Japanese Thistle (Da Ji) in TCM: Benefits, Uses, and More

• Research shows that the Chinese herb Da Ji (Japanese thistle) might help stop bleeding, treat abscesses, and manage high blood pressure.
• It seems to possibly offer benefits for cancer, menopause symptoms, and skin aging, but the evidence isn’t strong enough yet.
• So far, no major toxicity or side effects have been found, but it’s still best to use it carefully.
• In the West, Da Ji is usually seen as an invasive species rather than a medicinal plant.

When you think of thistles, you might picture prickly weeds overtaking a garden. But in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Japanese Thistle—known as Da Ji—is a celebrated herb with a history stretching back centuries. Scientifically named Cirsium japonicum, this plant has earned its place as a go-to remedy for everything from stopping bleeding to soothing swollen sores.

In this article, we’ll dive into the benefits, uses, and modern insights about Japanese Thistle, blending ancient wisdom with today’s science. Whether you’re new to TCM or a seasoned enthusiast, here’s what you need to know about this spiky yet fascinating herb.

What is Japanese Thistle?

Japanese Thistle (Cirsium japonicum), or Da Ji, is a perennial plant from the Asteraceae family, native to East Asia—think China, Japan, and Korea. You’ll find it growing wild across China’s northern and southern regions, with major production hubs in Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Sichuan¹.

Here’s what it looks like²:

• Stem: A cylindrical shape, green to brownish, with ridges and silky hairs, reaching up to 1.2 cm thick at the base.
• Leaves: Lance-shaped and deeply lobed, edged with sharp spines—nature’s way of saying “handle with care.”
• Flowers: Spherical or elliptical heads with yellow-brown bracts and a fluffy, grayish-white pappus.

In TCM, the dried aerial parts (stems, leaves, and flowers) are harvested in summer or autumn when the plant is in bloom. After cleaning and drying, it’s ready for medicinal use. Picture it as a firefighter of the herbal world—rushing in to cool down heat and put out the flames of inflammation³.

Traditional Uses in TCM

In TCM, Japanese Thistle is prized for its sweet and bitter taste and cool nature. It targets the Heart and Liver meridians, making it a powerhouse for⁴:

• Cooling the blood: Calms “hot” conditions like excessive bleeding.
• Stopping bleeding: A key remedy for nosebleeds, vomiting blood, or even heavy menstrual flow.
• Dispersing stasis and detoxifying: Helps break up blood clots and heal abscesses or sores.

Ancient texts back this up. The Ming Yi Bie Lu calls it a blood preserver, while the Ben Cao Gang Mu highlights its edge over field thistle (Xiao Ji) for treating abscesses⁵. Historically, it’s been used for⁶:

• Nosebleeds (nǜ xuè)
• Vomiting blood (tǔ xuè)
• Urinary bleeding (niào xuè)
• Traumatic injuries
• Swollen sores and abscesses

Think of it as a dual-action hero: it cools the system while tackling stubborn swelling—pretty impressive for a prickly plant!

Modern Research and Benefits

Science is starting to catch up with what TCM practitioners have known for ages. Here’s what research says about Japanese Thistle:

1. Stops Bleeding

Studies confirm its hemostatic powers. A study found that it promotes blood clotting, making it a natural ally against bleeding issues⁷.

2. Fights Inflammation and Abscesses

Its ability to reduce swelling isn’t just folklore. Compounds like pectolinarin and taraxasteryl acetate may explain why it’s so effective at soothing sores and abscesses⁸.

3. Anti-Cancer Potential

Early research is exciting. A 2015 study showed that Japanese Thistle extracts triggered cell death in breast cancer cells. While it’s not a cure, it’s a promising lead for future studies⁹.

4. Supports Heart Health

Animal studies suggest it could lower blood pressure. Research linked it to better heart function via nitric oxide pathways¹⁰.

5. Eases Menopause Symptoms

Combined with other herbs, it may reduce hot flashes and mood swings. A trial found it helpful for postmenopausal women¹¹.

While these findings are encouraging, more human studies are needed. Still, it’s clear this herb has more to offer than meets the eye.

Summary: Science is validating what TCM knows about Japanese Thistle. Research shows it stops bleeding, fights inflammation and abscesses, has anti – cancer potential, supports heart health, and eases menopause symptoms, though more human studies are needed.

How to Use Japanese Thistle

Ready to try Da Ji? Here’s how it’s typically used¹²:

• Decoction (Tea): Boil 9-15 grams of dried herb (or 30-60 grams fresh) in water for 15-20 minutes. Strain and sip.
• Powder: Grind the dried herb and mix with water or sprinkle on food.
• Topical Paste: Mash fresh Japanese Thistle and apply it to sores or abscesses.

