San Qi Herb (Tienchi Flower) Uses in TCM, Health Benefits & Side Effects

In Chinese, the San Qi herb is also commonly called Tian Qi. This plant is also known as Tienchi ginseng, Panax notoginseng and Panax pseudoginseng.

It is closely related to the “True” Panax ginseng plant which is believed to have a wide range of health-boosting effects.

San Qi contains more than two hundred phytonutrients (plant chemicals) – including antioxidant flavonoids, cyclopeptides and saponins. This plant is purported to promote the health of the immune system and the cardiovascular system.

In traditional Chinese medicine, this herb is used to reduce swelling, improve pain, tonify the blood and is applied topically to wounds to stop bleeding. [1]

Chinese herbalist Li Shizhen of the Qing dynasty referred to it as “the king of all herbs” and gave it the name Jinbuhuan which translates to “Not Even Exchanged for Gold”.

Panax Notoginseng

Adaptogen

Circulation

Adaptogen

Healing

How It Works:

• Exhibits hemostatic properties
• Supports healthy blood circulation
• Contains steroidal saponins & triterpenoids

Dosage:

Between 1 - 1.5 grams per day

Safety:

Insufficient research available.

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San Qi Herb

San Qi is a dark green perennial plant that grows indigenously in China and Japan.

It has been used widely in TCM (traditional Chinese medicine), especially as an agent to control both external and internal bleeding due to traumatic injuries. It is commonly said to be beneficial for all diseases of the blood. [1, 2]

San Qi (Panax notoginseng) is botanically related to Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng) and American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius). Panax means “cure-all” in Latin.

Like Asian and American ginseng, San Qi is believed to be an adaptogen. In natural medicine systems, adaptogens are purported to be substances that act on numerous biological pathways to enhance health generally.

By definition, adaptogens must also be safe to take and pose a low risk of side effects. They are purported to work by improving the body’s natural resistance to stress and promoting homeostasis.

The Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database (NMCD) states that San Qi is used traditionally for bloody stool, bloody urine, coughing up blood, vomiting blood and nosebleed.

It has also been used traditionally for hemorrhagic disease, pain and swelling. It has been studied for hypertension (high blood pressure) and hypercholesterolemia (high serum cholesterol).

Panax notoginseng is also used orally for acute sore throat, severe chest pain (angina), dizziness and ischemic stroke. San Qi is used topically for stopping bleeding.

In research studies, it appears to exhibit some physiological effects. It may have antiatherosclerotic activities which help to keep the arteries from clogging, antitumor activities that affect cancer, anti-inflammatory activities that reduce low-grade systemic swelling, haemostatic activities that help to stop bleeding, and others.

While this herb has been used as a traditional medicine in China, it is not approved by the FDA in the United States as a drug for the treatment of any medical conditions. More research is needed to validate many of its purported health claims.

Health Benefits

The mechanisms of action for Tian Qi are not fully understood. Most of the biologic actions of this herb are believed to be due to its 12% content of triterpenoid saponins called ginsenosides.

Some of the ways that ginsenosides are believed to act on the circulatory system include:

• Expansion (vasodilation) of coronary vessels;
• Improving coronary collateral circulation;
• Reducing vascular resistance;

San Qi is thought to increase blood flow, reduce blood pressure, and support hearth health. [2] However, this herb has limited research available from human trials. More study is needed to determine efficacy in humans.

In animal studies, Tian Qi has been shown to reduce elevated fibrinogen levels in the blood (fibrinogenemia). It is believed to improve the amount of lipids in the blood like LDL cholesterol and triglycerides.

A Tian Qi protein called panantonin seems to work against fungal and viral infections. [3]

In-vitro evidence suggests that certain chemicals in San Qi root might induce estrogen-like activities that could stimulate rapid replication in human breast cancer cells. More research is needed to understand this risk in humans.

Tian Qi ginseng may also support long-term management of metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Dr. Edward Group III says that it supports proper blood glucose levels by facilitating the absorption of glucose, improving insulin response, reducing diabetes-related irritation and inducing antiobesity effects. [4]

Very little research was conducted on San Qi before 2001. While there are dozens of active studies ongoing, there is still much left to learn about this adaptogenic herbal supplement.

There is not enough evidence to rate its efficacy for any medical conditions. Usage is currently based only on traditional medicine practice. This herb has not been approved by the FDA for the treatment of any medical conditions.

Tienchi Flower Tea

NMCD states that there are nearly 200 dietary supplement products that contain P. notoginseng extract. These include Tienchi tablets, capsules, whole root and liquid extracts. [3]

Tienchi Flower Tea is also gaining popularity in the west. This slightly bitter brew is used to help flush toxins from the body. It seems to be used especially for mouth sores, skin boils and other skin eruptions.

Some people also report improvements in insomnia and dizziness after drinking Tienchi tea. Some believe that a cup of warm San Qi tea helps them to relax and de-stress. Others use this tea to maintain their fluid levels, especially during cold and flu season. [3]

Dosage and Side Effects

The common dosage of San Qi is between 1 and 1.5 grams of the whole root daily. This should be divided into three equal doses and consumed throughout waking hours. [3]

NMCD states that Tien Qi may cause certain side effects including dry mouth, nervousness, nausea, vomiting, insomnia and/or flushed skin. [3]

There are currently no known interactions between San Qi and prescription medications, herbal; supplements, food or laboratory tests. However, anyone with hormone-sensitive cancer (breast, uterine, ovarian, endometrial) should avoid use unless use is approved by their doctors. [3]

Oral use of San Qi is contraindicated in pregnant and/or nursing women. This is because of birth defect (teratogenic) effects noted in animal models. [3]

There is a lack of clinical research available for Panax notoginseng. Although it is anecdotally reported to be safe and well-tolerated in healthy adults, there is not sufficient evidence available to rate its safety.

You should discuss using San Qi with a health professional before beginning and then use this supplement cautiously.

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