San Qi (Notoginseng): Names, Traditional Uses and Safety

By TCMPath · Updated · Educational guide

San qi, also called tian qi, refers to Panax notoginseng. Despite names such as “san qi ginseng,” it is not the same plant as Panax ginseng. A powder or tablet label also does not tell you whether a product is appropriate for your health concern.

San qi, tian qi, fen and pian: what do the names mean?

Hong Kong Baptist University’s plant reference identifies san qi as Panax notoginseng and lists tian qi as another Chinese name. Panax ginseng, discussed separately by NCCIH, is a different species.

  • San qi / tian qi: common names used for notoginseng.
  • Fen: powder; this does not specify extract strength.
  • Pian: tablets; check all ingredients and amounts.
  • Ginseng: an imprecise label unless the botanical species is given.

What are its traditional benefits said to be?

The HKBU medicinal-material reference records traditional uses connected with bleeding, “Blood stasis” and pain. These are historical materia-medica descriptions, not instructions to manage bleeding, chest pain or an injury at home.

Claims such as “cleans the arteries” or “prevents heart attacks” require clinical evidence for a defined preparation and outcome. The botanical and traditional references cited here do not establish those claims.

Why raw, cooked and extracted products differ

Processing and preparation can differ between products. A spoon of root powder, a concentrated extract and a multi-ingredient tablet should not be treated as equivalent just because “san qi” appears on the front.

Before considering a product, identify the species, plant part, full ingredients, preparation and manufacturer. Do not use an internet conversion between grams of raw root and tablets. This page provides no medicinal dose or preparation protocol.

What to check with a qualified professional

NCCIH advises checking herbal products alongside medicines. Bring the exact label and a complete list of medicines and supplements. Ask specifically whether the product has been assessed for your circumstances, including any anticoagulant or antiplatelet treatment, planned procedure, pregnancy or ongoing condition.

Do not stop prescribed cardiovascular medicine to substitute a herb. Active bleeding, chest pain or sudden neurological symptoms require urgent local medical care, not a supplement experiment or a WhatsApp consultation.

Is san qi part of a TCMPath consultation?

TCMPath does not sell, prescribe or ship san qi. Our wellness service covers everyday food, routines, movement and gentle self-care. This reference is here to clarify what you may encounter in searches and help you ask more precise questions.