Yunnan Baiyao, one of the most popular Traditional Chinese Medicine supplements, is known for its hemostatic supporting properties and helps with blood flow, healing, and circulation in the body.* It is so popular that it was designated as a Class-1 protected Traditional Chinese Medicine by the Chinese government (this gives it 20 years of trade protection in China). It is manufactured and distributed by the Yunnan Baiyao group, which is government-owned in Yunnan, China. This article will give you a look into the origins of this powerful product, its uses, and its benefits. Read on to discover more.
The History Of Yunnan Baiyao
Yunnan Baiyao, which means “white powder drug from Yunnan,” was developed by Qu Huangzhang in 1902 from Jiangchuan County in the Yunnan Province, located in Southwest China. Mr. Huangzhang had set out to explore the Yunnan region and taste all the herbs during this time, leading him to find “Qu Huanzhang Panacea,” which later became Yunnan Baiyao.
In the early days, Yunnan Baiyao was used to help with internal bleeding and support healing.* However, with the progression of time, it became known as a multipurpose remedy that was used traditionally for blood circulation.* Additionally, it was used with treatments for pulmonary bleeding from internal bleeding and tuberculosis symptoms.* Later on, Yunnan Baiyao was developed into a topical plaster that is used for backache, sprains, and bruises.
Yunnan Baiyao’s anti-hemorrhagic properties were so popular that Mr. Huanzhang donated more than 30,000 bottles of Yunnan Baiyao to the Chinese National Revolutionary Army in the Battle of Taierzhuang in 1938 – a war between Chinese and Japanese forces. It is recorded that it helped save the lives of many soldiers. During the same period, in 1940, army commander Wu Xuexian was seriously injured in his right leg, and the doctors recommended amputation. However, Wu wasn’t convinced on cutting off his leg, and he turned to Mr. Huangzhang for help. To everyone’s surprise, he recovered quickly without the need for amputation. This helped accelerate Yunnan Baiyao’s popularity as a supporting healing remedy in the country.
After Mr. Huangzhang’s death in 1956, his wife Liao Lanying shared the Yunnan Baiyao secret recipe to the Chinese government. After which, large-scale production of the formula began. Yunnan Baiyao went on to win three consecutive national gold medals and rank on World Brand Lab’s list of the Top 500 Chinese Brands in 2004. Production continues to date as awareness and demand for this powerful Traditional Chinese Medicine continues to increase globally.
The Yunnan Baiyao Formula
Yunnan Baiyao ingredients are a guarded secret that the Chinese government holds closely, even declaring the product ingredients a state secret. However, an FDA document published in 2002 revealed some of the unique herbs used to make Yunnan Baiyao. Some of the special ingredients include Tienchi Ginseng, Chinese Galanga, and Chinese Yam. A different test that used liquid chromatography to investigate Yunnan Baiyao nutrient profile detected compounds like protopanaxadiol and panaxatriol, sapogenins found in Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng) and Tienchi ginseng (Panax pseudoginseng). [1]
Benefits And Uses Of Yunnan Baiyao In Humans
Yunnan Baiyao has been used for centuries for its numerous health benefits which include hemostatic, pain support, healthy inflammation response, joint health, and stomach support.* Let’s dive into the amazing benefits and uses of Yunnan Baiyao.
- Supports Healthy Bleeding Recovery*
Yunnan Baiyao is primarily used to support normal external and internal bleeding. This powerful powder is primarily used or consumed for open cuts, internal bruising, stomach concerns , cycle-cycle control, nosebleeds, wounds, and surgeries.* In a 2009 randomized control trial, patients were given Yunnan Baiyao capsules three days before surgery, and their blood loss seemed to be lower than those who underwent surgery without taking the capsules. [3]
In a limited and inconclusive study, the hemostatic effect of Tienchi ginseng (Panax pseudoginseng notoginseng) was investigated, and the bleeding time of the notoginseng group was discovered to be up to 29.7% lower. [4] This is especially significant because notoginseng is one of the botanicals that is present in Yunnan Baiyao’s blend. The researchers reported that “When applied externally, both notoginseng and Yunnan Baiyao provide appreciable hemostatic effects compared to placebo.” [4] Yunnan Baiyao is recommended for anyone who wants to manage normal bleeding.
