Yunnan Baiyao Qiwuji Aerosol Spray

Yunnan Baiyao is the best-known household medicine in China, traditionally used to stop bleeding and support recovery from injuries. It comes in several forms. This topical version is applied to the skin over sore, bruised, or strained areas and is for external use only. It is a staple in many Chinese households and first aid kits.

Topical Yunnan Baiyao is traditionally used for the aches that follow strains, sprains, bruises, and backaches, as well as sore joints. In Chinese medicine terms it is said to activate blood circulation, address blood stasis and pain, and reduce swelling. It is a go-to for the knocks and tweaks of everyday life and sport.

Start by cleaning and drying the affected area, then apply the product over the sore spot as the package directs. The current product listing describes plasters that peel off a plastic backing, can be cut to fit small or large areas, and should not be used more than 2 per day. Keep it away from the eyes, nose, and mouth, and wash your hands afterward.

Yes. This product is meant only for the skin and should never be swallowed or sprayed near the face. Yunnan Baiyao capsules and powder are the forms taken by mouth, and they are separate products. Store the topical version out of reach of children, and stop using it if your skin becomes irritated.

Avoid it during pregnancy or breastfeeding unless a practitioner advises it, since Yunnan Baiyao is traditionally used to move blood. If you take blood thinners or other prescription medicines, check with your doctor before using it. Test a small patch of skin first if you are sensitive, and stop if redness or a rash appears.

Yes. Topical Yunnan Baiyao is considered fairly neutral in temperature, so it can be used on acute injuries, even when there is swelling or inflammation. It is particularly useful for fresh sprains where blood and fluid have pooled around the joint. For older, chronic aches it works well too.

Yunnan Baiyao capsules and powder are traditionally taken internally, while the topical forms are applied to the skin over a sore area. This topical version contains camphor (10 percent), menthol (3 percent), borneol, Chinese yam, herba geranii, ginseng, and zinc oxide, which give it a cooling, soothing feel. Many households keep both an internal and a topical form on hand.

Yes, they are the same thing. Yunnan Paiyao is simply an older romanized spelling of the Chinese name, which you will still see on some packaging and in older books. Yunnan is the province in southwest China where the formula originated, and Baiyao means white medicine.