USAGE AND DOSAGE
Throughout the history of Traditional Chinese Herbal medicine, herbal ingredients have been used harmoniously in formulaic compositions. In addition, individual or single Chinese herbs are also used for their major functions, for example, American Ginseng (xi yang shen ) to boost qi and enrich yin. This is one of the seven relationships of herbal medicine, “going alone”, the ability of a medicinal to be used alone. Herbs such as; Ginseng (ren shen), American Ginseng (xi yang shen), Flowery Knotweed (he shou wu), Notoginseng (san qi), Licorice (gan cao), and Gingko (bai guo ye) to name a few, are commonly steeped in grain wine or liquor and taken as a medicinal wine. Individual herb Chinese patent medicines in the form of pills, pressed tablets, capsules, and oral liquids are prevalently sold in pharmacies throughout China.
Individual herbs are often used in smaller doses for longer duration than herbal. Individual herbs may also be taken in conjunction with herbal formula treatments. Of course, it is always good practice to consult with a qualified practitioner of TCM who is proficient in Chinese herbal medicine, about the compatibility and/or any contraindications of the herbs taken. There are circumstances when an individual herb treatment must be modified temporarily, such as during acute conditions.
As a balanced medicinal with equally strong quicken blood and staunch bleeding functions, Dragon’s Blood is suitable for both short term and long term use. The usage for Dragon’s Blood is diverse due to its traditional functions and indications for both internal and external applications. For example, in Seven Pinches Powder (qili san), a formula from the Qing dynasty text A Small Collection of Fine Formulas (Liang Fang Ji Ye), Dragon’s Blood is the sovereign or chief medicinal. This formula is taken internally for traumatic injuries or mixed with wine and applied externally to the injury site. Dragon’s Blood should be ground into a fine powder for both external and internal applications
1.
External Use:
Grind into a fine powder and mix with sesame oil to make a paste, or use the powder alone. Apply topically to affected area and cover with gauze.
Internal Use:
Take orally 1-2g, up to 3times a day directly as a powder or a capsule. If it is to be taken in conjunction with an herbal decoction, add to the strained liquid.
Cautions and Contraindications:
Contraindicated in cases without blood stasis, and during pregnancy2.
Use under the supervision of a qualified practitioner if using anticoagulant therapy.