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(Shrub-like herbs) Enter the Large Intestine, penetrate deeply into the Jueyin Blood level, and transform blood stasis into fluid.

Sanqi (Panax notoginseng Root) (Specifically enters the Liver and Stomach meridians, also enters the Heart and Large Intestine meridians. Also known as Shanqi. Li Shizhen stated: Some say it can bind metal wounds like lacquer binds objects.) Sweet and bitter in taste, slightly cold in nature but leaning towards warm. People generally only know its function to stop bleeding and relieve pain, not realizing that pain arises from blood stasis; when blood stasis dissipates, pain ceases; and blood stops flowing because it is dispersed (stasis resolved). Sanqi has a bitter and warm aroma/flavor, capable of resolving blood stasis within the Blood level. If one tests by adding Sanqi to various bleeding conditions, the blood immediately transforms into water-like consistency and stops. This differs from herbs such as Honghua (Carthamus tinctorius Flower) and Zicao (Arnebiae Radix seu Rhizoma). Therefore, for any injuries caused by metal blades or scissors, as well as traumatic injuries or beating wounds where bleeding does not stop, chewing it fresh for topical application, or grinding it into powder and sprinkling it on the wound, will immediately stop the bleeding. (Li Shizhen said: When receiving beatings, taking one or two qian beforehand prevents blood from rushing upward; it is especially suitable to take after the beating.) Furthermore, for hematemesis, epistaxis, hematochezia, bloody dysentery, metrorrhagia, menorrhagia, postpartum lochia retention, self-chewing or taking as powder with rice water decoction leads to recovery. It can even treat bites from tigers or snakes with bleeding. (Can be used together with Xuexie [Dracaena Cochinchinensis Stem].) This is an herb belonging to the Yangming and Jueyin Blood levels, thus capable of treating all blood disorders. There is a variety planted in courtyards; applying mashed young leaves topically eliminates swelling and toxicity, also utilizing its blood-dispersing property. (This plant sprouts in spring, grows three to four chi tall in summer, leaves resemble Chrysanthemum and Artemisia argyi but are stronger, denser, and have sharp tips; stems have red ridges; blooms yellow flowers in summer and autumn with golden-thread-like stamens that coil attractively but lack fragrance; dried flowers shed fluff similar to Sonchus fluff. Roots and leaves are sweet in taste, highly effective for metal wounds, traumatic injuries with bleeding, and upper/lower body blood disorders. Claimed to be Sanqi, but roots are as large as Arctii Lappa Radix, unlike varieties from the South, likely belonging to Liu Jinu [Artemisia japonica] species, which propagates easily.) The authentic variety produced in Guangxi resembles Ginseng. (Li Shizhen said: This medicine recently came from southern armies, used as a key herb for metal wounds, reportedly with miraculous effects.) Those with nodes are best when ground into powder.

(Vining herbs) Enter the Pericardium and Liver meridians, promote blood circulation. Qiancao root can be used for dyeing.

Qiancao (Rubiae Cordifoliae Radix et Rhizoma) (Specifically enters the Pericardium and Liver meridians). Sour and salty in taste, cold in nature. Red in color. Its functions are somewhat similar to Zicao (Arnebiae Radix seu Rhizoma). However, Zicao only enters the Liver meridian to cool blood, allowing blood to flow naturally and freely; whereas Qiancao enters the Liver and Pericardium meridians, causing blood to necessarily move outward and disperse. Therefore, for amenorrhea, wind-bi syndrome, and jaundice caused by internal blood stasis obstruction, taking Qiancao indeed enables stasis to descend downward. In cases of hematemesis, metrorrhagia, or hematuria where difficulty and sluggishness occur due to blood stagnation, taking Qiancao further expels blood stasis and stops bleeding. In summary, these are agents that remove stasis and clear old blood. Although they appear similar to Zicao's cooling intent for blood heat, their true natures differ, and they must not be confused. However, they are contraindicated in cases of blood deficiency with fever. The root can be used to dye crimson. Iron should be avoided.