篙本
Ligusticum root (Gaoben)
Pharmaceutical Name: Rhizoma Ligustici
Botanical Name: 1. Ligusticum sinense oliver. 2. Ligusticum jeholense Nakai et Kitag.
Source of Earliest Record: Shennong Bencao Jing
Common Name: Ligusticum root
Part Used: The roots are dug in spring. After the fibrous roots have been removed, they are dried in the sun. Then, after soaking them in water, the roots are cut into slices.
Natural Properties & Taste: Pungent and warm
Meridians: Urinary bladder
Therapeutic Effects:
1. To expel cold and release the exterior.
2. To expel wind and dampness.
3. To stop pain.
Indications:
1. Headache due to invasion by wind and cold manifested by pain at the vertex and migraine headache. Ligusticum root (Gaoben) is used with Dahurian angelica root (Baizhi) and Chuanxiong rhizome (Chuanxiong).
2. Wind-cold-damp bi syndrome manifested as joint pain and pain in the limbs. Ligusticum root (Gaoben) is used with Ledebouriella root (Fangfeng), Notopterygium root (Qianghuo), Clematis root (Weilingxian) and Atractylodes rhizome (Cangzhu).
Dosage: 2-10 g
Cautions & Contraindications: This herb is contraindicated during heat syndromes, as well as in headache due to blood deficiency.
