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Di Yu地榆

Sanguisorbae Radix · Sanguisorba Root · Garden Burnet Root

Herbs that Stop Bleeding 止血药《神农本草经》

Overview

A bitter, sour, astringent root that both cools blood and holds it in place, with a marked preference for bleeding in the lower body — blood in the stool, hemorrhoidal bleeding, dysenteric bleeding and uterine flooding. Three forms are dispensed: raw, when clearing heat and treating burns and sores matters most; Di Yu, dry-fried, with its coldness tempered and its astringency raised; and, charred, the strongest of the three for stopping active bleeding quickly.

Nature & Flavor

Bitter, sour, astringent · Slightly cold

Channels

Liver · Large Intestine

Typical Dosage

10–15 g in decoction
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Actions

2 core actions

  • Cools blood and stops bleedingHeat-type bleeding below — blood in the stool, bleeding hemorrhoids, bloody dysentery and heavy uterine bleeding. The charred form is used when the bleeding is active.
  • Resolves toxicity and closes soresBurns and scalds, weeping eczema and chronic ulcerated sores; the powdered root is applied topically, often in an oil or ointment base.

In Formulas

Formulas containing Di Yu

Indications & Clinical Uses

  • Blood in the stool and bleeding hemorrhoids
    - Bloody dysentery with heat
    - Heavy or flooding uterine bleeding from blood heat
    - Burns, scalds and weeping skin lesions (external use)

Western Medical Keywords

Searchable condition terms

HemorrhoidsRectal bleedingBurnsEczemaMenorrhagia

Contraindications

Cautions

The root is rich in tannins, so applying large quantities over extensive burned or denuded skin is avoided because of absorption through the wound surface — external use on large areas is a decision for the treating practitioner. Internally it is not suitable for bleeding of the deficiency-cold type, nor where bleeding is accompanied by significant blood stasis, since its astringency can hold stasis in place.

Contraindicated in pregnancy: No specific prohibition — practitioner judgment applies.

For licensed practitioners’ reference only

References

  1. Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing《神农本草经》(classical source, public domain).
    2. Bensky, Clavey & Stöger. Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica, 3rd ed.
    3. 《中华人民共和国药典》.

Professional reference notice. Entries are scholarly references for licensed TCM practitioners and students — not medical advice, and not a recommendation to self-prescribe. Chinese herbal formulas should be used under the guidance of a qualified practitioner. Content is an original editorial compilation by Cura x Cura, cross-checked against the cited references.