Quick Facts
| Latin Name | Sappan Lignum |
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| Chinese Name & Pinyin | 蘇木 · Su Mu |
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| Medicinal Part | Stems and woods |
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| Efficacy Category | Blood-activating |
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| Botanical Origin | The cried heartwood of Caesalpinia sappan L.(Fabaceae) |
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| Nature & Flavour | Sweet, Salty; Neutral |
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| Channels Entered | Heart, Liver, Spleen |
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What Is Su Mu?
Su Mu (Sappan Wood) is a medicinal herb of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Primarily produced in the Chinese provinces of Guizhou, Guangdong, Guangxi, Taiwan.
Nature & Flavour: Sweet, Salty; Neutral
Channels Entered: Heart, Liver, Spleen
Su Mu: Materia Medica Profile
Identification & Quality Standard
Sappan Lignum
Botanical Origin
The cried heartwood of Caesalpinia sappan L.(Fabaceae)
Production Regions
Primarily produced in the Chinese provinces of Guizhou, Guangdong, Guangxi, Taiwan.
Quality Requirements
Superior medicinal material is firm, thick, large, yellowish-red.
Macroscopic Features
Long cylindrical or half-cylindrical shape, 10~100cm long, 3~12cm diameter. Externally yellowish-red to dark red, alternating red and white thin striations, with scars of knife cuts and scars of stems, often with longitudinal cracks. Fractured surface is slightly lustrous, obvious annual rings; sometimes has pith that is dark brown and loose with bright spots. Hard texture, faint odor, slightly astringent taste.
Traditional TCM Properties
Sweet, Salty; NeutralHeartLiverSpleen
Traditional Functions
Invigorates blood and dispels stasis, reduces swelling and relieves pain.
How Su Mu Is Used in TCM
In the Chinese materia medica, Su Mu 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.
