Qian Cao vs Fomes Fomentarius

Side-by-side comparison of medicinal herbs

Herb

Qian Cao

Rubia cordifolia

Skin and Topical

Fomes fomentarius

Skin and Topical

Qian Cao

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Fomes Fomentarius

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Description

TCM and Ayurvedic herb; root used to cool blood, activate blood circulation, and stop bleeding; important for skin conditions in Ayurveda.

A bracket fungus used across Northern Europe and Siberia traditionally as tinder and in folk medicine.

Active Compounds

alizarin, purpurin, ruberythric acid, lucidin, munjistin

fomentarins, polyphenols, triterpenoids

Traditional Uses

Blood heat conditions, Skin disorders, Menstrual problems, Wound healing

wound healing, hemostasis, immune support, inflammation

Modern Uses

Anti-inflammatory activity, Antioxidant properties, Anticancer potential, Hepatoprotective effects

hemostatic, anti-inflammatory, immunostimulant

Adult Dosage

6-9g dried root daily; 500mg extract twice daily

1-3g extract daily

Contraindications

Pregnancy, Anticoagulants

autoimmune conditions

Side Effects

Red/orange urine coloring, Anticoagulant interaction

generally well tolerated

Drug Interactions

0 known interactions

Reviewed by: HerbAlly Editorial Team, Medical herbalists and healthcare professionals

Sources: WHO Monographs · NCCIH · PubMed · Commission E