Quick Facts
| Latin Name | Hirudo |
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| Chinese Name & Pinyin | 水蛭 · Shui Zhi |
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| Medicinal Part | Zoological substances |
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| Efficacy Category | Blood-activating |
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| Botanical Origin | The dried whole body of Whitmania pigra Whitman, Hirudo nipponica Whitman, Whit-mania acranulata Whitman. (Hirudinidae) |
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| Nature & Flavour | Salty, Bitter; Neutral; Slightly toxic |
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| Channels Entered | Liver |
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What Is Shui Zhi?
Shui Zhi (Leech) is a medicinal herb of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Primarily produced in most areas in China.
Nature & Flavour: Salty, Bitter; Neutral; Slightly toxic
Channels Entered: Liver
Shui Zhi: Materia Medica Profile
Identification & Quality Standard
Hirudo
Botanical Origin
The dried whole body of Whitmania pigra Whitman, Hirudo nipponica Whitman, Whit-mania acranulata Whitman. (Hirudinidae)
Production Regions
Primarily produced in most areas in China.
Quality Requirements
Superior medicinal material is neat, small, black-brown, and intact.
Macroscopic Features
Whitmania pigra Whitman: Flat fusiform shape, with numerous ringed joints, 4~10cm long, 0.5~2cm wide. Back is black-brown and slightly bulging, when soaked in water, black spots arranged in 5 longitudinal lines can be seen; abdomen is flat, brownish-yellow. Two sides are brownish-yellow, apex is slightly pointed, bottom is blunt round, two ends all have one sucker, front sucker is obvious, back sucker is relatively large. Brittle texture, easily broken, fractured surface is gelatinous. faintly fishy odor. Hirudo nipponica Whitman: Long cylindrical shape, often curved and turned, 2~5cm long, 0.2~0.3cm wide. Whitmania acranulata Whitman: Narrow long and flat, 5~12cm long, 0.1~0.5cm wide.
Traditional TCM Properties
Salty, Bitter; Neutral; Slightly toxicLiver
Traditional Functions
Breaks blood and unblocks menstruation, expels stasis and dissipates concretions.
How Shui Zhi Is Used in TCM
In the Chinese materia medica, Shui Zhi is classified among the Blood-activating herbs.
Medical Disclaimer — This article is provided for educational purposes only and describes traditional Chinese medicine concepts. It is not medical advice, and it is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Always consult a qualified practitioner before using any herb, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication or managing a diagnosed condition.
