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Alternate Chinese names: 洎夫蓝 jì fū lán; 番红花 fān hóng huā; 西藏红花 xi zàng hóng huā; 藏红花 zàng hóng huā.

Kingdom: Plant

Origin in PRC Pharmacopoeia: Crocus sativus L. (PRC Pharmacopoeia)

Origin in unofficial sources: Crocus sativus L.*

Use: Medicinal

Category: Blood-quickening stasis-transforming agents / Blood-quickening menses-regulating agents

Properties: Sweet; slightly cold.

Channel entry: Heart and liver channels.

Actions and indications: Xī hóng huā is similar to hóng huā in that it quickens the blood, transforms stasis, and frees menstruation but is stronger in these actions. It also cools the blood and resolves toxin. It is particularly suitable for warm disease with heat entering the blood aspect, manifesting in macular eruption. It may also be used for depressed heat with blood stasis. Xī hóng huā is used at a dose of 1–3g in decoctions, as well as in medicinal liquors and other preparations. It is contraindicated in pregnancy.

Dosage and method: Oral: 1–3g in decoctions, as well as in medicinal liquors and other preparations.

Warnings: Contraindicated in pregnancy.

Notes: This item more expensive than hóng huā (Carthami Flos), but it is stronger and more potent by weight. It is also slightly cold in nature, whereas hóng huā is slightly warm.

Quality: Soft, oily, bright-red stigmas with a sheen are best. When placed in water, the coloring should sink vertically, and then gradually diffuse, creating a trumpet of color.

Production area: Tibet. Biggest producers are Greece and Spain.

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