Shui Zhi (Hirudo / Leech) — Dried Clean-Water Leech, Hand-Selected Food Herb

Shui Zhi (Hirudo) is the dried body of the leech, a traditional animal-derived herb known in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) as Shuǐ Zhì (水蛭), also called Ma Huang (蚂蟥) in folk naming. For centuries, Shui Zhi has been prized as a blood-quickening, stasis-breaking herb used to invigorate circulation, resolve blood stasis, and support smooth movement of qi and blood. Its nature is salty, bitter, and neutral, with a mild yet penetrating character that makes it a valued ingredient in traditional decoctions and medicinal food preparations.

Key Selling Points

• Traditional blood-quickening animal herb
• Clean-water dried leech, hand-selected
• Hirudo, known in TCM as Shui Zhi
• New-crop stock, freshly processed
• Sold as a food agricultural product

Quality & Sensory

Each batch is carefully cleaned, dried, and hand-selected to preserve its dark brown to blackish color, firm yet slightly elastic texture, and mild, faintly earthy aroma. When decocted, the pieces soften and yield a subtle, slightly salty infusion that blends quietly into traditional herbal formulas without overpowering other ingredients.

Technical Specifications

Usage Scenarios

• Traditional herbal decoctions
• Medicinal food soups and stews
• Herbal formula ingredient
• Traditional wellness preparations
• Bulk supply for herbal practitioners

Traditional Uses

In folk herbal practice, Shui Zhi is decocted into soups, medicinal congee, and traditional formulas to invigorate blood and resolve stasis. It is a common ingredient in classical decoction combinations, where it pairs with herbs like peach kernel, safflower, and angelica root. As a food agricultural product, it is also used in small amounts in medicinal food soups and slow-cooked broths for daily traditional nourishment.

FAQ Q&A