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San Leng (三棱), the rhizome of Sparganium, strongly breaks up blood stasis and qi stagnation and reduces abdominal masses and food stagnation; a potent blood-breaker usually paired with E Zhu.
Latin / Pharmaceutical Name
Sparganium stoloniferum (Rhizoma Sparganii)
Common English Name
Sparganium rhizome
Taste
Bitter, acrid
Temperature
Neutral
Channels Entered
Liver, Spleen
Actions & Functions
- Strongly breaks up blood stasis and qi stagnation
- Reduces abdominal masses and food stagnation; relieves pain
Indications
Hardened abdominal masses, amenorrhoea and severe blood stasis; and food stagnation with epigastric and abdominal pain.
Dosage
3-9 g in decoction.
Common Combinations
With E Zhu for abdominal masses and severe blood stasis.
Cautions & Contraindications
Strong blood-breaker - contraindicated in pregnancy, heavy menstruation and in deficiency without stasis.
