DR. WALKER

Yunnan Baiyao Health Benefits

Name and Origin

Yunnan Baiyao, translating to "White Medicine from Yunnan," is a renowned traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula developed in 1902 by Dr. Qu Huanzhang in Yunnan Province, China. Initially acclaimed for its hemostatic properties during wartime, it has since been integrated into various medical applications (Yunnan Baiyao, n.d.).

Benefits

Yunnan Baiyao is primarily recognized for its ability to stop bleeding and promote wound healing. It has been used to manage minor aches and pains associated with backache, arthritis, strains, bruises, and sprains. Laboratory studies suggest that Yunnan Baiyao and its major ingredient, notoginseng, may help stop bleeding and have wound-healing, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial effects (Yunnan Baiyao, n.d.).

Expanded Health Benefits

❖ Wound Healing: Yunnan Baiyao is renowned for its effectiveness in promoting wound healing. It is often used topically for cuts, abrasions, and surgical wounds to help accelerate healing and reduce scarring.

❖ Pain Relief: The formulation may have analgesic properties, providing relief from pain associated with injuries, surgeries, or other conditions.

❖ Anti-Inflammatory Effects: Some components of Yunnan Baiyao are believed to have anti-inflammatory properties, which may help reduce inflammation and swelling in affected areas.

❖ Support for Post-Surgical Recovery: : It is often used to support recovery after surgery. It may help reduce bleeding and promote healing in surgical sites.

❖ Digestive Health: In traditional uses, it has been employed to address digestive issues, including gastrointestinal bleeding and ulcers.

❖ General Well-Being: Some users report that Yunnan Baiyao may enhance overall well-being, possibly due to its adaptogenic properties that help the body manage stress.

Other Names

Yunnan Baiyao is also known as Yun Nan Pai Yao.

Adverse Reactions

While generally considered safe, some users may experience mild side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach discomfort, gastroesophageal reflux, and rash (Yunnan Baiyao, n.d.).

Contraindications

Yunnan Baiyao should not be used by individuals who are pregnant, have hormone-sensitive breast cancer, or have bleeding disorders. Lab studies suggest ginsenosides from notoginseng may have estrogenic effects, and Yunnan Baiyao can increase the bleeding risk (Yunnan Baiyao, n.d.).

Drug Interactions

Caution is advised when using Yunnan Baiyao alongside anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs, as notoginseng may increase bleeding risk. Additionally, interactions with drugs metabolized by CYP3A, CYP1A2, or 2E1 enzymes, as well as those that are substrates of Glutathione-S-transferase (GST), may occur (Yunnan Baiyao, n.d.).

Dose

For adults, the typical oral dosage is 0.25 to 0.5 grams (1-2 capsules) taken four times daily. The maximum dosage should not exceed 0.5 grams every four hours. For children aged 2 to 5 years, a quarter of the adult dose is recommended; for those aged 5 to 12 years, half the adult dose is advised (Yunnan Baiyao, n.d.).

References:

Yunnan Baiyao. (n.d.). Yunnan Tea Tours. Retrieved March 25, 2025, from
Yunnan Baiyao. (n.d.). Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Retrieved March 25, 2025,