Shui Zhi (Leech)

Herb 20 of 34 in Herbs that Invigorate Blood and Remove Stagnation

Channels:
LIV, BL

Properties:
Salty, Bitter, Neutral, Slightly Toxic

Latin Name:
Hirudo seu Whitmania

Shui Zhi means "Leech"

Actions

Breaks Blood Stasis, Reduces Fixed Masses
Strongly breaks blood stagnation associated with amenorrhea, fixed abdominal masses, traumatic injury.

Contraindications and Cautions

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

Herb-Drug Interactions

Shui Zhi may interfere with Anti-Coagulating drugs.

Toxicity and Overdose

This herb is considered toxic (while some Chinese herbs are toxic, it must be noted that many come prepared, or are combined, to mitigate their toxicity).

Dosage

3-6 grams in decoction, 0.3-0.6 grams in powders and pills (Bensky)
Same as above (Chen)

This Herb Appears in the Following Formulas:

Da Huang Zhe Chong Wan (Rhubarb and Eupolyphaga Pill)
Formulas that Invigorate the Blood and Dispel Blood Stasis

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Some of the substances included on this website are no longer used, and are included for historical reference only.