Which herb stops bleeding in pregnancy?

• A. Xian He Cao
• B. Dang Gui
• C. Gui Zhi
• D. Bai Shao

Answer: (A)

Stopping bleeding during pregnancy calls for an herb with astringent, hemostatic action that can secure the pregnancy without provoking contractions. Xian He Cao fits this best because it works by binding and stopping leakage of blood, a classic hemostatic property useful for metrorrhagia or bleeding in pregnancy. Other options don’t share that primary hemostatic effect: Dang Gui tonifies and moves blood, which can promote uterine contractions and is generally avoided in pregnancy; Gui Zhi is a warming exterior herb used to wind up a pattern and does not stop bleeding; Bai Shao nourishes Yin and stabilizes Liver blood but isn’t focused on arresting bleeding. So the herb that best stops bleeding in pregnancy is Xian He Cao.