Herbs that promote the Blood circulation are used for treating syndromes of Blood stagnation. There are different degrees of Blood stagnation. In a mild case, the Blood moves more slowly than it should. If the situation does not change, the Blood stagnates. In a severe case, congealed Blood may be complicated with Phlegm, Heat or Cold, and forms a solid mass that blocks the Blood circulation.

Blood stagnation is caused by several factors. First, both Heat and Cold can lead to Blood stagnation. Heat consumes the Blood and makes it thicker so that the movement of the Blood slows; Cold contracts Blood and lets the Blood circulation slow down. Secondly, Qi stagnation caused by emotional disturbance, stress, anger, excessive pondering or depression over a long period of time can directly result in Blood stagnation. Thirdly, trauma or fracture may directly cause Blood stagnation in the locality. Moreover, Wind, Dampness and Cold that remain for too long in the meridians can also cause Blood stagnation. Accumulation of Phlegm, water, food or parasites in the body for a long period of time may also lead to Blood stagnation. Finally, if the Qi and Blood are deficient, they are not able to promote the Blood circulation so they will also lead to Blood stagnation.

The main symptoms of Blood stagnation are localized pain of a deep, colicky or sharp nature that worsens at night. In severe cases, a solid, immobile mass can be found. Patients who suffer from stagnation of Blood for a long time may have symptoms such as a dark complexion, purple lips and nails, dry skin, amenorrhea, psychiatric disorders, fragile nails and hair. The tongue body is purple with purple spots at the tip or border, and the pulse is wiry and choppy.

In clinical practice, the syndrome of stagnation of Blood can be found in diseases such as myocardial infarction, angina pectoris, acute cholecystitis, biliary ascariasis, acute pancreatitis, acute appendicitis or intestinal obstruction, trauma, strain, sequelae of cerebrovascular accident, rheumatic fever and rheumatoid arthritis, as well as different tumors.

The Blood circulation needs certain conditions. Blood prefers slight warmth and needs an unobstructed pathway. Too much Cold or Heat may cause pathological changes. Cold can freeze the Blood and results in stagnation. Heat consumes Blood and makes it thicker, so also causes stagnation. Meanwhile, Heat lets the Blood move faster and leave its normal pathway, causing bleeding.

Herbs that promote Blood circulation have the following characteristics according to the physiologic and pathological characteristics of Blood.

Herbs that promote the Blood circulation should not be used during pregnancy, in bleeding conditions or during profuse menstruation. Because these herbs are pungent, they let the Blood circulate quickly, and break up congealed Blood or soften hardness. These actions may cause miscarriage and cause heavier bleeding.

Herbs that promote Blood circulation can be used with caution in the following conditions.

Chuan Xiong is pungent and warm, and enters the Liver, Gall Bladder and Pericardium meridians. Pungency can disperse congealed Blood, and warmth can activate the Blood circulation and dissipate its obstruction. Chuan Xiong is a very effective herb for invigorating the Blood and promoting its circulation. It is characterized by high moving speed and strength. It moves upwards, downwards, inwards and outwards, and can reach every part of the body, so it is regarded as ‘the herb that moves the Qi in the Blood’.