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 & Method for Pharmaceutical Preparations

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

Properties & Taste

Pungent and warm

Meridians

Liver, gall bladder and pericardium

Functions

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 amenorrhea. Chuanxiong 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 blood. Chuanxiong 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.