What is Yunnan Baiyao? What is it good for? Introducing the Yunnan Baiyao Collection

Yunnan Baiyao was invented in 1902 by a Kunming doctor in, you guessed it, Yunnan Province, China. The word Yunnan Biayao literally translates into white medicine from Yunnan.  The formula is ultra secretive, and generally produced under the authority of State owned pharmaceutical companies.  The formula is a prize possession of China, with troops using the powder to stop bleeding, also known as hemostasis or haemostasis, during WWII.  

What started off as a powder has now turned into a wide range of products for easier use and consumption.  From Yunnan Baiyao infused bandages to aerosol based Yunnan Baiyao sprays, toothpaste, hemorrhoid creams, this legacy product has innovated into the 21^st century.  The Yunnan Baiyao even made it onto Forbes Asia’s Fab 50 list!  That is an amazing feat for the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) industry, which is widely viewed as an aging, unattractive industry.

The Yunnan Baiyao collection of products have been highly researched through clinical studies by Western Medicine practitioners to explore the benefits of this powerful concoction of herbs. It is promoted as a dietary supplement that can be used internally and externally, in humans and in animals to stop bleeding internally, assisting with cancer, and even provide relief from aches, muscle and joint pains, arthritis, bruises, and frostbite.

The formula in Yunnan Baiyao contains a proprietary blend of herbs along with Notoginseng, which in studies in both humans and animals show to have hemostatic, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial benefits.

Clinical studies of Yunnan Baiyao show that it may be effective in treating bleeding in the uterus, ulcers in the colon and on skin.  It may even help with reduced blood loss during surgeries!  There are even case stuties that indicate Yunnan Baiyao may be effective in reducing bleeding in cancer patients, yet it hasn’t been studied as a treatment for cancer yet. 

What are some of the purported uses of Yunnan Baiyao? 

• Stops bleeding
  Clinical studies and case reports show that Yunnan Baiyao may help limit the amount of bleeding in surgeries.  Yunnan Baiyao can also be administered orally and externally on wounds to to promote hemostasis, or the coagulating of blood from liquid to gel.  This can be used in both animals and humans.

• Relieve pain and bruises
  Yunnan Baiyao may help with bruises, pains, arthritis, muscle aches, backaches, sprains, and more!
  
  
• Arthritis
  Yunnan Baiyao has shown in lab studies to have anti-inflammatory effects, which may help with those suffering from arthritis, which is an inflammation response in the body.
  
  
• Oral Health
  Lab studies have shown that Yunnan Baiyao may help slow the breakdown of bone tissue.

• Frostbite
  Yunnan Baiyao may help relieve pain associated with frostbite and promote healing.
  
  
• Cancer
  Yunnan Baiyao has not been studied as a cancer treatment, though it may help reduce bleeding in cancer patients.
  
  

Under microscopes, Yunnan Baiyao has been shown to posses nanofiber components which may activate blood coagulation.  This also acts as a scaffolding to repair tissue and prevent infections by acting as a cover for the wound.

When taken orally, Yunnan Baiyao may improve circulation and reduce swelling or bruises.

All in all, this herbal dietary supplement has a wide range of uses, which makes it one of the most prized formulas in TCM.  While there are lab studies to back up some of its claims, always consult a doctor to see if any medications may interact with Yunnan Baiyao.  Those taking blood thinners should use with caution. HerbsDepo.com is providing this summary of Yunnan Baiyao for informational purposes only, and this article should not be used as medical advice. 

Check out our selection of Yunnan Baiyao products here!