Sanqi, also known as Tianqi, Shanqi, Jinbuhuan, Shensanqi, Renshen Sanqi, etc., is sweet and slightly bitter in taste, and warm in nature. It is a plant of the Araliaceae Ginseng genus, the same as ginseng. The two are not only similar in morphology but also in chemical composition, pharmacological effects, and clinical applications. Ginseng is superior for tonifying Qi, while Sanqi excels in activating blood, stopping bleeding, nourishing blood, and relieving pain. In the "Compendium of Materia Medica: Supplementary Records," it is recorded: "Ginseng is the first for supplementing Qi, and Sanqi is the first for nourishing blood. They have similar flavors and equal effects, hence the name Ginseng Sanqi." Raw Sanqi can stop bleeding, relieve pain, activate blood, and dispel stasis, while processed Sanqi can nourish blood, which is commonly known as "raw for attacking, processed for tonifying."
According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, women's health is based on blood. When Qi and blood are abundant, a woman's complexion is good. Blood deficiency is the number one enemy for women, and it can easily lead to blood stasis, causing problems such as irregular menstruation, anemia, facial spots, and dull skin. Sanqi has excellent effects in nourishing and activating blood, making it a great remedy for these common female ailments. It can be taken as a decoction or in powder form. The common dosage for a decoction is 4.5-9 grams, and for the powder, it is 1.5-3 grams.
Clinically, for menstrual disorders caused by blood stasis, such as irregular menstruation, amenorrhea, hypomenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, postpartum abdominal pain, and lochiorrhea, Sanqi can be appropriately added to the prescription to enhance its blood-activating and blood-stopping effects. Furthermore, for various facial spots such as chloasma, freckles, age spots, melasma, and butterfly spots, Sanqi can promote blood circulation, accelerate cellular metabolism, and promote the renewal of keratinocytes, making it very effective for beauty and spot removal.
Modern pharmacological research has shown that the saponins in Sanqi can significantly dilate the coronary arteries, increase coronary blood flow, reduce myocardial oxygen consumption, and enhance the heart's tolerance to hypoxia. Therefore, it is effective in treating coronary heart disease and various arrhythmias. Studies have found that long-term use of Sanqi by patients with coronary heart disease can effectively reduce the frequency of angina attacks and can also prevent and treat high blood pressure, high blood lipids, and high blood sugar caused by unhealthy lifestyle habits such as obesity, smoking, and alcohol consumption.
However, it should be noted that women should not take Sanqi during pregnancy to avoid the risk of miscarriage or premature birth. Under normal circumstances, the daily dosage should not exceed 10 grams, as it can easily damage the spleen and stomach. It should preferably be taken in the morning for its effects of enhancing immunity and anti-aging, and not before bedtime to avoid affecting sleep quality due to over-stimulation.