Yi Mu Cao Root vs Sappanwood

Side-by-side comparison of medicinal herbs

Herb

Yi Mu Cao Root

Leonurus japonicus root

Womens Health

Caesalpinia sappan

Womens Health

Yi Mu Cao Root

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Sappanwood

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Description

Root form of Chinese motherwort used in TCM differently from the aerial parts; root specifically for abdominal masses and blood stasis.

Thai and Chinese medicinal heartwood used to invigorate blood, resolve stasis, and reduce swelling.

Active Compounds

stachydrine, leonurine, alkaloids, flavonoids, iridoids

brazilin, sappanchalcone, 3-deoxysappanone, protosappanin

Traditional Uses

Abdominal masses and blood stasis in TCM, Postpartum conditions, Uterine blood stasis conditions

blood stasis, menstrual disorders, wound swelling, infections

Modern Uses

Uterine stimulant, Blood-moving, Anti-inflammatory

antiplatelet, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, analgesic

Adult Dosage

9–30 g dried root as decoction

3-9g heartwood daily

Contraindications

Pregnancy, Bleeding disorders

pregnancy, bleeding disorders

Side Effects

Uterine contractions, Blood thinning

anticoagulant effect

Drug Interactions

0 known interactions

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

Sources: WHO Monographs · NCCIH · PubMed · Commission E