- Research shows that the Chinese herb Sanguisorbae Radix (地榆) has anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, blood pressure-lowering, and potential cancer-fighting effects.
- In traditional Chinese medicine, it’s used to cool the blood, stop bleeding, clear heat, and help heal wounds.
- In Western herbal medicine, it’s valued for its astringent properties and often used to treat diarrhea, dysentery, and wounds.
- So far, the available literature hasn’t reported any specific side effects, but it’s still a good idea to check with a healthcare professional before using it.
Radix Sanguisorbae, commonly known as Di Yu in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) or Longleaf Garden Burnet Root, is a time-honored herbal remedy derived from the dried root of the Sanguisorba officinalis plant—or its longleaf variety, often called “Mian Di Yu.”
For centuries, it’s been a staple in TCM for its ability to cool the blood, stop bleeding, and heal wounds. But its uses don’t stop there—it’s also found a place in Western herbal practices and even in kitchens across some cultures.
In this article, we’ll explore the benefits, uses, and science behind Radix Sanguisorbae, breaking it down in a way that’s easy to grasp while keeping the facts straight.
What Is Radix Sanguisorbae?
Radix Sanguisorbae comes from the rose family (Rosaceae) and is harvested in spring before it sprouts or in autumn after the plant withers. The roots are dug up, cleaned, dried—or sometimes sliced fresh and dried—to preserve their medicinal qualities1. In TCM, it’s prized for its bitter, sour, astringent, and slightly cold nature, targeting the liver and large intestine meridians. This makes it a go-to herb for cooling “blood heat,” stopping bleeding, and soothing swollen or painful conditions like burns and sores2.
Picture this: a rough, spindle-shaped root, 5-25 cm long, with a grayish-brown or dark reddish surface and a faintly bitter taste. That’s Radix Sanguisorbae in its raw form. Whether it’s the standard variety or the longleaf type (Mian Di Yu), it’s been used across China—think Heilongjiang, Jilin, Liaoning, Inner Mongolia, and Shanxi—for everything from nosebleeds to spicy soup recipes3.
Benefits of Radix Sanguisorbae
Modern research and traditional wisdom both point to Radix Sanguisorbae’s impressive health perks. Here’s what it might do for you, explained simply with a dash of science:
1. Tames Inflammation
Inflammation is like an internal fire—think redness, swelling, or pain that flares up with allergies or skin rashes. Radix Sanguisorbae helps douse that fire. A study in BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies showed its water extract can calm down overactive immune responses, making it a natural ally for irritated skin or tissues.
2. Shields Your Brain
Your brain’s a bit like a high-tech computer—delicate and prone to damage from stress or aging. Research in the Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin found that Radix Sanguisorbae protects brain cells from oxidative stress, hinting at potential benefits for conditions like Alzheimer’s. That said, human studies are still catching up, so don’t toss your doctor’s advice just yet.
3. Lowers Blood Pressure
High blood pressure can sneak up like a silent storm, stressing your heart and vessels. A study in Nutrients revealed that its ethanol extract relaxes blood vessels and lowers pressure through natural pathways in the body. It’s not a replacement for meds, but it’s a promising perk.
4. Fights Bleeding
In TCM, Radix Sanguisorbae is a star at stopping bleeding—think nosebleeds, bloody stools, or even heavy periods. Its astringent nature helps blood clot faster4. Ancient texts like Shennong’s Classic of Materia Medica (Ben Jing) praised it for this, and modern studies back it up, showing it boosts clotting and soothes blood vessels5.
5. May Combat Cancer
Here’s where it gets exciting: early research in Frontiers in Immunology suggests Radix Sanguisorbae might slow colorectal tumor growth by tweaking immune pathways (like PD-1/PD-L1). It’s not a cure—far from it—but it’s a glimmer of hope that needs more exploration.
A Quick Note: While these benefits sound amazing, many come from lab or animal studies. Human evidence is still growing, so keep your expectations grounded and talk to a pro before diving in.
Summary: Modern research and traditional wisdom show Radix Sanguisorbae has health benefits. It tames inflammation, shields the brain, lowers blood pressure, fights bleeding, and may combat cancer. But most evidence is from lab or animal studies.
How Is Radix Sanguisorbae Used?
This herb’s versatility is what makes it special. Here’s how it’s put to work in TCM, Western herbalism, and even your kitchen:
In Traditional Chinese Medicine
TCM typically uses this herb in the following ways6:
- Cooling Blood and Stopping Bleeding: Used for nosebleeds, hemorrhoids, or heavy menstrual bleeding (collapse). Often paired with herbs like sophora flower (Huai Hua) or charred palm (Zong Lu Tan).
