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Hong Hua (紅花), safflower, invigorates the blood and dispels stasis and regulates menstruation; a principal herb for gynaecological blood stasis and traumatic injury, often paired with Tao Ren.
Latin / Pharmaceutical Name
Carthamus tinctorius (Flos Carthami)
Common English Name
Safflower
Taste
Acrid
Temperature
Warm
Channels Entered
Heart, Liver
Actions & Functions
- Invigorates the blood and dispels stasis
- Regulates menstruation and relieves pain
Indications
Amenorrhoea and dysmenorrhoea, retained lochia and abdominal masses from blood stasis; traumatic injury with bruising; and dark, painful heat rashes.
Dosage
3-9 g in decoction.
Common Combinations
With Tao Ren for blood stasis (Tao Hong Si Wu Tang).
Cautions & Contraindications
Contraindicated in pregnancy and in heavy menstruation or bleeding tendency.
