Da Ji (Japanese Thistle, Cirsium)

Chinese Herb Actions

Chinese Herb Dosage

• 10–15 grams in decoction with a maximum of 30 grams dried or 60 grams fresh ¹²
• 9–15 grams in decoction ¹³

Chinese Herb Contraindications & Cautions

• Do not use in cases with cold and deficiency of the Spleen and Stomach
• Use with caution during pregnancy

Chinese Herb Toxicity & Overdose

• Nausea and vomiting is a possible effect of ingestion of this herb

Herb-Drug Interactions

• Use with caution in patients taking warfarin or other blood thinners to avoid blood clots, but no adverse effect has been documented.

Western / Biomedical Research

Chinese Herb Clinical Studies & Research

Provided as research context — a summary of published biomedical study, not a therapeutic or medical claim.

• Effects of methanol extract of Cirsium japonicum var. ussuriense and its principle, hispidulin-7-O-neohesperidoside on hepatic alcohol-metabolizing enzymes and lipid peroxidation in ethanol-treated rats.
  Phytother Res. 2004 Jan;18(1):19-24.
• Oviposition-stimulatory activity against Ostrinia zealis by essential oil of root part from Cirsium japonicum DC.
  Nat Prod Res. 2003 Oct;17(5):341-5.
• Studies on antihemorrhagic substances in herbs classified as hemostatics in Chinese medicine. VII. On the antihemorrhagic principle in Cirsium japonicum DC.
  Chem Pharm Bull (Tokyo). 1987 Feb;35(2):861-4.
• Da Ji has demonstrated blood clotting (1), antibiotic (2), and antihypertensive effects (3).
• Human clinical trials in China show Da Ji effective for hematuria (4), upper GI bleeding (5), hypertension (6), nephritis (7), nodules (8), and pulmonary tuberculosis (9).
  
  
  • Zhong Yao Xue, 1998; 465:466
  • Zhong Guo Fang Lao Za Zhi, 1964; 5(3):481
  • Cardiovascular Research, 1982; 16:11
  • Zhong Jua Mi Niao Wai Ke, 1982; 3(4):287
  • Zhong Cao Yao Tong Xun, 1973; 2:45
  • Zhong Cheng Yao Yan Jiu, 1982; 8:36
  • Zhong Cao Yao Xue, 1979; 378
  • Shi Yong Yi Xue Za Zhi, 1985; 1(2):40
  • Hu Nan sheng Jie He Bing Yan Jiu Yuan, 1971; 37

Chinese Herb Notes

• Charred Da Ji is better at stopping bleeding while the fresh herb is better for cooling the blood and reducing swelling.
• The root of Da Ji is better for lowering blood pressure.
• The fresh juice of this herb can be used alone for epistaxis, hematemesis, and excess menses.

This herb is incompatible with:

• Gan Cao (Radix Glycyrrhizae)