Curcuma Zedoaria (Ezhu), a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) herb, possesses a wide range of therapeutic effects and functions, including breaking blood stasis and promoting qi movement, resolving accumulation and alleviating pain, exhibiting anti-tumor properties, preventing thrombosis, and providing antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. The details are as follows:

1. Breaking Blood Stasis and Promoting Qi Movement  

Ezhu promotes blood circulation and eliminates blood stasis, making it effective for conditions such as amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, and abdominal masses caused by blood stagnation. It can be combined with other blood-activating and stasis-resolving herbs, such as Ligusticum Chuanxiong (Chuanxiong) or Peach Kernel (Taoren), for enhanced effects. However, it should be used under medical supervision to avoid excessive dosage, which may lead to adverse reactions like bleeding.

2. Resolving Accumulation and Alleviating Pain  

Ezhu helps relieve symptoms like abdominal distension and pain caused by food stagnation and qi stagnation. It promotes gastrointestinal motility and aids digestion. It can be paired with digestion-promoting and stagnation-relieving herbs such as Hawthorn (Shanzha) or Malt (Maiya). Concurrently, dietary adjustments should be made to avoid overeating or irregular eating habits.

3. Anti-Tumor Properties  

The active compounds in Ezhu exhibit anti-tumor effects by inhibiting the growth and proliferation of tumor cells. In comprehensive cancer treatment, it can serve as an adjunctive therapy but cannot replace primary treatments such as surgery, radiotherapy, or chemotherapy.

4. Preventing Thrombosis  

Ezhu inhibits platelet aggregation and reduces blood viscosity, helping to prevent thrombus formation. For individuals at risk of thrombosis, Ezhu or TCM formulas containing Ezhu may be used appropriately under medical guidance. However, blood clotting functions should be monitored to avoid the risk of bleeding.

5. Antibacterial and Anti-Inflammatory Effects  

Ezhu demonstrates inhibitory effects against various bacteria and fungi, making it useful in treating certain infectious diseases. It can be combined with antibacterial drugs, though the choice of medication should be tailored to the specific pathogen causing the infection.

Additionally, Ezhu offers protective effects on the liver, helping to mitigate liver damage. For patients with liver conditions, Ezhu can be used as an adjunctive treatment under medical supervision. At the same time, behaviors harmful to the liver, such as excessive alcohol consumption and staying up late, should be avoided.

Ezhu’s multifaceted applications in TCM require careful administration based on individual conditions, ideally under the guidance of a qualified TCM practitioner to ensure safety and efficacy.