Noto Ginseng Root

San Qi (Notoginseng) – Benefits, Uses, and How to Use for Blood Circulation, Healing, and Pain Relief

San Qi, also known as Notoginseng or Panax Notoginseng, is a prized herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) renowned for its powerful blood-regulating, pain-relieving, and healing properties. Traditionally used to stop bleeding, improve circulation, reduce inflammation, and accelerate wound healing, San Qi is a key herb for promoting cardiovascular health, muscle recovery, and overall vitality. Whether used in powder, decoction, or tincture form, this potent herbal remedy supports heart function, eases bruising, and relieves pain from injuries or chronic conditions. Discover the incredible benefits of San Qi and how to incorporate this time-honored adaptogenic herb into your daily health regimen.

Notoginseng (San Qi) vs. Eleuthero Root (Siberian Ginseng): Understanding the Differences

Notoginseng (San Qi) and Eleuthero Root (Siberian Ginseng - Ci Wu Jia) are both well-known adaptogenic herbs, but they serve very different purposes in herbal medicine. While both have been traditionally used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Western herbalism, their properties, benefits, and applications vary significantly.

This guide provides a detailed comparison of their origins, health benefits, usage, and effectiveness to help determine which herb best suits your needs.


1. Botanical Classification & Origin

Herb Botanical Name Common Names Native Region
Notoginseng Panax notoginseng San Qi, Tienchi Ginseng, Chinese Notoginseng China, Myanmar
Eleuthero Root Eleutherococcus senticosus Siberian Ginseng, Ci Wu Jia Russia, China, Korea

Key Difference:

  • Notoginseng belongs to the Panax genus, making it a true ginseng species.
  • Eleuthero is not a true ginseng but is called "Siberian Ginseng" (Ci Wu Jia) because of its adaptogenic properties.

2. Key Health Benefits & Uses

Benefit Notoginseng (San Qi) Eleuthero Root (Siberian Ginseng - Ci Wu Jia)
Blood Circulation & Cardiovascular Health Improves circulation, reduces blood clot risk, regulates blood pressure. Supports heart health but does not have strong blood-moving effects.
Wound Healing & Pain Relief Stops bleeding, reduces bruising, speeds up tissue repair. Not used for wounds but may support muscle recovery.
Energy & Stamina Mild energy booster, restores balance in the body. Strong adaptogen, boosts endurance and reduces fatigue.
Immune System Support Supports immunity, helps the body recover from injuries. Strengthens immune function, helps fight infections and colds.
Stress & Mental Clarity Helps with mental fatigue and circulation to the brain. Enhances focus, reduces stress, and improves resilience.
Inflammation Reduction Potent anti-inflammatory, used for joint and muscle pain. Has some anti-inflammatory effects but mainly boosts stamina.
Balances Blood Sugar Levels May help regulate glucose metabolism. Supports blood sugar balance and helps with stress-related imbalances.

Key Difference:

  • Notoginseng is best for blood circulation, wound healing, and cardiovascular health.
  • Eleuthero is best for boosting energy, endurance, and stress resilience.

3. How They Are Used in Herbal Medicine

Usage Notoginseng (San Qi) Eleuthero Root (Siberian Ginseng)
Traditional Form Powder, decoction, tincture, or capsules. Tea, tincture, capsules, or extract.
Best Preparation Method Powder or decoction for healing and circulation. Tea or tincture for long-term energy support.
Dosage Recommendation 1–3 grams per day (powder or extract). 300–600 mg per day (capsules or extract).
Best Time to Take After meals or during recovery periods. Morning or early afternoon for an energy boost.

Key Difference:

  • Notoginseng is often used in healing formulas for injuries and circulation, while Eleuthero is taken daily as an energy tonic.

4. Safety & Precautions

Precaution Notoginseng (San Qi) Eleuthero Root (Siberian Ginseng)
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Not recommended during pregnancy due to blood-moving properties. Generally safe, but consult a healthcare provider.
Blood Pressure Effects Can lower blood pressure and thin blood. May increase blood pressure in some people.
Long-Term Use Best used short-term for recovery and healing. Safe for long-term daily use as an adaptogen.
Interaction with Medications May interact with blood thinners and anticoagulants. May interfere with stimulants and blood pressure medications.

Key Difference:

  • Notoginseng is best used short-term for recovery, whereas Eleuthero is safe for long-term use as an adaptogen.

5. Which One Should You Use?

Use Case Recommended Herb
Recovering from an injury, surgery, or trauma Notoginseng (San Qi)
Improving blood circulation and heart health Notoginseng (San Qi)
Stamina and endurance for athletes Eleuthero (Siberian Ginseng)
Reducing stress and mental fatigue Eleuthero (Siberian Ginseng)
Boosting the immune system and preventing colds Eleuthero (Siberian Ginseng)
Healing bruises, swelling, and wounds Notoginseng (San Qi)
Supporting long-term adrenal health Eleuthero (Siberian Ginseng)

Conclusion: Choosing Between Notoginseng & Eleuthero

Both Notoginseng (San Qi) and Eleuthero Root (Siberian Ginseng) offer unique health benefits, but their uses differ significantly.

  • Choose Notoginseng (San Qi) if you need:

    • Faster recovery from injuries or wounds
    • Improved blood circulation and heart health
    • Pain relief and inflammation reduction
  • Choose Eleuthero Root if you need:

    • Increased energy, stamina, and endurance
    • Better stress adaptation and mental focus
    • A long-term immune-boosting adaptogen

Notoginseng is best for short-term healing and circulation, while Eleuthero is an excellent daily adaptogen for stress and energy support. Selecting the right herb depends on your specific health goals and needs.

Common Name: Noto Ginseng
Botanical Name: Panax Noto Ginseng Root
Chinese / Pin Yin Name: San Qi, Tian San Qi
Noto Ginseng Dosage: Follow your healthcare professional's for correct use.
Noto Ginseng Precautions: Do not use if pregnant or nursing.  May interfere with medications 

Noto Ginseng Benefits & Information

Noto Ginseng is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb that is known having warm, slightly bitter, and sweet properties. It works through the liver and stomach channels.
Noto Ginseng Properties:
Slightly Bitter, Sweet, Warm
Noto Ginseng Channels: Stomach, Liver

Herbs that Combine With Noto Ginseng

Codonopsis   White Peony  Rehmannia

Shop All Noto Ginseng Forms and Sizes Below

Reference:
https://herbpathy.com/Uses-and-Benefits-of-Notoginseng-Cid1403
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1155/2014/204840
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33127555/
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/immunology-and-microbiology/panax-notoginseng
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11242943/

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