Yunnan Paiyao Powder for Bleeding or Hematoma

Yunnan Baiyao powder is the classic loose powder form of China's best known household first aid formula. It comes in a small 4 gram bottle, the traditional format. In Chinese medicine it is traditionally used to help stop bleeding, move blood stasis and ease pain and swelling from cuts, bruises and injuries. The powder can be applied to the skin or taken internally.

Clean the area, then sprinkle the powder sparingly over the affected spot. A light dusting is all you need. Many people find it works quickly on small cuts and scrapes. For deep wounds, heavy bleeding, animal bites or anything that will not stop bleeding with pressure, skip the home remedy and get medical care right away.

Yes, the powder can be mixed with water or wine and taken by mouth, which is one of the reasons it is so versatile. The label does not give a fixed internal amount, so for internal use please follow the guidance of a licensed Chinese medicine practitioner or doctor rather than guessing. For a measured internal dose, the pill form is easier.

No, the 4 gram powder bottle does not contain the red emergency pill. The red safety pill, called Bao Xian Zi, comes only in the blister packs of Yunnan Baiyao pills or capsules. If you want the red pill in your first aid kit, choose the pill version. Any serious injury with heavy blood loss needs emergency medical care first.

It depends on how you plan to use it. The powder is the most flexible choice, since you can dust it on cuts and scrapes or mix it with water for internal use. The pills give a measured dose by mouth and include the red safety pill. Many households keep the powder for topical first aid and the pills for internal use.

Yunnan Baiyao powder is a proprietary blend of ajuga forrestii, dioscorea parviflora, herba geranii and herba erodii, herba inulae cappae, radix notoginseng, rhizoma dioscoreae nipponicae and rhizoma dioscoreae. Notoginseng (san qi) is the herb most closely linked to the formula. In Chinese medicine it is prized because it is said to both stop bleeding and move blood stasis.

Avoid taking Yunnan Baiyao internally during pregnancy or breastfeeding unless a practitioner advises it. Because it is traditionally used to move blood and affect clotting, check with your doctor first if you take blood thinners, aspirin or other prescription medicines, or have a bleeding disorder or surgery coming up. Do not pack the powder into deep wounds, and seek care for serious bleeding.

Yunnan Baiyao is widely used by veterinarians for dogs, horses and other animals, and it has been featured by the pet resource A Path With Paws. A light dusting on a minor scrape is common, but for internal use or any real injury, ask your veterinarian for the right amount based on your pet's size and condition.