Yunnan Baiyao Capsules (Blue Box ) | by Solstice Medicines

Yunnan Baiyao, also spelled Yunnan Paiyao, is the best known household formula in Chinese medicine, used by practitioners for over 100 years. This blue box version from Solstice Medicines comes in 0.25 gram capsules. The capsule form is a good choice when you want a measured, consistent amount each time rather than loose powder.

In Chinese medicine Yunnan Baiyao is traditionally used to help stop bleeding, move blood stasis and ease pain and swelling. Households keep it on hand for cuts, bruising and hematomas, and it has long been valued for both external and internal injuries. Its traditional actions are described as invigorating blood circulation and opening the orifices.

The suggested use is 1 to 2 capsules by mouth, 4 times a day, with water. Do not take more than the suggested amount. For any heavy or uncontrolled bleeding or a serious injury, get emergency medical care right away rather than relying on an herbal remedy.

No, this blue box version does not include the red emergency pill found in some other Yunnan Baiyao packages. If having the red pill matters to you, look for a package that lists it. Either way, severe bleeding always calls for emergency medical care.

Avoid Yunnan Baiyao during pregnancy, and use it during breastfeeding only if your doctor approves. Because it acts on blood and clotting, talk with your doctor before taking it if you use blood thinners such as warfarin, aspirin or clopidogrel, have a bleeding or clotting disorder, or have surgery coming up.

Yunnan Baiyao capsules are widely used for dogs, horses, cats and other household pets. The correct amount depends on the animal's size and situation, so please ask your veterinarian before giving it to a pet, especially if they take other medicines or have a bleeding problem.

The ingredients come from the same traditional formula. Capsules are taken by mouth and give you an accurate, measured dose. The powder form is intended for topical use or for mixing with other ingredients, so many people keep capsules for internal use and powder in the first aid kit.

Yunnan Baiyao is a proprietary blend, so exact amounts are not published. The listed herbs are Ajuga forrestii, Dioscorea parviflora, Herba Geranii and Herba Erodii, Inula cappa, Notoginseng root (San qi), Dioscorea nipponica and Dioscorea rhizome. Notoginseng, or San qi, is the herb most associated with the formula in Chinese medicine.