Sparganium (Mikuri)
Sparganium stoloniferum
About Sparganium (Mikuri)
Sparganium (Mikuri) (Sparganium stoloniferum) is a herb used in the Kampo / Japanese Medicine tradition to help with Pain, Circulation, and Menstrual Issues. The aerial parts and leaves are the parts traditionally used, taken internally.
Parts used
Conditions addressed
Tea / Infusion
- Steep 1–2 tsp of dried Sparganium (Mikuri) in freshly boiled water for 5–10 minutes.
- Cover while steeping.
- Strain and drink.
Tincture
- Pack dried Sparganium (Mikuri) into a jar and cover with 40–60% alcohol.
- Seal and steep for 4–6 weeks, shaking daily.
- Strain and store in a dark dropper bottle.
Powder / Capsule
- Grind dried Sparganium (Mikuri) into a fine powder.
- Fill size 00 capsules or stir into smoothies or honey.
Contraindications
- Pregnancy — may stimulate uterine contractions (avoid entirely)
- Children under 12 — therapeutic dosage not established
- Pre-surgery — discontinue at least 2 weeks prior (potential antiplatelet effect)
Warnings
⛔ Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Avoid use during pregnancy or breastfeeding unless under direct supervision of a qualified healthcare provider.
⛔ Heart & Blood Pressure Medications
May interact with antihypertensive drugs, blood thinners, or cardiac medications. Do not combine without medical guidance.
⚠️ Allergic Reactions
Discontinue immediately if you experience rash, itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing.
⚠️ Not Medical Advice
This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using herbal remedies.
Drug & herb interactions
May thin the blood
Watch for: Anticoagulants (warfarin), antiplatelets (aspirin, clopidogrel), and other blood-thinning herbs or supplements (ginkgo, garlic, fish oil, vitamin E)
Combining blood-thinning substances can increase bleeding risk, including before surgery or dental work.
May affect hormone levels
Watch for: Hormone therapies, oral contraceptives, and tamoxifen or similar medications
Some herbs have mild phytoestrogenic or hormone-modulating activity that can interact with hormonal medications.
Where to find in nature
Native region
Japan, China, Korea
Climate
Temperate to subtropical
Habitat
Mountain forests and cultivated herb farms across Japan and East Asia
🌿 To see Sparganium (Mikuri) growing, visit botanical gardens, university plant collections, or specialist herb nurseries near you. If foraging in the wild, always work with an expert identifier — never consume a plant you are not 100% certain of.
Where to buy
In store
- Health food stores (Whole Foods, Natural Grocers, Holland & Barrett, GNC)
- Naturopathic clinics and integrative medicine practices
- Specialist herbal apothecaries and herbalist practices
- Farmers markets with herb vendors
Online
iHerb
Wide selection of standardised extracts, capsules, and powders with lab testing
Mountain Rose Herbs
Premium bulk dried herbs — certified organic, ethically sourced
Starwest Botanicals
Large selection of certified organic bulk herbs and powders
Herb Pharm
High-quality liquid extracts and tinctures, rigorous quality standards
Amazon
Convenient — verify brand certifications and check third-party testing
Etsy
Small-batch artisan herbalists, hand-harvested and wildcrafted herbs
Quality tips
When buying Sparganium (Mikuri), look for: certified organic labelling, clearly stated country of origin, third-party lab testing for heavy metals and pesticides, and a batch expiry date. Standardised extracts offer consistent dosing; bulk dried herbs are more economical for regular use. Avoid very cheap, unlabelled products — quality varies enormously.