Turmeric Root Yu Jin: A Key Herb for Blood Circulation, Mood Support, and Liver Health in TCM
- Hongji Medical
- May 31
- 3 min read
Turmeric Root, known as Yu Jin in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), is the dried rhizome of plants like Curcuma longa, Curcuma aromatica, or Curcuma zedoaria. Valued for its ability to promote blood circulation, relieve depression, clear the mind, and support liver health, it holds a significant place in TCM. Its uses have been documented across various historical herbal texts.
Historical Significance
Turmeric Root’s medicinal properties were first noted in the Yaoxing Lun (Treatise on the Nature of Medicinal Herbs), which described it as effective for breaking blood stasis, stopping bleeding, and promoting tissue healing.
Later, the Bencao Tujing (Illustrated Materia Medica) detailed its origin and appearance. In the Ming Dynasty, Li Shizhen’s Bencao Gangmu (Compendium of Materia Medica) provided a comprehensive account, highlighting its ability to "promote blood circulation, relieve pain, alleviate depression, clear the heart, and cool the blood."
Properties of Turmeric Root
Nature and Meridian Affinity
Taste: Pungent, bitter
Nature: Cold
Meridians: Liver, Gallbladder, Heart
Key Components
Turmeric Root contains active compounds like curcumin and volatile oils, which contribute to its pharmacological effects.
Main Functions
Promotes blood circulation and qi flow: Relieves pain caused by blood stasis and qi stagnation.
Relieves liver stagnation and depression: Eases emotional distress and mood imbalances.
Clears the heart and opens orifices: Treats mental confusion caused by phlegm.
Promotes bile flow and reduces jaundice: Addresses liver-related issues like jaundice.
Other effects: Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-tumor, liver-protective, and lipid-lowering properties.
Clinical Applications
Turmeric Root is widely used in TCM to treat the following conditions:
Promoting Blood Circulation and Qi Flow: It alleviates pain from blood stasis and qi stagnation, such as chest or abdominal pain, irregular menstruation, or menstrual cramps.
Relieving Liver Stagnation and Depression: It helps with depression, irritability, or insomnia caused by liver qi stagnation.
Clearing the Heart and Opening Orifices: It treats mental confusion, delirium, or seizures caused by phlegm obstructing the heart.
Promoting Bile Flow and Reducing Jaundice: It addresses jaundice or yellowing of the urine due to damp-heat in the liver.
Turmeric Root in Classic TCM Formulas
Turmeric Root is often combined with other herbs in TCM formulas to enhance its effects. Here are some notable examples:
Yue Ju Wan (Escape Restraint Pill): Contains Cyperus, Atractylodes, Ligusticum, Gardenia, and Turmeric Root. It promotes qi flow and relieves depression, treating chest fullness, rib pain, or poor appetite due to qi and blood stagnation.
Jin Ling Zi San (Melia Toosendan Powder): Includes Melia fruit, Corydalis, and Turmeric Root. It relieves liver stagnation and pain, used for rib pain or menstrual cramps.
Wen Dan Tang (Warm the Gallbladder Decoction): Combines Pinellia, Poria, Citrus peel, and others. It clears phlegm and regulates the gallbladder, treating insomnia, palpitations, or seizures caused by phlegm-heat.
Comparison with Similar Herbs
Turmeric Root shares some functions with other TCM herbs, but each has unique strengths:
Curcuma Longa (Jiang Huang): Stronger in promoting blood circulation and relieving pain, with a focus on pain relief.
Curcuma Zedoaria (E Zhu): More effective at breaking blood stasis and treating masses or accumulations.
Cyperus (Xiang Fu): Stronger in regulating qi and soothing the liver, emphasizing qi movement.
Modern Applications and Research
Modern studies have confirmed Turmeric Root’s traditional uses and revealed additional benefits:
Anti-inflammatory: Curcumin reduces inflammation by suppressing inflammatory mediators.
Antioxidant: Curcumin neutralizes free radicals, supporting anti-aging effects.
Anti-tumor: Curcumin inhibits certain cancer cells.
Liver Protection: Curcumin protects liver cells and lowers liver enzyme levels.
Lipid-Lowering: Curcumin reduces blood lipids, helping prevent atherosclerosis.
Anti-depressant: Turmeric Root may improve mood and alleviate depressive symptoms.
In modern medicine, Turmeric Root is used for digestive disorders, cardiovascular issues, neurological conditions, and cancer, highlighting its broad therapeutic potential.
Precautions for Use
Dosage: Typically 3–10 grams, adjusted based on the condition and medical advice.
Contraindications: Use cautiously in pregnant women or those with yin deficiency and low blood volume.
Incompatibilities: Avoid combining with cloves.
Conclusion
Turmeric Root is a versatile herb in TCM, valued for its ability to promote blood and qi flow, relieve depression, clear mental fog, and support liver health. Its wide-ranging applications, backed by historical knowledge and modern research, make it a powerful remedy. Always consult a qualified practitioner to ensure safe and effective use, considering its properties, indications, and precautions. With ongoing research, Turmeric Root’s potential in modern medicine continues to expand.
