Sanguisorba Root

지유 (地楡) · Sanguisorba officinalis L.

Blood-stopping herb Slightly cold (some sources: neutral) Bitter, sweet, sour Liver, Large Intestine, Stomach

NatureSlightly cold (some sources: neutral)

TasteBitter, sweet, sour

MeridiansLiver, Large Intestine, Stomach

Part usedRoot

FamilyRosaceae

CategoryBlood-stopping herb

Find by concern: Blood in stool Vaginal discharge

Overview

Sanguisorba root's old alternate name, "jade black bean paste," comes from its purple-black seed clusters, which the Donguibogam says resemble fermented black bean paste — a homely comparison for a root prized for reaching deep into the lower body to stop bleeding.

In the Donguibogam

東醫
寶鑑

性微寒一云平, 味苦甘酸, 無毒. 主婦人七傷帶下病, 及産後瘀痛. 止血痢, 排膿, 療金瘡.

Source: Donguibogam, Tangaek-pyeon (Herbology volume)

TranslationIts nature is slightly cold (some say neutral), its taste bitter, sweet, and sour, and it is non-toxic. It mainly treats women's seven damages and vaginal discharge disease, and postpartum stasis pain. It stops bloody dysentery, expels pus, and heals wounds from metal.

Traditional uses recorded in the Donguibogam

Cools the blood, stops bleeding
Astringes the lower body
Expels pus
Heals wounds

Traditional applications recorded in the classical text

Bloody dysentery
Postpartum stasis pain
Vaginal discharge
Wounds and sores

Traditional preparation

Decoction 8–16g.

Cautions

Caution: Cold in nature; not suited to cold-deficiency diarrhea without professional guidance. Consult a professional.

Frequently asked questions

Why was sanguisorba root called "jade black bean paste"?

The Donguibogam explains its purple-black seed clusters resemble fermented black bean paste (豉) — the source of this old alternate name.

What is sanguisorba root's main traditional use?

Stopping bleeding in the lower body — the Donguibogam highlights bloody dysentery and postpartum stasis pain as its core uses, alongside vaginal discharge.

Sources

『동의보감』 탕액편, 허준, 1613 (원문) — 한문 원문
한의학고전DB (mediclassics.kr) — 원문 및 국역 자료 참조