Use of Da Ji (japanese thistle) 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: Remove impurities, wash, soak in water, cut and dry.
Dosage: 9-15 grams
Main actions according to TCM*: Cools the blood to stop bleeding, removes blood stasis, and disperses swelling
Primary conditions or symptoms for which Da Ji may be prescribed by TCM doctors*: Nosebleed Hematemesis Hematuria Hematochezia Abnormal uterine bleeding Carbuncles Sores Traumatic bleeding
Common TCM formulas in which Da Ji is used*
Shi Hui San
Source date: 1348g
Number of ingredients: 10 herbs
Formula key actions: Cools the Blood and . Stops bleeding. Clears Heat and drains Fire.
Conditions targeted*: Pulmonary tuberculosisBronchiectasis and others
Da Ji is a king ingredient in Shi Hui San. Like the name indicates, it means it has more power than other ingredients in the formula.
In Shi Hui San, Da Ji is sweet and cooling. It is good at cooling the Blood and stopping bleeding, while also dispelling Stagnation.
Key TCM concepts behind Da Ji's properties
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Da Ji belongs to the 'Herbs that stop bleeding' category. Like the name indicates these herbs tend to have hemostatic properties, meaning that they help stop various types of hemorrhages and echymosis. Unlike other herbs they often tend to be used externally.
Furthermore Da Ji is Cool in nature. This means that Da Ji tends to help people who have too much 'Heat' in their body, although with less effect than a plant that would be Cold in nature. Balance between Yin and Yang is a key health concept in TCM. Those who have too much Heat in their body are said to either have a Yang Excess (because Yang is Hot in nature) or a Yin deficiency (Yin is Cold in Nature). Depending on your condition Da Ji can help restore a harmonious balance between Yin and Yang.
Da Ji also tastes Bitter and Sweet. 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 Da Ji tends to have a cleansing action on the body by clearing Heat, drying Dampness and promoting elimination via urination or bowel movements. On the other hand Sweet ingredients tend to slow down acute reactions and detoxify the body. They also have a tonic effect because they replenish Qi and Blood.
The tastes of ingredients in TCM also determine what Organs and Meridians they target. As such Da Ji is thought to target the Heart and the Liver. In addition to regulating Blood flow, in TCM the Heart is believed to be the store of the 'Mind' which basically refers to someone's vitality. 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.
Research on Da Ji
Cirsium japonicum contains antihemorrhagic substances.1
Water extract from roots of Cirsium japonicum in vitro showed a considerable α-glucosidase inhibitory (antidiabetic) activity.2
Sources:
1. Hitoshi I, Takayuki U, Kuniro T, Takuo K (1987). Studies on Antihemorrhagic Substances in Herbs Classified as Hemostatics in Chinese Medicine. VII. On the Antihemorrhagic Principle in Cirsium japonicum DC. Chemical and Pharmaceutical Bulletin, 1987, 35(2): 861-864. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1248/cpb.35.861
2. Yin J, Heo SI, Wang MH. Antioxidant and antidiabetic activities of extracts from Cirsium japonicum roots. Nutr Res Pract. 2008 Winter; 2(4):247-251. DOI: https://doi.org/10.4162/nrp.2008.2.4.247