Yunnan Baiyao (Yunnan Paiyao, Yun Nan Bai Yao, 云南白药) is the most known OTC medicine and household Chinese medicine in China used to stop bleeding and promote healing from wounds or internal injuries.

Functions:
Yunnan Baiyao was invented in 1902 by Dr. Qu Huanzhang in Yunnan, China. Over the past 100 years, Yunnan Baiyao made its name in the fierce battle grounds of Chinese fighting against Japanese invasion in World War II and of the Vietcong fighting against USA during the Vietnam War by saving soldiers' lives from severe wounds.

In China, Yunnan Baiyao may be used as first-aid for any kind of traumatic injury or internal bleeding, whether one has a small cut, bruise, swelling, a serious wound from gun shots, an internal injury from car accidents or fighting, or bleeding from surgery and stomach ulcers etc. One may simply pour the Yunnan Baiyao power on to the cut and/or swallow the power.

In the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) terms, Yunnan Baiyao stops bleeding, disperses blood stasis, activates blood circulation, alleviates pain, clears away toxins, and reduce swelling. In studies, Yunnan Baiyao is shown to shorten the bleeding time and clotting time and reduce inflammatory response.

Doctors in China also let patients take Yunnan Baiyao before surgeries (0 to 5 days) because studies show that Yunnan Baiyao can reduce the amount of bleeding during operation.^1,2 When applied after operation, Yunnan Baiyao may promote healing from the wound.

The exact ingredients and production procedure of Yunnan Baiyao are still state secrets of China. It is believed that the main Chinese herb is San Qi, or called Tien Chi, Panax pseudoginseng, Panax notoginseng, Notoginseng.

Currently, Yunnan Baiyao is only legitimately produced by Yunnan Baiyao Group Co., Ltd, one of the top state pharmaceutical companies in China. It was produced and exported to USA under the Camellia brand name before 1998.

Ingredients:
The formula for Yunnan Baiyao is considered as a national treasure by the Chinese government and guarded as a top medical secret. Nevertheless, on the label of Yunnan Baiyao batches that are exported to the USA market, the following formula information is provided.

Supplement Facts
Serving size: 0.50g

Package:

  Yunnan Baiyao Capsule: The capsule is more convenient for accurate dosage. 4 g per package in 250 mg 16 capsules. Each package also contains a bonus red pill for internal use in case of serious injury.

Standard Dosage:
For adults, take 0.25 g - 0.5 g (1-2 capsules) each time, 4 times daily. The maximal dosage should not exceed 0.5 g once every four hours. For bleeding injuries, it is better to take the powder with warm water; For swelling, take it with wine. The powder can also be applied externally to arrest bleeding.

For children: 2 to 5 years old, take 1/4 the adult dose each time; 5 to 12 years old, take half the adult dose each time.

For patches, applied only externally to the affected area.

Side Effects
Yunnan Baiyao has been safely used with few adverse effects when it is used as directed.

Cautious Notes
1. Do not take Yunnan Baiyao in pregnancy!
2. Do not take Yunnan Baiyao if you are allergic to it.
3. If conditions do not improve or even get worsen after 3 days, discontinue it.
4. Not suitable for people with severe irregular heartbeat.
5. For best results, avoid consuming fish, beef, lamb, beans, and cold food at the same time.
6. Keep out of touch of children.

* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products and statements are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease. This information is provided to assist trained practitioners of traditional Chinese medicine with selection of products. If you are not familiar with these formulas or concepts please consult a licensed practitioner of Chinese herbal medicine and/or more in-depth reference materials.