Dried Leech Shui Zhi 水蛭 Whole Hirudo Nibbling Medicinal Herb 500g

Dried Leech, known in TCM as Shui Zhi (水蛭), from Hirudo nipponica, whole dried bodies prepared by natural sun drying. In TCM theory it is salty and bitter in flavor and slightly cold in nature, traditionally associated with the liver and bladder channels. Traditionally used in herbal practice for promoting blood circulation and resolving stasis. Sold as a raw botanical for professional herbal use; special populations should not consume it.

Key Selling Points

• Whole dried leech bodies supplied as a raw Chinese medicinal herb
• Botanical source Hirudo nipponica with Chinese name Shui Zhi 水蛭
• Naturally sun dried with no further processing
• Traditionally associated with invigorating blood and dissolving stasis in TCM
• 500g bulk pack suited to herbal pharmacies and formula preparation

Quality & Sensory

Typically dark brown to blackish elongated segments with a slightly curled, flattened body and a dry, brittle texture. The aroma is characteristically fishy and earthy, and the surface may show a fine powdery bloom typical of naturally dried specimens.

Technical Specifications

Usage Scenarios

• Decocted in herbal formulas under professional guidance
• Ground into powder for traditional external or compounded preparations
• Supplied to herbal pharmacies and TCM clinics as a bulk raw material
• Used in classical stasis-resolving formula combinations

Traditional Uses

In TCM practice Shui Zhi is a classic blood-moving herb, traditionally used to break up stasis and unblock channels, often appearing in formulas for masses, accumulations, and traumatic bruising. It is typically decocted with other herbs or dried and powdered for inclusion in pills and powders. Because of its strong action, it was historically used in small amounts and avoided during pregnancy.

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