Use of Shi Jian Chuan (chinese sage herb) in TCM
Please note that you should never self-prescribe TCM ingredients. A TCM ingredient is almost never eaten on its own but as part of a formula containing several ingredients that act together. Please consult a professional TCM practitioner, they will be best able to guide you.
Preparation: Collect the plants in summer, remove impurities, clean and dry.
Dosage: 6-15g
Main actions according to TCM*: Invigorates the Blood. Clears Heat by promoting urination. Disperses the nodules and reduces swelling.
Primary conditions or symptoms for which Shi Jian Chuan may be prescribed by TCM doctors*: Metrorrhagia Postmenstrual abdominal pain Amenorrhea Postpartum abdominal pain Wind-Damp arthralgia Pain of bones Abscesses Carbuncles Scrofula Swelling Hepatitis Dysphagia Asthma Red vaginal discharge
Key TCM concepts behind Shi Jian Chuan's properties
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Shi Jian Chuan belongs to the 'Herbs that invigorate the Blood' category. Like the name indicates these herbs tend to stimulate the Blood flow. In TCM they're used to help the circulation of Blood in cardiovascular conditions or menstrual irregularities as well as to treat acute pains caused by Blood Stagnation. They can also be used to treat Blood Stagnation when it causes certain tumors, cysts and hardened clots.
Furthermore Shi Jian Chuan is Neutral in nature. This means that Shi Jian Chuan typically doesn't affect the balance in your body. Balance between Yin and Yang is a key health concept in TCM. Eating too many "Hot" (Yang) ingredients can lead to an imbalance whereby one has a Yang Excess. The inverse is true as well: too many "Cold" (Yin) ingredients can lead to a Yin Excess. The Neutral nature of Shi Jian Chuan means that you don't have to worry about that!
Shi Jian Chuan also tastes Bitter. The so-called 'Five Phases' theory in Chinese Medicine states that the taste of TCM ingredients is a key determinant of their action in the body. Bitter ingredients like Shi Jian Chuan tends to have a cleansing action on the body by clearing Heat, drying Dampness and promoting elimination via urination or bowel movements.
The tastes of ingredients in TCM also determine what Organs and Meridians they target. As such Shi Jian Chuan is thought to target the Spleen and the Liver. In TCM the Spleen assists with digestion, Blood coagulation and Fluids metabolism in the body. The Liver on the other hand is often referred as the body's "general" because it is in charge of regulating the movements of Qi and the Body Fluids. It also takes a leading role in balancing our emotions.