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Sanguisorba Root

지유 (地楡) · Sanguisorba officinalis L.
Blood-stopping herb Slightly cold (some sources: neutral) Bitter, sweet, sour Liver, Large Intestine, Stomach
NatureSlightly cold (some sources: neutral)
TasteBitter, sweet, sour
MeridiansLiver, Large Intestine, Stomach
Part usedRoot
FamilyRosaceae
CategoryBlood-stopping herb
Find by concern: Blood in stoolVaginal discharge

Overview

Sanguisorba root's old alternate name, "jade black bean paste," comes from its purple-black seed clusters, which the Donguibogam says resemble fermented black bean paste — a homely comparison for a root prized for reaching deep into the lower body to stop bleeding.

In the Donguibogam

東醫
寶鑑
性微寒一云平, 味苦甘酸, 無毒. 主婦人七傷帶下病, 及産後瘀痛. 止血痢, 排膿, 療金瘡.
Source: Donguibogam, Tangaek-pyeon (Herbology volume)
TranslationIts nature is slightly cold (some say neutral), its taste bitter, sweet, and sour, and it is non-toxic. It mainly treats women's seven damages and vaginal discharge disease, and postpartum stasis pain. It stops bloody dysentery, expels pus, and heals wounds from metal.

Traditional uses recorded in the Donguibogam

  • Cools the blood, stops bleeding
  • Astringes the lower body
  • Expels pus
  • Heals wounds

Traditional applications recorded in the classical text

  • Bloody dysentery
  • Postpartum stasis pain
  • Vaginal discharge
  • Wounds and sores

Traditional preparation

DonguiHub does not provide dosage guidance.

This describes traditional preparation recorded in the classics, not a recommendation for use today. DonguiHub does not provide dosage guidance — consult a qualified professional before using any herb.

Cautions

Caution: Cold in nature; not suited to cold-deficiency diarrhea without professional guidance. Consult a professional.
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Frequently asked questions

Why was sanguisorba root called "jade black bean paste"?

The Donguibogam explains its purple-black seed clusters resemble fermented black bean paste (豉) — the source of this old alternate name.

What is sanguisorba root's main traditional use?

Stopping bleeding in the lower body — the Donguibogam highlights bloody dysentery and postpartum stasis pain as its core uses, alongside vaginal discharge.

Sources