Panax notoginseng is a root used for centuries to support circulation and recovery. You can expect a steady improvement in blood flow and heart health during your first month. This species is celebrated for its ability to manage blood lipids and reduce bruises.
Your Circulation Begins to Improve
The first few days of use focus on blood flow. A daily 3g dose of Panax notoginseng taken for 3 days lowered postprandial plasma glucose at 30 minutes post-OGTT in 52 non-diabetic men (Liang 2012). This early action supports metabolic health and circulation.
Many users say they feel a difference in how their body handles blood flow within the first week. The root has a long record of removing stasis to support the heart.
You can choose between raw and steamed notoginseng based on your goals. Raw root is traditionally used for acute circulation needs and bruises. Steamed root is often preferred for long-term heart support.
The root works quickly to improve blood markers. A 2026 meta-analysis of 16 randomized controlled trials involving 1,529 patients found that Xuesaitong injection plus conventional therapy shortened the length of hospital stay by a mean difference of 5.18 days (Fang 2026). This rapid response supports a faster return to health. The root is celebrated for its ability to clear blood stasis and restore flow.
You Support Your Heart and Blood Lipids
By the second week, the root works on blood lipids and arterial health. A randomized trial in people with elevated LDL-C and blood pressure investigated the efficacy of a highly concentrated pharmaceutical grade extract on these markers (NCT04069715).
The root helps maintain a healthy flow of blood to the heart. A randomized double-blind trial of 60 patients with unstable angina found that Xueshuantong injection significantly reduced C-reactive protein levels compared to a control group (Wang YX 2026). Lowering these inflammatory markers is a benefit of the root.
Consistent use for 30 days helps stabilize circulation. People often report a feeling of increased vitality as blood flow improves.
The root targets inflammatory markers that affect heart health. A 2026 meta-analysis of 16 randomized controlled trials involving 1,529 patients found that Xuesaitong injection reduced tumor necrosis factor-alpha, C-reactive protein, and interleukin-6 (Fang 2026). Reducing these markers is a strength of the root. This action helps protect the cardiovascular system from inflammation.
Bruises and Recovery Accelerate
The root is famous for its ability to resolve bruises and internal bleeding. It is used to clear blood stasis and promote the healing of damaged tissues.
External applications also provide rapid relief for joint recovery. A randomized controlled trial of 120 elderly participants found that Sanqi Shengyu External Application Cream alleviated knee osteoarthritis symptoms and outperformed pulsed electromagnetic field therapy alone (Wang R 2026). This shows the root is effective for both internal and external recovery.
You can find more details in our guide on notoginseng for bruises and bleeding. The root helps the body absorb blood from bruises faster.
The root is effective for internal recovery in the digestive system. A study of 60 patients with active ulcerative colitis found that a recipe containing Radix notoginseng improved symptoms better than Mesalazine Enteric-coated Tablets (He HH 2012). This result shows the root supports healing in various tissues. Its record of use for internal bleeding is a strength.
Neurological Recovery Gains Strength
If you are using the root for stroke recovery, the first 30 days are critical. A network meta-analysis of 50 studies involving 18,424 patients found that Panax notoginseng saponins plus aspirin was associated with a higher improvement in the modified Rankin scale compared to clopidogrel plus aspirin (Zhang 2026). This combination supports better functional outcomes.
The root helps the brain recover from ischemic events. A meta-analysis of 46 RCTs involving 7,957 patients showed that Xuesaitong improved long-term functional outcomes and increased the proportion of functional independence (Shi 2023).
A randomized clinical trial of 2,966 patients found that Xuesaitong soft capsules significantly increased the likelihood of functional independence at 3 months compared to placebo (Wu 2023). This benefit is seen in adults aged 18 to 75.
The root improves the quality of daily life after a stroke. A meta-analysis of 46 RCTs involving 7,957 patients found that Xuesaitong improved the activities of daily living with a mean difference of 10.17 (Shi 2023). This improvement allows for greater independence. The root is used for centuries to restore function in the brain.
Physical Endurance and Energy Increase
As you reach the third week, you may notice a change in your physical stamina.
The root helps the heart pump more efficiently during exertion. Some studies show that notoginseng can lower mean blood pressure during endurance exercise to support the cardiovascular system.
Many users report feeling less tired during daily activities. This is linked to the root's ability to improve oxygen delivery via better circulation.
The root supports the heart during acute coronary events. A registered trial of 50 patients with acute coronary syndrome after PCI evaluated the platelet function and prognosis of Xuesaitong soft capsule over 4 weeks (NCT06618495). Improving platelet function is a benefit of the root. This ensures the heart receives the blood flow it needs for energy.
