Flos Notoginseng / Sanchi Flower
Aliases：Tián Qī Huā (Tianqi Flower).
Sān Qī Huā (Sanqi Flower) is a Chinese medicinal herb. It is the dried inflorescence of Panax notoginseng (Burk.) F. H. Chen, a plant of the Araliaceae family. The inflorescence is hemispherical, globular, or umbelliform in shape, brittle and easily broken, with a faint odor and a sweet, slightly bitter taste.
Efficacy & Actions
Clears heat and promotes fluid production; calms the liver and lowers blood pressure.
Indications
Used for thirst due to fluid depletion, sore throat with hoarseness, and hypertension. It is also used for dizziness and vertigo, tinnitus and insomnia, migraine, and acute pharyngitis, among other conditions.
Modern Pharmacology
Antihypertensive effect: The total saponins in Sanqi flower have vasodilatory effects and can help regulate blood pressure. Sedative and calming effects: Sanqi flower is cool in nature and acts on the Liver and Heart meridians. It calms the liver, subdues yang, and calms the mind, providing some improvement for symptoms such as dizziness, distending headache, and nightmares. Hepatoprotective effect: Sanqi flower has liver-protective effects. Immunomodulatory effect: It can enhance immune function. Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects: Sanqi flower contains active components such as flavonoids and phenolic acids, exhibiting antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities.
Ingredients
Saponins (Ginsenosides): These are considered its main active components. To date, dozens of saponin components have been identified, including ginsenosides Rb1, Rb2, Rb3, Rc, Rd, among others, with ginsenosides Rb3 and Rc being the most abundant. The total saponin content is approximately 13%. Flavonoids: Such as quercetin and its glycosides. Other Non-saponin Components: Including polyacetylenic macrolides, phenolic acids, lignans, etc.
Usage & Dosage
Oral Administration Reference: 1–3g, decocted in water or steeped as an infusion.
Contraindications
Use with caution in patients with spleen-stomach deficiency-cold: As Sanqi flower is cool in nature, its consumption may worsen symptoms in such individuals. Not suitable for use during a cold: Sanqi flower is cool and bitter in nature; taking it during a cold may aggravate the condition. Use with caution during pregnancy: Sanqi flower is cool in nature and may affect pregnant women and the fetus. Use with caution during menstruation: As Sanqi flower is cool in nature, it is not advisable to consume cold-nature foods during menstruation. Use with caution in individuals with a cold-deficiency constitution: Those with a cold-deficiency constitution should use it with caution, or avoid using it altogether.
Selected Formulas
For thirst, sore throat, and hoarseness (Yunnan Chinese Herbal Medicine) Take an appropriate amount of Sanqi flower (Panax notoginseng flower), steep in boiling water and drink frequently.
Daily Consumption
Sanqi Flower Infusion: Place an appropriate amount of Sanqi flowers into a cup, pour in boiling water, cover, and steep for 5–10 minutes before drinking. Sanqi Flower and Black-bone Chicken Soup: Add water to a pot, then add the black-bone chicken together with the prepared Sanqi flowers, goji berries, red dates, and ginger slices. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to medium-low heat and simmer until the soup is fully cooked. Stir-fried Sanqi Flower with Meat: Take 20g of Sanqi flowers and soak them in warm water for 10–20 minutes. Stir-fry fresh meat slices until medium-cooked, then add the soaked Sanqi flowers and stir-fry together. Add seasonings and cook until fully done before serving.
Medicinal Parts
Dried inflorescence.
Selection & Storage
Store in a cool, dry place in an airtight container, protected from moisture and insects.
