Aidus & E-Fong Herbal Solution
Herbal Medicine for Promoting Blood Circulation and Relieving Blood Stasis- Shui Zhi
                                  
                                           Shui Zhi
                                                  
                                            
                                             Leech
                                             Hirudo

It is the whole body of the annelid worms whitmania pigra (whitman), Hirudo nipponica Whitman, and whitmania
acranulata(whitman) of the family Hirudinidae, which is produced in all parts of China. It is caught in summer and
autumn. After washed clean, it is dried in the sun, ground into powder or stir-baked to yellow for use.
Properties: It is bitter and salty in flavour and neutral in nature, acting on the liver channel. Being bitter for dispersion
and purgation, and salty for softening hard mass, it particularly acts on the liver channel, the blood division, and is a
potent drug for relieving blood stasis and subsiding abdominal mass. It is used to treat abdominal mass due to blood
stasis, large hard mass and amenorrhea due to stagnation of blood, and pain caused by traumatic ecchymoses.
Effects: Relieving blood stasis.
Indications: For treatment of amenorrhea and abdominal mass, it is usually used in combination with Mang Chong
(Tabanus), Tao Ren (Semen Persicae), San Leng (Rhizoma Sparganii), Hong Hua (Flos Carthami), and other herbs
with the effects of relieving blood stasis and restoring menstruation, resolving lumps; For treatment of long term blood
stasis, emaciation due to blood disorders, shown by squamous and dry skin, emaciation and fullness of abdomen, it is
frequently used together with Da Huang (Radix et Rhizoma Rhei), Tu Bie Chong (Eupolyphaga seu Steleophaga), Di
Huang (Radix Rehmanniae) and other herbs to remove blood stasis, promote tissue regeneration.
Dosage and Administration: 3~6g.
Precautions: Contraindicated in pregnancy.
Modern Researches: Shui Zhi (hirudin) it contains can inhibit the action of thrombin on fibrinogen, hence with
anticoagulant effect. Its histamine-like substances can promote hemorrhage by dilating capillaries. Its alcohol extract
inhibits blood coagulation, the effect of which is stronger than that of (Tabanus), Tu Bie Chong (Eupolyhaga seu
Steleophage), Tao Ren (Semen Persicae), and so on. The effect of its alcohol preparation is stronger than its water
preparation. Shui Zhi (Hirudin) of 20mg can inhibit coagulation of 100g human blood.