The source is from the root and herb of Cirsium japonicum DC., family Compositae. The medicinal material is mainly produced in all parts of China, collected in summer and autumn when the flower opens, and the root is dug in the end of autumn, dried in the sun, cut into segments. The crude or the stir-baked one can be used.

Medicinal Properties: Sweet and bitter in flavor, cool in nature and attributive to the heart and liver meridians.

Actions: Cool the blood and stop bleeding, remove blood stasis to treat carbuncle.

Application
1. For hemoptysis, epistaxis, metrorrhagia and metrostaxis, and hematuria, etc. of blood-heat type, it can be used alone or combined with Xiaoji (Herba Cephalanoploris ) , Cebaiye ( Cacumen Biotae ) , etc..
2. For sore and carbuncle, it is effective whether it is used internally or externally, the fresh being best in action. Also it can be combined with Jinyinhua (Flos Lonicerae ), Daqingye ( Folium Isatidis ), and Chishaoyao (Radix Paeoniae Rubra), etc..
In addition, it can also be used to treat hypertension and hepatitis, and has the actions of lowering blood pressure and draining the gallbladder to relieve jaundice.

Usage and Dosage:
10 - 15 g is used in decoction for oral use; 30 - 60 g of the fresh; just right amount for external application on the wounded area.