (2009). Evaluation of Crocus sativus L. (saffron) on male erectile dysfunction: a pilot study. Phytomedicine , 16(8):690-3. doi: 10.1016/j.phymed.2009.03.008. Epub 2009 May 9.

Preparation & Dosage

Traditional and modern methods for preparing Xi Hong Hua

Traditional Preparation

When the flowers bloom, take off the stigma and dry it.

Recommended Dosage

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

1 - 3g

Safety & Contraindications

Important safety information and precautions for Xi Hong Hua

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, Xi Hong Hua 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

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