You Experience High Tolerability
The root is well tolerated by most adults during the first 30 days. A phase I dose escalation study of 84 healthy volunteers found that the Dan Qi Tong Mai tablet was well tolerated at twice-daily doses of up to 2,160 mg for 14 consecutive days (Gou 2019). No serious adverse events were observed.
Some people experience a slight increase in daily stools, which is a common and mild response. A trial of 2,966 patients found that serious adverse events occurred in 1.0% of the Xuesaitong group compared to 1.1% in the control group (Wu 2023). This shows the root is safe for long-term use.
You can learn more about notoginseng side effects to understand the root's profile. The root's safety record is a strength of its centuries of use.
The root is safe across a wide range of doses. A phase I study of 84 healthy volunteers found that the Dan Qi Tong Mai tablet was well tolerated at single doses of up to 5,760 mg (Gou 2019). No clinically significant changes in vital signs or electrocardiography were observed. This high level of tolerability is a strength of the species.
Specialized Recovery Benefits Emerge
The root provides benefits for a wide range of specific health needs. A randomized, controlled pilot study of 38 patients with exudative age-related macular degeneration found that ranibizumab plus fufang xueshuantong capsule reduced the thickness of the CNV-PED complex more than ranibizumab alone (Pan 2020). This supports vision by improving microcirculation in the eye.
The root also helps with digestive inflammation. A study of 60 patients with active ulcerative colitis found that a recipe containing Radix notoginseng was effective and safe in improving symptoms (He HH 2012).
For those using the root as a complementary medicine for stroke, it can improve the activities of daily living. A trial of 140 patients found that sanchitongshu capsule combined with low-dose aspirin significantly ameliorated neurological deficits (He L 2011).
Your 30-day Foundation Is Complete
By the end of your first month, the root has established a foundation for better blood flow.
The root continues to support the heart and vessels. You may now feel more confident in your physical recovery and circulation.
For those who want to optimize their results, you can review our notoginseng dosage guide. The root's ability to enhance functional independence and heart health is its greatest strength.
References
- Zhang H et al. 2026. Comparative effectiveness of Panax notoginseng saponins-related agents and antiplatelet agents in ischemic stroke: A systematic review and network meta-analysis. J Ethnopharmacol.
- Shi X et al. 2023. Efficacy and safety of Panax notoginseng saponins (Xuesaitong) for patients with acute ischemic stroke: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Front Pharmacol.
- Wang R et al. 2026. Effects of Sanqi Shengyu External Application Cream and Pulsed Electromagnetic Field on Knee Osteoarthritis in Older Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Physiother Res Int.
- Wang YX et al. 2026. Efficacy of Xueshuantong Injection in Reducing Residual Inflammatory Risk in Unstable Angina Patients: A Randomized Double-Blind Controlled Trial. Chin J Integr Med.
- Wu L et al. 2023. Efficacy and Safety of Panax notoginseng Saponins in the Treatment of Adults With Ischemic Stroke in China: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Netw Open.
- Gou ZP et al. 2019. Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase I dose escalation study of Dan Qi Tong Mai tablet in healthy volunteers. BMC Complement Altern Med.
- Pan HT et al. 2020. Ranibizumab plus fufang xueshuantong capsule versus ranibizumab alone for exudative age-related macular degeneration. J Int Med Res.
- He HH et al. 2012. [Observation of the curative effect of qingchang huashi recipe for treating active ulcerative colitis of inner-accumulation of damp-heat syndrome]. Zhongguo Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi.
- Liang MTC et al. 2012. Effects of Panax notoginseng (Chinese ginseng) and acute exercise on postprandial glycemia in non-diabetic adults. J Complement Integr Med.
- He L et al. 2011. Radix/rhizoma notoginseng extract (sanchitongtshu) for ischemic stroke: a randomized controlled study. Phytomedicine.
- NCT04069715. The Effect of Farlong® NotoGinseng™ (Ginseng Plus®) on Cholesterol and Blood Pressure. ClinicalTrials.gov.
- Fang Y et al. 2026. Comparative efficacy and safety of Xuesaitong injection as adjuvant therapy for acute pancreatitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Pharmacol.
- NCT06618495. Clinical Study and Molecular Mechanism of Xuesaitong Soft Capsule in the Treatment of Acute Coronary Syndrome. ClinicalTrials.gov.
Nothing here is medical advice, and anyone on prescription medication can mention notoginseng to a doctor while enjoying a root people have trusted for centuries.
