Da Ji (Japanese Thistle, Cirsium)

Herb 5 of 19 in Herbs that Stop Bleeding

Channels:
LIV, SP, HT

Properties:
Sweet, Cool

Latin Name:
Herba Cirsii Japonici

Da Ji means "Big Thistle"

Alternate Names

Jing Da Ji

Actions

Cools Blood and Stops Bleeding
For epistaxis, hemoptysis, hematuria, metorrhagia, and blood in the stools with signs of heat.
Reduces Swelling, Disperses Blood Stagnation and Generates Flesh
For abscesses, carbuncles, sores and swellings due to toxicity and blood stagnation
Treats Jaundice
For jaundice due to Liver and Gallbladder damp-heat
Treats Hypertension
For lowering blood pressure with signs of Liver heat or fire

Contraindications and Cautions

Do not use in cases with cold and deficiency of the Spleen and Stomach
Use with caution during pregnancy

Herb-Drug Interactions

Use with caution in patients taking warfarin or other blood thinners to avoid blood clots, but no adverse effect has been documented.

Toxicity and Overdose

Nausea and vomiting is a possible effect of ingestion of this herb

Dosage

10–15 grams in decoction with a maximum of 30 grams dried or 60 grams fresh ¹²
9–15 grams in decoction ¹³

Notes

Charred Da Ji is better at stopping bleeding while the fresh herb is better for cooling the blood and reducing swelling.
The root of Da Ji is better for lowering blood pressure.
The fresh juice of this herb can be used alone for epistaxis, hematemesis, and excess menses.

Clinical Studies and Research

Effects of methanol extract of Cirsium japonicum var. ussuriense and its principle, hispidulin-7-O-neohesperidoside on hepatic alcohol-metabolizing enzymes and lipid peroxidation in ethanol-treated rats.
Phytother Res. 2004 Jan;18(1):19-24.
Oviposition-stimulatory activity against Ostrinia zealis by essential oil of root part from Cirsium japonicum DC.
Nat Prod Res. 2003 Oct;17(5):341-5.
Studies on antihemorrhagic substances in herbs classified as hemostatics in Chinese medicine. VII. On the antihemorrhagic principle in Cirsium japonicum DC.
Chem Pharm Bull (Tokyo). 1987 Feb;35(2):861-4.

Da Ji has demonstrated blood clotting (1), antibiotic (2), and antihypertensive effects (3).
Human clinical trials in China show Da Ji effective for hematuria (4), upper GI bleeding (5), hypertension (6), nephritis (7), nodules (8), and pulmonary tuberculosis (9).
- Zhong Yao Xue, 1998; 465:466
- Zhong Guo Fang Lao Za Zhi, 1964; 5(3):481
- Cardiovascular Research, 1982; 16:11
- Zhong Jua Mi Niao Wai Ke, 1982; 3(4):287
- Zhong Cao Yao Tong Xun, 1973; 2:45
- Zhong Cheng Yao Yan Jiu, 1982; 8:36
- Zhong Cao Yao Xue, 1979; 378
- Shi Yong Yi Xue Za Zhi, 1985; 1(2):40
- Hu Nan sheng Jie He Bing Yan Jiu Yuan, 1971; 37

This Herb Appears in the Following Formulas:

Shi Hui San (Ten Partially Charred Substances Powder)
Formulas that Clear Heat and Stop Bleeding
Shi Zao Tang (Ten Jujube Decoction)
Formulas that Drive Out Excess Water
Zhou Che Wan (Vessel and Vehicle Pill)
Formulas that Drive Out Excess Water

This herb is incompatible with:

Gan Cao (Radix Glycyrrhizae)

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.