Pian Jiang Huang, also known as Curcumae Longae Rhizoma Preparatum or Processed Turmeric Rhizome, is a warm and bitter herb used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to invigorate the blood, move Qi, reduce swelling, and relieve pain. It is a processed form of turmeric specially prepared for enhanced therapeutic effect in blood stasis syndromes, traumatic injury, and chronic pain conditions affecting the limbs, joints, or abdomen.
Functions & Benefits
Invigorates Blood & Dispels Stasis
Pian Jiang Huang is used to treat fixed, stabbing, or chronic pain caused by blood stasis. It is commonly included in formulas for traumatic injuries, abdominal masses, menstrual pain, and post-partum blood stagnation. It helps dissolve clotted or congealed blood and promotes smoother circulation.
Moves Qi & Relieves Pain
This herb is especially effective when pain involves both Qi and blood stagnation. It moves Qi in the chest, flanks, and abdomen, making it useful in flank pain, chest discomfort, and distending abdominal pain that worsens with stress or pressure.
Expels Wind-Dampness & Unblocks the Channels
Pian Jiang Huang is used to relieve bi syndrome, especially when pain or stiffness affects the shoulders, upper limbs, or joints. It promotes circulation in the channels and relieves wind-damp obstruction associated with pain and swelling.
Reduces Swelling & Supports Healing
Pian Jiang Huang helps reduce swelling and promotes the resolution of soft tissue injuries. It is used in the management of bruises, tendon strain, or localized masses that persist due to blood stasis and inflammation.
Indications
Fixed or stabbing pain from traumatic injury or chronic blood stasis
Menstrual pain, abdominal masses, or postpartum retention due to blood stagnation
Bi syndrome with joint pain, shoulder stiffness, or limited range of motion
Chest or flank pain related to constrained Qi and blood
Swelling or inflammation following trauma or long-standing obstruction
Tongue & Pulse Diagnosis in TCM
Tongue: Dark or purplish with possible stasis spots and a thin yellow or white coating
Pulse: Choppy, wiry, or tight, reflecting blood stasis or Qi constraint
Common TCM Patterns Treated by Pian Jiang Huang
Pian Jiang Huang treats patterns such as blood stasis, Qi and blood stagnation, wind-damp bi syndrome, and pain due to traumatic injury. These often present with fixed, stabbing, or localized pain, swelling, or restricted movement, particularly in the upper body or lower abdomen.
Precautions & Contraindications
Contraindicated during pregnancy due to its blood-moving properties
Not suitable for individuals with bleeding tendencies or heavy menstruation
Avoid in Yin Deficiency with heat or dryness
Use with caution in weak or deficient patients without stagnation
Conclusion
Pian Jiang Huang is a warm and effective herb that moves Qi and invigorates blood circulation to relieve pain, reduce swelling, and resolve stasis. It is particularly valuable for trauma, chronic pain, and gynecological conditions involving stagnation. Its processed form enhances absorption and makes it especially suitable for deep-seated and fixed conditions.