Pro Tip: In TCM, it’s often fried into charcoal (Da Ji Tan)¹³ to boost its bleeding-stopping power. Dosage depends on your needs, so consult a TCM practitioner first.

Potential Risks and Side Effects

Japanese Thistle is generally safe, but it’s not for everyone. Watch out for¹⁴:

• Pregnancy: Its cooling nature might not suit expectant moms—check with a doctor.
• Spleen Deficiency: If you’re prone to coldness or digestive issues, it could worsen symptoms.
• Drug Interactions: It might interfere with blood thinners or blood pressure meds.

Research on related species, like Cirsium setidens, shows no major toxicity (Molecules), but long-term data is slim. Always talk to a healthcare pro before diving in.

Japanese Thistle in the West

Here’s a twist: while TCM reveres Japanese Thistle, Western countries often see it as a pesky weed. In places like the U.S. and South Africa, it’s labeled invasive (Invasive Species South Africa). Its medicinal value? Largely overlooked. Funny how the same plant can be a hero in one culture and a villain in another!

Q&A

Got questions? We’ve got answers:

Is Japanese Thistle the same as milk thistle?
Nope! Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) is a different plant, known for liver support, not bleeding control.

What’s the difference between Da Ji and Xiao Ji?
Da Ji (Japanese Thistle) excels at stopping bleeding and treating abscesses, while Field Thistle (Xiao Ji) also helps with urinary issues. Check the table below for more!

Can I use it daily?
Not without guidance. TCM stresses balance—overuse could cool your system too much.

Comparison: Japanese Thistle vs. Field Thistle

Confused about Da Ji and Xiao Ji? Here’s a quick breakdown:

Feature	Japanese Thistle (Da Ji)	Field Thistle (Xiao Ji)
Scientific Name	Cirsium japonicum	Cirsium setosum
TCM Traits	Sweet, bitter, cool	Sweet, cool
Best For	Bleeding, abscesses	Bleeding, urinary issues
Strength	Stronger for sores	Gentler, aids urination

The Bottom Line

From ancient Chinese texts to modern labs, Japanese Thistle (Da Ji) shines as a versatile herb. Whether it’s stopping a nosebleed, soothing a sore, or hinting at bigger benefits like cancer prevention, it’s a plant worth knowing. But here’s the catch: it’s not a DIY fix.

TCM is all about balance, so chat with a practitioner before adding it to your routine. Curious about natural remedies? Japanese Thistle might just prick your interest!

Trusted Source

1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cirsium_japonicum ↩︎
2. https://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Cirsium%20japonicum ↩︎
3. https://baike.baidu.com/item/%E5%A4%A7%E8%93%9F/575884 ↩︎
4. https://sys01.lib.hkbu.edu.hk/cmed/mmid/detail.php?pid=B00265&page=1&sort=name_cht&lang=eng ↩︎
5. https://www.zysj.com.cn/lilunshuji/bencaogangmu/4622.html ↩︎
6. http://www.a-hospital.com/w/%E5%A4%A7%E8%93%9F ↩︎
7. 陈海芳,陈凯云,袁金斌,等.大蓟的止血活性药效初步研究[J].中华中医药学刊, 2010, 28(7):2.DOI:CNKI:SUN:ZYHS.0.2010-07-045. ↩︎
8. 刘文忠.紫珠止血药剂的制备方法:CN01106970.8[P].CN1320446A[2025-03-15]. ↩︎
9. 侯艳.大蓟中有效成分的分离纯化,鉴定及其活性研究[D].华南理工大学,2015. ↩︎
10. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8788984/ ↩︎
11. 李知垣,金城秀.用于改善及预防更年期女性雌激素缺乏症的功能性组合物:CN201580081892.5[P].CN107920576A[2025-03-15]. ↩︎
12. https://www.baidu.com/bh/dict/ydyp_15940397440323624100?contentid=ydyp_15940397440323624100&query=%E5%A4%A7%E8%93%9F&sf_ch=ch_search_5713&sf_ref=search&subTab=%E7%94%A8%E8%8D%AF%E8%AF%B4%E6%98%8E&from=dicta&isPageHome=1 ↩︎
13. 丁安伟,张丽,吴丽文,等.大蓟炭炮制工艺及质量标准研究[J].中药材, 1998(11):560-562. ↩︎
14. https://m.baidu.com/bh/m/detail/ar_9772298354611643997(Zhu Aihua, Chief Physician, Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine) ↩︎