⛩️Kampo / Japanese Medicine

Notoginseng (Sanshichi)

Panax notoginseng

About Notoginseng (Sanshichi)

Notoginseng (Sanshichi) (Panax notoginseng) is a herb used in the Kampo / Japanese Medicine tradition to help with Circulation, Wound Healing, Pain, and Heart Health. The root is the part traditionally used, taken internally.

Botanical background

Panax notoginseng is a species of the genus Panax, and it is most commonly referred to in English as notoginseng. In Chinese it is called tiánqī (田七), tienchi ginseng, sānqī (三七) or sanchi, three-seven root, and mountain plant. P. notoginseng belongs to the same scientific genus as Asian ginseng. In Latin, the word panax means "cure-all", and the family of ginseng plants is one of the best-known herbs.

Source: Wikipedia, via iNaturalist

Parts used

Root · internal
🍵

Tea / Infusion

1–3 cups daily
  • Steep 1–2 tsp of dried Notoginseng (Sanshichi) in freshly boiled water for 5–10 minutes.
  • Cover while steeping.
  • Strain and drink.
💧

Tincture

20–40 drops in water, 2–3× daily
  • Pack dried Notoginseng (Sanshichi) into a jar and cover with 40–60% alcohol.
  • Seal and steep for 4–6 weeks, shaking daily.
  • Strain and store in a dark dropper bottle.
💊

Powder / Capsule

500 mg – 1 g, 1–3× daily
  • Grind dried Notoginseng (Sanshichi) into a fine powder.
  • Fill size 00 capsules or stir into smoothies or honey.
🖐️

Topical / Poultice

1–2× daily as needed
  • Mash fresh Notoginseng (Sanshichi) or mix the powder with a little water to form a paste.
  • Apply to the affected area for 20–30 minutes.
🫙

Infused Oil

Massage into affected area 1–2× daily
  • Fill a jar with dried Notoginseng (Sanshichi).
  • Pour over a carrier oil until submerged.
  • Leave for 4–6 weeks, then strain.
  • Use topically or as a salve base.
🛁

Herbal Bath

2–3× per week as needed
  • Brew 4–6 tbsp of Notoginseng (Sanshichi) in 1 litre of hot water for 15 minutes, strain, and add to a warm bath.
  • Soak for 20–30 minutes.

Pregnancy, Breastfeeding & Children

No herb-specific pregnancy/child safety research is documented for Notoginseng (Sanshichi) in our references — the guidance below is based on its general effect category, not research on Notoginseng (Sanshichi) itself. Always confirm with a midwife, doctor, or pediatrician.

Pregnancy

Use Caution

This herb may affect blood pressure. Since blood pressure changes are a significant pregnancy risk factor (e.g. preeclampsia), herbs in this category are generally used only under medical supervision rather than self-directed — this is a general, mechanism-based caution, not herb-specific research.

Breastfeeding

Use Caution

Generally used cautiously during breastfeeding, particularly if the nursing parent is also on blood pressure medication.

Children

Use Caution

Blood-pressure-active herbs are generally used cautiously in children and typically only under pediatric guidance.

Contraindications

  • Pre-surgery — discontinue at least 2 weeks prior (potential antiplatelet effect)

Warnings

⛔ Heart & Blood Pressure Medications

May interact with antihypertensive drugs, blood thinners, or cardiac medications. Do not combine without medical guidance.

⚠️ Allergic Reactions

Discontinue immediately if you experience rash, itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing.

⚠️ Not Medical Advice

This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using herbal remedies.

Drug & herb interactions

May thin the blood

Watch for: Anticoagulants (warfarin), antiplatelets (aspirin, clopidogrel), and other blood-thinning herbs or supplements (ginkgo, garlic, fish oil, vitamin E)

Combining blood-thinning substances can increase bleeding risk, including before surgery or dental work.

May affect blood pressure

Watch for: Antihypertensive medications (ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, diuretics)

Combined use can push blood pressure too high or too low — monitor readings if you take blood pressure medication.

Where to find in nature

Native region

Japan, China, Korea

Climate

Temperate to subtropical

Habitat

Mountain forests and cultivated herb farms across Japan and East Asia

🌿 To see Notoginseng (Sanshichi) growing, visit botanical gardens, university plant collections, or specialist herb nurseries near you. If foraging in the wild, always work with an expert identifier — never consume a plant you are not 100% certain of.

Where to buy

In store

  • Health food stores (Whole Foods, Natural Grocers, Holland & Barrett, GNC)
  • Naturopathic clinics and integrative medicine practices
  • Specialist herbal apothecaries and herbalist practices
  • Farmers markets with herb vendors

Online

iHerb

Wide selection of standardised extracts, capsules, and powders with lab testing

Mountain Rose Herbs

Premium bulk dried herbs — certified organic, ethically sourced

Starwest Botanicals

Large selection of certified organic bulk herbs and powders

Herb Pharm

High-quality liquid extracts and tinctures, rigorous quality standards

Amazon

Convenient — verify brand certifications and check third-party testing

Etsy

Small-batch artisan herbalists, hand-harvested and wildcrafted herbs

Quality tips

When buying Notoginseng (Sanshichi), look for: certified organic labelling, clearly stated country of origin, third-party lab testing for heavy metals and pesticides, and a batch expiry date. Standardised extracts offer consistent dosing; bulk dried herbs are more economical for regular use. Avoid very cheap, unlabelled products — quality varies enormously.