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Cura x Cura

Liu Ji Nu刘寄奴

Artemisiae Anomalae Herba · Anomalous Artemisia Herb · Diverse Wormwood

Herbs that Invigorate the Blood 活血化瘀药《新修本草》

Overview

The dried above-ground plant of Artemisia anomala, a herb of the trauma tradition — its name is traditionally explained by a story attaching it to Liu Yu, whose childhood name was Ji Nu. Bitter and warm, it breaks blood stasis and stops pain, which puts it in the classical wound-and-injury prescriptions, and it has a second use that surprises people: it dissolves food stagnation and relieves the distension after a heavy meal. Powdered, it was also applied directly to bleeding wounds.

Nature & Flavor

Bitter · Warm

Channels

Heart · Liver · Spleen

Typical Dosage

3–10 g in decoction
刘寄奴Photography for this entry is on its way.

Actions

4 core actions

  • Breaks blood stasis, unblocks menstruationBlocked menstruation and stasis-type period pain; retained lochia and abdominal pain after childbirth.
  • Dissipates stasis, stops pain in traumaFalls, blows and sprains with bruising and fixed, stabbing pain.
  • Stops bleeding when applied externallyTraditionally powdered and dusted onto cuts and open wounds to check bleeding.
  • Dissolves food stagnationFullness, distension and abdominal pain after overeating.

In Formulas

Formulas containing Liu Ji Nu

No published formula lists this herb yet — the library is growing.

Indications & Clinical Uses

  • Blocked or painful menstruation from blood stasis
    - Retained lochia and postpartum abdominal pain
    - Traumatic injury with bruising and fixed pain
    - Bleeding from cuts and wounds, applied externally
    - Abdominal fullness and pain from food stagnation

Western Medical Keywords

Searchable condition terms

AmenorrheaDysmenorrheaSoft tissue injuryBruisingDyspepsia

Contraindications

Cautions

It breaks blood rather than gently moving it, so it is inappropriate in qi and blood deficiency with no stasis to shift, and it is used cautiously in anyone with a bleeding tendency or on blood-thinning medication — tell the prescriber. Deep, dirty, or heavily bleeding wounds need proper medical care: a herbal powder is first aid at best and never a substitute for wound closure, cleaning and tetanus cover.

Contraindicated in pregnancy: Contraindicated in pregnancy — it breaks blood stasis and moves the uterus

For licensed practitioners’ reference only

References

  1. Bensky, Clavey & Stöger. Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica, 3rd ed.
    2. 《中华本草》.
    3. 《中药大辞典》.

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.