Sichuan Lovage Root (Chuan Xiong )

川 芎
Chuanxiong rhizome (Chuanxiong)

Pharmaceutical Name: Radix chuanxiong

Botanical Name: Ligusticum chuanxiong Hort.

Common Name: Chuanxiong rhizome, Szechuan lovage root

Source of Earliest Record: Shennong Bencao Jing

Part Used: The rhizomes are dug in late May. The fibrous roots are soaked and cut into slices.

Natural Properties & Taste: Pungent and warm

Meridians: Liver, gall bladder and pericardium

Therapeutic Effects:
1. To invigorate blood and promote qi circulation;
2. To expel wind and stop pain

Indications & Combinations:

1. Blood and qi stagnation: a) irregular menstruation, dysmenorrhea and amenorrheaChuanxiong rhizome (Chuanxiong) is used with Chinese angelica root (Danggui), Red peony (Chishao), Cyperus tuber (Xiangfu) and Motherwort (Yimucao); b) difficult laborChuanxiong rhizome (Chuanxiong) is used with Cyathula root (Niuxi) and Tortoise plastron (Guiban); c) postpartum abdominal painChuanxiong rhizome (Chuanxiong) is used with Motherwort (Yimucao), Peach seed (Taoren) and Safflower (Honghua); d) hypochondric painChuanxiong rhizome (Chuanxiong) is used with Bupleurum root (Chaihu), Cyperus tuber (Xiangfu) and Curcuma root (Yujin); e) numbness of the limbsChuanxiong rhizome (Chuanxiong) is used with Red peony (Chishao), Earthworm (Dilong) and Spatholobus stem (Jixueteng).

2. Headache : a) wind-cold headacheChuanxiong rhizome (Chuanxiong) is used with Dahurian angelica root (Baizhi) and Asarum herb (Xixin) in the formula Chuanxiong Cha Tiao San; b) wind-heat headacheChuanxiong rhizome (Chuanxiong) is used with Chrysanthemum flower (Juhua), Gypsum (Shigao) and White-stiff silkworm (Baijiangcan) in the formula Chuanxiong San; c) wind-damp headacheChuanxiong rhizome (Chuanxiong) is used with Notopterygium root (Qianghuo), Ligusticum root (Gaoben) and Ledebouriella (Fangfeng) in the formula Qianghuo Shengshi Tang; d) headache due to blood stagnationChuanxiong rhizome (Chuanxiong) is used with Red peony (Chishao), Red sage root (Danshen) and Safflower (Honghua); e) headache due to deficient bloodChuanxiong rhizome (Chuanxiong) is used with Chinese angelica root (Danggui) and White peony root (Baishao).

3. Wind-damp obstruction syndrome (painful joints). Chuanxiong rhizome (Chuanxiong) is used with Notopterygium root (Qianghuo), Pubescent angelica root (Duhuo), Ledebouriella (Fangfeng) and Mulberry twigs (Sangzhi).

Dosage: 3-10 g

Cautions & Contraindications: This herb is contraindicated during hemorrhagic diseases and during profuse menstrual flow.

Traditional use is not proof of safety or effect. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before using any herb if you are pregnant, nursing, or take medicine.