Sappan Lignum / Caesalpinia sappan L.
Aliases：Sū Fāng (Sappan Wood); Sū Fāng (Sappan Wood); Sū Fāng Mù (Sappan Wood); Zōng Mù (Brown Wood); Chì Mù (Red Wood); Hóng Chái (Red Firewood); Hóng Sū Mù (Red Sappan Wood); Luò Wén Shù (Falling Pattern Tree).
Sū Mù (Sappan Wood) is a Chinese medicinal substance. It is the dried heartwood of Caesalpinia sappan L., a plant of the Fabaceae family. It appears as long cylindrical or semi-cylindrical pieces, with a yellow-red to brownish-red surface, a hard texture, a faint odor, and a slightly astringent taste.
Efficacy & Actions
Promotes blood circulation, removes blood stasis, reduces swelling, and alleviates pain.
Indications
Primarily used for traumatic injuries, fractures and tendon injuries, swelling and pain due to stasis, amenorrhea and dysmenorrhea, postpartum stasis obstruction, stabbing pain in the chest and abdomen, and carbuncles and sores with swelling and pain, among others.
Modern Pharmacology
Anti-inflammatory: Exhibits strong anti-inflammatory activity. Antitumor: Exhibits certain antitumor effects. Immunosuppressive: Exhibits immunosuppressive effects. Antibacterial: Exhibits antibacterial activity. Vasodilatory: Exhibits vasodilatory effects. Improves Hemorheology: Can improve blood fluidity.
Ingredients
Protosappanin Brazilin Homoisoflavonoids Sappanchalcone Dibenzoxocins In addition, it also contains volatile oils (mainly phellandrene and ocimene) and tannins.
Usage & Dosage
Oral Administration: Decoction, the standard dosage is 3–10g. May also be taken as a powder. Topical Application: Appropriate amount, ground into powder and sprinkled on the affected area.
Contraindications
Use with caution or contraindicated during pregnancy: This herb promotes blood circulation and unblocks menstruation, which may affect fetal stability. Contraindicated in patients with blood deficiency without blood stasis: It should not be used in those without blood stasis. Contraindicated in patients with excessive menstruation: It may worsen bleeding.
Selected Formulas
For traumatic injury (Shengji Zonglu, Sumu Jiu) Take 2 liang of Sumu (Sappan wood), add 2 sheng of wine, decoct to 1 sheng, and take in three divided doses. For finger amputation (Shesheng Zhongmiao Fang, Jiezhi Fang) Take Sumu, grind into fine powder, apply between the severed finger ends, and wrap externally with silkworm cocoon. For amenorrhea (Taiping Shenghui Fang, Sufangmu Jian) Take 2 liang of Sufangmu, decoct in water, strain, add Naosha (ammonium chloride) and Dahuang (rhubarb) powder, and make into a paste. Take the paste. For postpartum fainting (Zhouhou Fang) Take 3 liang of Sufangmu, add 5 sheng of water, decoct to 2 sheng, and take in divided doses. For painful swelling of beriberi (Puji Fang) Take equal parts of Sufangmu and Lusiteng (a local herb). Decoct in water, and first fumigate, then wash the affected area.
Daily Consumption
Sū Mù Wine for Stasis Removal: Take 70g of Sū Mù (Sappan Wood), add 500ml of white liquor and 500ml of water. Soak or decoct the mixture. Drink in moderation. It promotes blood circulation, removes stasis, relieves pain, and reduces swelling.
Medicinal Parts
Dried heartwood.
Selection & Storage
Store in a dry place, protected from moisture.
