Chuan Xiong- Herbal Highlight
Chuan Xiong (Rhizoma Ligustici Chuanxiong)
Here is an herb for you to learn and love- Sichuan Lovage! Known by many by its Traditional Chinese medical name of Chuan Xiong, this herb can be an amazing herbal ally for a variety of issues from boosting immunity, to helping out headaches or even a variety of menstrual disorders. Read on to learn more about its properties, uses, and common combinations.
Chuan Xiong (Rhizoma Ligustici Chuanxiong)
Chuan Xiong (Rhizoma Ligustici Chuanxiong), also known as Sichuan Lovage Rhizome, Ligusticum, or Cnidium, is frequently used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for improving blood circulation, alleviating pain, and dispersing blood stasis. It also helps to promote the movement of Qi within the body and helps to expel wind.
It is a plant within the apiacea family, also known as the carrot family. It is a beautiful flowering plant and the root and rhizomes are the parts used in medicinal preparations.
In TCM, the flavor and energetic nature of our food and herbs are very important characteristics that help to determine their specific mechanisms and impacts on our physiology. This herb is pungent in flavor and warm in nature, making it a great help to assist in moving Qi and blood to alleviate pain.
Lovages' rhizome is known to support the Liver, Gall Bladder, and Pericardium Organ Systems and to exert its effects in the upper region of the body, especially in the head and eyes, hence its usefulness for headaches. For example, a headache accompanied by fever, flushed face, red eyes, and throat soreness—indicate a wind-heat syndrome— and will benefit from herbs such as lovage rhizome, gypsum, and chrysanthemum; while a headache accompanied by chills, binding sensation over the head, and are aggravated by cold wind—indicating a wind-cold syndrome—would be better treated with lovage rhizome, Dahurian angelica root and Manchurian wild ginger.
Uses of Chuan Xiong
Many practitioners also often prescribe this herb to treat gynecological disorders such as irregular menstrual periods, dysmenorrhea, difficulty postpartum, and abdominal pain, due to its actions and indications associated with moving Qi and Blood. It is also given to patients with inflammation caused by injuries, headaches due to wind conditions, or blood stagnation. This powerful herb is also known to be anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-spasmatic, and a mild sedative.
Boost Qi and Blood circulation
Alleviating headaches
Assists gynecological conditions
Decreases pain patterns and blood stagnation.
Cautions and Contraindications
The herb is contraindicated in certain patterns such as Yin Deficiency with Fire, Liver Yang Rising, or Excess. It is used with caution during pregnancy and for patients taking anticoagulants or antiplatelet drugs.
Common Combinations and Formulas
This herb is often used in combination with other powerful herbs to become more specific in how it interacts with the body and various healing mechanisms. One combination used commonly is with Tao Ren (peach kernel), Hong Hua (safflower), and Dang Gui ( angelica root) in Tao Hong Si Wu Tang. It is also found combined with Wu Zhu Yu (evodia) , Gui Zhi (cinnamon twig), Dang Gui (angelica root), and more in Wen Jing Tang.
Disclaimer- As always please check in with a well-versed healthcare practitioner before taking this herb or other herbal remedies named in this article.