Shui Zhi Dried Leech (Hirudo medicinalis) — Air-Dried Whole Herb, 100g

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

Key Selling Points

• Traditional blood-quickening animal herb
• Air-dried whole leech, naturally sun-cured
• Hirudo medicinalis
• 100g bulk pack, new-crop stock
• Origin: Anhui Province, China

Quality & Sensory

Each batch is naturally sun-dried to preserve its dark brown to blackish color, firm leathery texture, and mild marine-like aroma. When decocted, the dried leech softens and releases a slightly salty, earthy flavor that blends into herbal formulas without overpowering other ingredients.

Technical Specifications

Usage Scenarios

• Traditional herbal decoction formulas
• Blood-quickening herbal blends
• Collateral-unblocking tonic preparations
• Herbal paste and pill ingredient
• External compress packs (topical use)

Traditional Uses

In folk herbal practice, Shui Zhi is decocted into formulas and tonics to invigorate blood, break stasis, and unblock collaterals. It is a common ingredient in traditional blood-moving decoctions, where it pairs with herbs like peach kernel, safflower, and angelica. As a topical application, it is sometimes used in external compress packs for localized swelling and stagnation.

FAQ Q&A