Hong Jing Tian红景天
Rhodiola Crenulatae Radix et Rhizoma · Rhodiola Root · Tibetan Rhodiola
Overview
The root and rhizome of a high-altitude rhodiola, sweet, bitter and neutral, long used in Tibetan practice and taken into Chinese materia medica in the modern period. It supplements qi while it moves blood and frees the vessels — that combination is behind its everyday use for exhaustion, breathlessness on exertion and the flat, oxygen-starved feeling of altitude.
Nature & Flavor
Sweet · ColdChannels
Spleen · LungTypical Dosage
6–12 g in decoctionActions
3 core actions
- Supplements qi, frees the vesselsFatigue, shortness of breath on exertion, palpitations with a dull complexion.
- Invigorates blood, dispels stasisChest oppression and stabbing pain where qi deficiency and blood stasis run together.
- Calms wheezingBreathlessness and wheeze of the deficiency type, including at altitude.
In Formulas
Formulas containing Hong Jing Tian
No published formula lists this herb yet — the library is growing.
Indications & Clinical Uses
- Fatigue and shortness of breath on exertion
- Qi deficiency with blood stasis: chest oppression, dusky tongue
- Breathlessness and poor recovery at altitude
Western Medical Keywords
Searchable condition terms
Contraindications
Cautions
Well tolerated at the usual dose, though some people find it stimulating and sleep poorly if it is taken late in the day. Because it moves blood, it is used cautiously with anticoagulant medication and is withheld before surgery. Rhodiola sold as a Western supplement is often a different species at a very different concentration — the two are not interchangeable, and any supplement already being taken should be declared.
Contraindicated in pregnancy: Not used in pregnancy without practitioner supervision — safety data are limited and it moves blood
For licensed practitioners’ reference only
References
- Bensky, Clavey & Stöger. Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica, 3rd ed.
2. 《中华人民共和国药典》.
3. 《中华本草》.
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.