- Supports Normal Pain and Inflammation Regulation*
Yunnan Baiyao, apart from supporting blood flow, also has other secondary benefits like nutrition for pain management systems and inflammatory responses.* The inflammatory support of Yunnan Baiyao helps with normal swelling and irritation as well as supports granulation activities.* This is made possible by having proper nutrition for inflammatory cytokines and mediators in the body. [5] Yunnan Baiyao supports the body's normal inflammation response by providing nutrients for lymphocyte control and cytokine expression.* One potential application considered by researchers that relates to this benefit is the use of Yunnan Baiyao as a supplementative nutrition source for help with gastrointestinal discomforts.* [6]
Yunnan Baiyao draws its natural pain systems support properties from the various steroidal alkaloids found in pi-ma-cao (the roots and rhizomes of Veratrum taliense)*, which is an ingredient found in Yunnan Baiyao.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis Support
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that is associated with inflammation in the joints leading to pain. Yunnan Baiyao is believed to help consumers by providing nutrition for the body to use when naturally regulating inflammation and pain systems.* Yunnan Baiyao helps the body naturally manage normal swelling in the joints and also supports blood circulation in the joints.* This makes Yunnan Baiyao great for people who want to further support managing their rheumatoid arthritis symptoms holistically.* A limited and inconclusive 2012 joint health study reports some of the benefits of Yunnan Baiyao. [7]
- Supports Controlled Skin and Colon Sores*
Yunnan Baiyao is believed to contain nutrients that support the body’s natural ability to heal skin and colon functions. This is demonstrated in a limited, inconclusive 2014 study where researchers investigated the synergistic effects of Yunnan Baiyao.* Researchers suggested that consumers supplementing Yunnan Baiyao with antiulcer drugs may have a better experience than using antiulcer drugs alone.* [8]
How To Use Yunnan Baiyao
You can use Yunnan Baiyao for internal and external applications. The dietary supplement is available in capsule and power forms. The external topical formula is available as a plaster patch and aerosol spray. For the internal form, take 2-3 capsules with warm water to support healthy blood circulation and relaxation of tendons and muscles.* In case of an external open wound, apply Yunnan Baiyao powder directly to the clean wound. And apply direct pressure to the wounded area to stop the bleeding. If it’s a dry wound, mix Yunnan Baiyao with some water and apply it to the dry wound to promote healing and keep out infection.
However, this should not be considered medical advice. In case of any health concerns , always seek a medical practitioner’s advice.
How Does Yunnan Baiyao Help Pets? Yunnan Baiyao For Dogs and Cats
Yunnan Baiyao is beneficial to both humans and pets. It’s safe to use on pets, and they can experience the same benefits associated with its use above. Yunnan Baiyao is commonly used to enrich pets’ lives (especially if they have tension or blood nutrient supplement needs).*
- Pet Cell-Cycle Control Support
Pets are an integral part of our lives, and it's devastating to watch them pass, even of old age. However, Yunnan Baiyao may help you to prolong their quality of life. Yunnan Baiyao is used by a lot of pet owners to support the lives of their pets with proper nutrition.* Veterinary practitioners have used Yunnan Baiyao to support controlled bleeding in dogs.* In anecdotal studies, it is discussed to help with their quality of life measurements. [9] [10]
- Normal Management of Bleeding In Pets *
Yunnan Baiyao’s hemostatic support nutrients don’t work only for humans, veterinarians generally use it to support managed normal bleeding in animals* Yunnan Baiyao works by supplying nutrients responsible for activating platelets that are instrumental in forming healthy blood clots.* Blood clots form into a scab, which then stops the bleeding and protects from secondary infections.* Additionally, Yunnan Baiyao may also act as a supplemental source of nutrients for pain regulation systems and may help clean wounds from getting infected.* A limited comparative study reports how healthy blood circulation with Yunnan Baiyao’s supplementation supported normal blood flow and clotting in rats and mice.* [11]
Is Yunnan Baiyao For You?
Yunnan Baiyao is a great alternative TCM herbal supplement that everyone should have in their emergency kits – not just for themselves, but for their pets too. It can help manage normal bleeding, support healthy inflammation responses, nutrition for pain management systems, and even healthy joint function.* Apart from that, it might help you prolong the quality of your pet’s life.*
Solstice Medicine Company is dedicated to offering the best quality Traditional Chinese Medicine globally. We produce and promote trusted, natural products with the highest quality of production and distribution facilities to ensure the best health and wellness TCM journey. You can purchase original, authentic Yunnan Baiyao powder, capsules, sprays and plasters directly on Solstice Medicine’s website.
This blog is not and should not be construed as medical advice. In case you or your pet are suffering from any medical condition, please seek a certified medical practitioner’s or veterinarian’s help.
Appendix:
- https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2010-12/24/content_11748195.htm
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19153029/#:~:text=It%20can%20be%20concluded%20that,and%20safe%20haemostatic%20Chinese%20medicine
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.