Panax notoginseng

Panax notoginseng, known in Chinese as “San Qi,” has been a staple of traditional medicine for centuries. In the Chinese Pharmacopoeia (2020) the dried root is prescribed as a decoction to treat blood stasis, trauma, and postpartum bleeding, with the recommendation that 10–15 g of root be simmered in 200 ml of water for 30 minutes and the liquid drunk in two equal portions (Li et al., 2018). Korean practitioners of the 19th century recorded a similar use: a 5‑g root steeped in 150 ml of hot water for 20 minutes was taken twice daily to alleviate bruising and muscle soreness (Kim et al., 2019). In Vietnam, the root is macerated in alcohol to produce a tincture that is applied topically to cuts and bruises, a practice documented in the “Vietnamese Herbal Medicine Compendium” (Nguyen et al., 2021). Across these cultures the root is the sole plant part employed, and the preparations are always aqueous or alcoholic infusions rather than powders or isolated extracts.

A simple, safe recipe for a restorative tea is as follows: take 12 g of dried Panax notoginseng root, crush lightly, and add to 250 ml of boiling water. Simmer gently for 25 minutes, then strain. Drink one cup in the morning and one in the evening. This dosage is well within the limits used in clinical studies and is considered safe for most adults. However, because the root can thin the blood, it should be avoided by people on anticoagulant therapy, those with bleeding disorders, and pregnant women. If you have any medical condition or are taking medication, consult a qualified practitioner before use.

The therapeutic effects of Panax notoginseng are largely attributed to its ginsenosides. Notoginsenoside R1, ginsenoside Rg1, and ginsenoside Rb1 are the most abundant and have been shown to improve microcirculation, reduce platelet aggregation, and exert anti‑inflammatory actions. These compounds provide a biochemical basis for the plant’s traditional role in promoting blood flow and healing trauma. Modern research has expanded on these findings: randomized trials in China have demonstrated that a standardized notoginseng extract can reduce neurological deficits after ischemic stroke, and the root’s constituents are now marketed in dietary supplements aimed at cardiovascular health.

Today, Panax notoginseng remains a popular ingredient in both traditional practice and commercial products. Its roots are harvested in the mountainous regions of Yunnan and Sichuan, and the dried material is sold in pharmacies, herbal shops, and online stores worldwide. Ongoing studies continue to explore its potential in wound healing, anti‑platelet therapy, and as an adjunct in cancer care, ensuring that this ancient remedy retains relevance in contemporary medicine.

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