Main roots subconical or cylindrical, 1-6 cm long, 1-4 cm in diameter. Externally greyish-brown or gryeish-yellow with interrupted longitudinal wrinkles and branch root scars. Stem scars at the apex surrounded by warty protrudings. Texture heavy and compact, fracture greyish-green, yellowish-green or greyish-white, wood slightly radislly arranged. Odour, slight; taste, bitter but afterwards sweetish.

Jintiao Cylindrical, 2-6 cm long, the upper end 0.8 cm in diameter, the lower end 0.3 cm in diameter.

Jiankou Irregularly shrunken lump-shaped or slat-shaped, externally with several conspicuous stem scars and annulations; fracture greyish-white in the centre and grey at the margin.

ACTION

To eliminate blood stasis, arrest bleeding, cause subsidence of swelling and alleviate pain.

INDICATIONS

Hemoptysis, hematemesis, epistaxis, hematochezia, abnormal uterine bleeding, traumatic bleeding; pricking pain in the chest and abdomen, traumatic swelling and pain.

REFERENTIAL ADVICE

1. Arresting bleeding and removing blood stasis.

The root is effective for various kinds of internal and external hemorrhage. With its virtue in arresting bleeding while removing blood stasis, it is especially suitable for patients with both bleeding and blood stasis.

2. Relieving swelling and pains.

It is often prescribed to treat traumatism, pain caused by ecchymoma, and carbuncle, swelling and other skin and external diseases.

The root can also be exhibited for coronary heart diseases, angina pectoris and bites of venomous snakes.

TIPS

Extremely effective styptic action when applied directly to traumatic wounds; heals without leaving clots and scars; internally and externally, best drug for serious bleeding; can be used safely in large doses.