San Leng (Bur Reed Rhizome)

Herb 19 of 34 in Herbs that Invigorate Blood and Remove Stagnation

Channels:
LIV, SP

Properties:
Bitter, Spicy, Neutral

Latin Name:
Rhizoma Sparganii

San Leng means "Three Edges"

Actions

Breaks Blood Stasis, Moves Qi, Relieves Pain
One of the strongest herbs for Blood Stasis, it is reserved for severe pain with palpable masses. Also for amenorrhea, dysmenorrheal, postpartum abdominal pain, and abdominal masses.
Dissolves Accumulations
For Food Stagnation and Qi Stagnation resulting in severe abdominal pain and distention

Contraindications and Cautions

Do not use during pregnancy. This herb has been shown to cause teratogenic (birth defects) effects.
Do not use for patients with hypermenorrhea

Herb-Drug Interactions

This section is being researched, and is not completed.

Toxicity and Overdose

None Noted

Dosage

3-9 grams in decoction (Bensky)
3-10 grams in decoction (Chen)

This herb antagonizes or is antagonized by:

Ya Xiao (Nitrum)

References

Herbs

13. Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica (Revised Edition)
- Dan Bensky

25. Lancet 2000 January 8;355(9198):134-138 (Article)
- Fugh-Berman A.

17. Handbook of Chinese Herbs (Second Edition)
- Him Che. Yeung

12. Chinese Medical Herbology and Pharmacology (First Edition)
- John K. Chen, Tina T. Chen

26. Herbal Drugs and Phytopharmaceuticals (Third Edition)
- Max Wichtl

Formulas

15. Chinese Herbal Medicine: Formulas and Strategies (First Edition)
- Dan Bensky

18. Handbook of Chinese Herbal Formulas (First Edition)
- Him Che. Yeung

16. The Traditional Chinese Medicine Formula Study Guide (First Edition)
- Qiao Yi

Only use Chinese herbs or formulas under the direct care and supervision of a licensed Acupuncturist/Herbalist.
Some of the substances included on this website are no longer used, and are included for historical reference only.