- Healing Burns and Sores: Applied topically or as a wash for scalds, eczema, or ulcers—its cooling and detoxifying effects shine here.
- Easing Digestive Issues: Tackles bloody diarrhea or dysentery, often with licorice (Gan Cao) to balance its chill.
Typically, it’s boiled into a decoction (9-15 grams of dried root) or ground into a powder for internal or external use.
In Western Herbal Medicine
- Diarrhea and Dysentery: Its astringent properties tighten tissues and calm runny guts7.
- Wound Care: A paste or wash speeds up healing for cuts or burns8.
In the Kitchen
Yes, you can eat it! In China, Radix Sanguisorbae is a “food-medicine” herb, approved for limited culinary use. Try these:
- Di Yu Porridge: Simmer 20 grams of Di Yu with 100 grams of rice, add a sprinkle of sugar, and enjoy a nourishing bowl9.
- Di Yu Pork Intestine Soup: Stuff pig intestines with Di Yu, sophora fruit (Huai Jiao), and windproof (Fang Feng), then cook into a savory broth.
Summary: This herb is special for its versatility. In TCM, it cools blood, heals sores and eases digestion. Western herbalism uses it for diarrhea and wound care. It’s also edible, like in Di Yu porridge and pork intestine soup.
Risks and Side Effects
Good news: no major side effects are widely reported for Radix Sanguisorbae. But here’s the catch—it’s slightly cold and bitter, so it’s not for everyone. If you’ve got a “cold deficiency” (think feeling chilly or weak) or sluggish blood flow, it might not sit well. Also, for big burns, skip heavy topical use—its tannins could overload your liver if absorbed too much10.
Pro Tip: Pregnant? Nursing? On meds? Chat with your doctor or a TCM practitioner first. Herbs are powerful, but they’re not one-size-fits-all.
How to Use Radix Sanguisorbae Safely
- Decoction: Boil 9-15 grams of dried root in water for a tea. Sip it slow.
- Powder: Grind it up, mix with water, or dust it on wounds.
- Topical: Mash fresh roots or soak dried ones for a burn-soothing wash.
- Charred (Di Yu Tan): Fried to a crisp, it’s even better at stopping bleeding11.
Dosage varies, so follow a pro’s lead—especially since TCM tailors treatments to your unique vibe.
Q&A
Q: What’s Radix Sanguisorbae good for?
A: It cools blood, stops bleeding, and heals wounds—think hemorrhoids, burns, or bloody stools.
Q: Can I eat Di Yu?
A: Yep! In small amounts, it’s cooked into porridges or soups in some cultures.
Q: Is it safe for everyone?
A: Mostly, but avoid it if you’re cold-sensitive or have stagnant blood. Check with a doc first.
Q: How’s it different when charred?
A: Charred Di Yu (Di Yu Tan) is stronger at clotting blood and easing leaks like heavy periods12.
The Bottom Line
Radix Sanguisorbae, or Di Yu, is like a Swiss Army knife of herbs—cooling, healing, and even tasty in a pinch. From ancient Chinese texts to modern labs, its knack for taming inflammation, protecting brains, and stopping bleeds keeps it relevant. Whether you’re sipping it in a soup or dabbing it on a burn, it’s a natural wonder worth knowing.
Just keep it smart—consult a healthcare pro to make sure it fits your needs. With more research on the horizon, this humble root might just surprise us yet.
Trusted Source
- https://sys01.lib.hkbu.edu.hk/cmed/mmid/detail.php?pid=B00051&page=1&sort=name_cht&lang=eng ↩︎
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- https://www.zysj.com.cn/zhongyaocai/diyu/index.html ↩︎
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- https://www.baidu.com/bh/dict/ydyp_16363952434857113725?contentid=ydyp_16363952434857113725&query=%E5%9C%B0%E6%A6%86&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 ↩︎
- 曾万玲,宋杰去.地榆水煎液抗实验性腹泻及其他药理作用研究[J].贵阳中医学院学报, 1992, 14(4):3. ↩︎
- 冯春.医用外用药”金黄油”,”紫地膏”:CN200410036775.0[P][2025-03-15]. ↩︎
- http://www.zysj.com.cn/zaji/71497.html ↩︎
- https://m.baidu.com/bh/m/detail/ar_15214224701415873013(Miao Yang, Chief Physician, Department of Cardiology, Xiyuan Hospital, Chinese Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences) ↩︎
- http://m.zhongyoo.com/paozhi/3447.html ↩︎
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