Sang Leng (Sparganium Stoloniferum Rhizoma): Health Benefits, TCM Function, and How to Use This Powerful Herb

What Is Sang Leng Used For In Traditional Chinese Medicine?

Sang Leng (Sparganium Stoloniferum Rhizoma) is a powerful herb used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for centuries. Did you know it has the ability to invigorate blood circulation, remove blood stasis, and relieve pain?  This Traditional Chinese herb plays a crucial role in treating various ailments related to stagnation and blockages within the body.

Sang Leng is a truly interesting Herb, let's see why.  This detailed guide will cover everything you need to know about Sang Leng, including its health benefits, TCM functions, active compounds, and how to use it effectively.

What is Sang Leng (Sparganium Stoloniferum Rhizoma)?

Sang Leng, derived from the rhizome of Sparganium Stoloniferum, is a perennial aquatic plant commonly found in China, Japan, and Korea. It thrives in marshes, ponds, and riverbanks, and its rhizome is harvested, dried, and processed for medicinal use.

Key Characteristics of Sang Leng: Scientific Name: Sparganium Stoloniferum Rhizoma Common Name: Sang Leng, Burr Reed Rhizome Taste & Nature: Bitter, Neutral TCM Meridians Entered: Liver, Spleen Main Functions: Activates blood circulation, eliminates blood stasis, reduces pain, and disperses accumulations.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Functions of Sang Leng

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Sang Leng is primarily used to move blood, break up stagnation, and dissolve masses. According to TCM principles, blood stasis can lead to pain, swelling, and serious conditions like fibroids, tumors, or cysts. Sang Leng plays a vital role in unblocking circulation and restoring balance.

TCM Actions of Sang Leng:

✔ Breaks Blood Stasis – Helps to dissolve clotted blood and restore normal circulation.
✔ Regulates Qi and Reduces Pain – Relieves discomfort caused by stagnation.
✔ Disperses Accumulations – Helps to shrink fibroids, cysts, and other masses in the body.

Conditions Treated in TCM:

• Menstrual Disorders (Irregular periods, dysmenorrhea, and amenorrhea)
• Abdominal Masses (Fibroids, cysts, and tumors)
• Digestive Issues (Food stagnation, bloating, and indigestion)
• Pain Relief (Abdominal pain, trauma-related pain, and joint discomfort)

Health Benefits of Sang Leng

1. Promotes Blood Circulation and Reduces Blood Stasis

One of the primary functions of Sang Leng is to promote blood circulation and remove stasis. Poor circulation can lead to conditions such as varicose veins, bruising, menstrual irregularities, and cardiovascular issues. By enhancing blood flow, Sang Leng supports optimal organ function and vitality.

2. Supports Women's Health and Menstrual Regulation

Sang Leng is commonly used in gynecological treatments to address menstrual irregularities, painful periods, and fibroids. By breaking up blood stasis, it helps regulate the menstrual cycle and alleviate severe cramping and clotting. It is often combined with E Zhu (Curcuma Rhizome) for enhanced effects.

3. Aids in Tumor Reduction and Mass Dissolution

In TCM, blood stasis is often linked to the formation of abnormal growths, such as fibroids, cysts, and tumors. Sang Leng’s ability to disperse accumulations makes it a valuable herb for shrinking these masses naturally, reducing swelling and pain.

4. Relieves Abdominal Pain and Digestive Issues

Poor digestion and food stagnation can lead to bloating, discomfort, and slow metabolism. Sang Leng stimulates digestion, reduces abdominal fullness, and helps break down accumulated food, ensuring a healthy gastrointestinal tract.

5. Anti-Inflammatory and Pain-Relieving Properties

Sang Leng is known for its natural anti-inflammatory effects, making it effective in treating joint pain, trauma-related injuries, and chronic inflammatory conditions. It works by improving circulation and reducing swelling and stiffness in affected areas.

6. Supports Cardiovascular Health

By enhancing blood circulation and reducing clot formation, Sang Leng may help lower the risk of stroke, atherosclerosis, and heart disease. It improves overall cardiovascular function, keeping arteries clear and preventing high blood pressure complications.

