Shui Zhi Dried Leech (Hirudo medicinalis) — Sun-Dried Clean-Water Leech for TCM Decoction

Shui Zhi Dried Leech (Hirudo medicinalis), known in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) as Shuǐ Zhì (水蛭) and also called Ma Huang (蚂蟥), is the sun-dried body of a highly revered traditional animal-based herb. For centuries, Shui Zhi has been prized as a blood-quickening, stasis-breaking, and channel-freeing herb, used to invigorate blood circulation, resolve fixed masses, and unblock stagnation in the vessels. Its nature is salty, bitter, and neutral, with a mild toxicity in TCM theory, making it a potent yet carefully applied herb for moving blood and dispelling stasis.

Key Selling Points

• Traditional blood-quickening TCM herb
• Sun-dried clean-water leech
• Hirudo medicinalis
• Available whole or custom-milled to powder
• 500g bulk pack with free shipping

Quality & Sensory

Each batch is carefully sun-dried to preserve its dark brown to blackish color, firm leathery texture, and faint marine aroma. The dried bodies are clean and free of excess debris, retaining a slight natural sheen. When decocted, Shui Zhi yields a dark, mildly bitter infusion with a subtle earthy note, typically combined with other herbs to balance its character.

Technical Specifications

Usage Scenarios

• Traditional herbal decoction
• Custom-milled herbal powder blends
• TCM formula ingredient
• Bulk herbal preparation
• Practitioner-guided herbal use

Traditional Uses

In folk herbal practice, Shui Zhi is decocted into formulas and tonics to invigorate blood, break up stasis, and free the channels. It is a classic ingredient in traditional blood-moving preparations, often paired with herbs like Tao Ren (peach kernel), Hong Hua (safflower), and Chuan Xiong (Sichuan lovage). In some regional traditions, it is also prepared as a powder for convenience, blended into formulas or taken with warm water under practitioner guidance.

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