7. Detoxifies the Liver and Improves Spleen Function

The liver plays a crucial role in filtering toxins from the body. Sang Leng supports liver function by enhancing detoxification and reducing stagnation, preventing fatty liver disease and other liver-related disorders. It also strengthens the spleen, promoting better digestion and nutrient absorption.

Why Does Sang Leng Work? Understanding Its Active Compounds

Sang Leng contains bioactive compounds responsible for its medicinal effects. These compounds contribute to its blood-moving, anti-inflammatory, and detoxifying properties.

Key Active Compounds in Sang Leng:

✔ Flavonoids – Have antioxidant properties, protecting cells from damage.
✔ Steroidal Saponins – Help in reducing cholesterol and inflammation.
✔ Polysaccharides – Enhance immune function and support gut health.
✔ Alkaloids – Contribute to pain relief and relaxation of muscles.

These compounds work together to improve circulation, digestion, and overall vitality.

How to Use Sang Leng

Sang Leng can be consumed in various forms, depending on individual health needs.

Traditional Methods:

✅ Decoction (Herbal Tea): Boil 5-15 grams of Sang Leng with water and simmer for 30-45 minutes before consuming.
✅ Powdered Form: Can be mixed into warm water or taken as capsules.
✅ Herbal Pills: Often combined with other blood-moving herbs like Curcuma (E Zhu).
✅ Tinctures: Liquid extracts that can be added to water or herbal tea.

Potential Side Effects and Precautions

While Sang Leng is generally safe, it is not suitable for everyone.

⚠ Who Should Avoid Sang Leng?

• Pregnant women – May cause uterine contractions.
• People taking blood thinners – Can enhance anticoagulant effects, increasing bleeding risk.
• Individuals with excessive bleeding disorders – May worsen symptoms.

Always consult a healthcare professional before using Sang Leng, especially if you are on medication or have pre-existing conditions.

Where to Buy High-Quality Sang Leng?

To ensure maximum potency and safety, purchase organic, pesticide-free Sang Leng from trusted sources. Look for:

✔ TCM Herbal Stores – Specializing in authentic Chinese herbs.
✔ Reputable Online Herbal Suppliers – With verified user reviews.

Conclusion

Sang Leng (Sparganium Stoloniferum Rhizoma) is a powerful TCM herb known for its blood-moving, pain-relieving, and detoxifying properties. Whether you are looking to improve circulation, regulate menstruation, dissolve masses, or enhance overall health, this herb offers remarkable benefits.

Incorporate Sang Leng into your wellness routine under the guidance of a TCM practitioner to experience its full healing potential.

Review Available San Leng Form and Sizes Below

Common Names:  Sparganium Rhizome, Rhizoma Sparganii Stoloniferi, Bur Reed Rhizome, Scirpus
Botanical Name:   Sparganium stoloniferum; Rhizoma
Chinese / Pin Yin Name:  San Leng
San Leng Dosage:  Follow doctors instructions on how to use this herb.
San Leng Precautions:  Do not use if pregnant or nursing.   Do not use in cases of excessive bleeding.

Summary of San Leng Benefits & Information

San Leng is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb to break blood stasis, dissolve food stagnation, regulate menses and alleviate pain.San Leng supports a healthy digestive system and benefits female health. San Leng has anti-inflammatory, analgesic and sedative effects.
San Leng Properties:  Bitter, Acrid, Neutral
Channels/Meridians: Liver, Spleen
San Leng Naturally Occurring Components: benzeneethanol, 1,4-benzenediol, hexadecanoic acid, dehydrocostuslactone, 3,4-dihydro-8-hydroxy-3-methyl-1H-2-benzopyran-4-one, β-elemene, azelaic acid

Herbs That Combine With San Leng

Dong Quai     Safflower     Codonopsis     Oyster Shell     Corydalis     Amber     Dang Shen

References
http://alternativehealing.org/san_leng.htm
https://herbpathy.com/Uses-and-Benefits-of-San-Leng-Cid3545,
https://tcmwiki.com/wiki/san-leng
https://www.acupuncturetoday.com/herbcentral/scirpus.php