Chongzhou City is located in the western part of the Sichuan Basin, along the upper reaches of the Min River. Its unique natural conditions and long history of cultivation have nurtured various high-quality Chinese medicinal materials, among which Chuanxiong (Rhizoma Chuanxiong) is a representative local medicinal herb.
Chongzhou Local Medicinal Material – Chuanxiong
Chongzhou is a national production base for Chuanxiong, with fertile soil, a neutral to slightly acidic pH, and high organic matter content. The region enjoys a subtropical humid monsoon climate, characterized by distinct seasons, abundant rainfall, and a long frost-free period, all of which are conducive to the cultivation of Chuanxiong. The area suitable for Chuanxiong cultivation reaches 50,000 acres, and in recent years, the agricultural department has actively promoted GAP (Good Agricultural Practices) green planting techniques, significantly improving the quality of Chuanxiong.
Medicinal Value of Chuanxiong
Chuanxiong is pungent and warm in nature, and it enters the liver, gallbladder, and pericardium meridians, with extensive clinical applications in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).
(1) Activating Blood and Promoting Qi
Chuanxiong is a Qi herb that can be used to treat various conditions caused by Qi stagnation and blood stasis, such as chest pain due to obstruction of the heart vessels, including coronary atherosclerotic heart disease and angina pectoris. It is also effective for menstrual pain, dysmenorrhea, amenorrhea, and local swelling and pain due to trauma.
(2) Dispelling Wind and Alleviating Pain
Chuanxiong is warm and dispersive, capable of ascending to the head, and has the effect of dispelling wind and alleviating pain. It is commonly used to treat various types of headaches, such as those caused by external wind-cold, wind-heat, wind-dampness, and blood deficiency. Additionally, Chuanxiong can be used to treat rheumatic pain and joint pain caused by rheumatoid arthritis.
(3) Nourishing Blood and Regulating Menstruation
Chuanxiong can regulate menstrual flow and relieve stagnation, having the effect of nourishing blood and regulating menstruation. It can be used to treat women’s blood stasis, amenorrhea, and dysmenorrhea, as well as improve issues such as reduced menstrual volume and shortened menstrual periods. It also has a certain alleviating effect on postpartum pain and retained lochia.
(4) Calming the Mind and Settling the Spirit
The volatile oils contained in Chuanxiong, such as ligustilide and β-asarone, can inhibit brain activity, thus providing a calming and sedative effect.
(5) Improving Blood Flow
Chuanxiong contains alkaloids, such as Chuanxiongzine, which can dilate coronary arteries, increase blood flow in the coronary arteries, improve myocardial oxygen supply, and reduce myocardial oxygen consumption, helping to lower blood pressure and improve circulatory system function.
(6) Promoting Qi and Relieving Stagnation
Chuanxiong also has the effect of promoting Qi and relieving stagnation, which can be used to treat symptoms such as upper abdominal distension and pain due to cholecystitis, as well as acid reflux and heartburn due to gastritis.
Culinary Value of Chuanxiong
As an ingredient, Chuanxiong can enhance physical strength and benefit health. Here are some common medicinal dishes using Chuanxiong:
Chuanxiong Stewed Chicken: Stewing Chuanxiong with chicken enhances the aroma of the dish while also providing Qi-activating and blood-promoting functions.
Chuanxiong Soup: Chuanxiong can be stewed with other medicinal materials and ingredients, such as lamb and Angelica Sinensis (Dang Gui) in Chuanxiong soup, or Chuanxiong and fish head soup, which are not only delicious but also have specific health benefits.
Chuanxiong Congee: Adding an appropriate amount of Chuanxiong to congee can enhance its flavor while also providing the nourishing effects of Chuanxiong.
Chuanxiong Stem and Leaf Salad: The locals in Chongzhou particularly enjoy using fresh, tender Chuanxiong stems and leaves, blanched and served as a salad, which is unique in flavor and favored by the local community.
Precautions for Use
Dose Control: Chuanxiong is known for its dispersive nature and can easily damage Qi and blood; therefore, it is important to control the dosage when taking it, avoiding excessive amounts or long-term use.
Contraindicated Populations: Individuals with bleeding disorders or excessive menstrual bleeding, those in the acute phase of cerebral hemorrhage with unstable vital signs, those with Yin deficiency and excessive Yang rising, those with Yin deficiency, irritability, insomnia, and dry throat, as well as pregnant women should avoid using Chuanxiong.
Dietary Pairing: During the use of Chuanxiong, it is advisable to maintain a light diet to avoid affecting the medicinal effects.
In summary, Chuanxiong has a wide range of applications, but its use should follow medical advice to ensure safety. Additionally, for different conditions and constitutions, appropriate methods and dosages should be selected under the guidance of a physician.
Source: Chongzhou Traditional Chinese Medicine HospitalOrganized by: Chongzhou Health Bureau Reviewed by: Yuan Wen Edited by: Ma Li We respect originality, and our main purpose is to share information. All copyrights belong to the original authors. If your rights are infringed, please inform us promptly, and we will delete it within 24 hours. Email: [email protected]
Welcome to follow the “Healthy Chongzhou Official WeChat” and provide us with news tips, recommend health knowledge submissions to email: [email protected]
Smart Healthcare
Healthy Chongzhou Service Number QR Code
Appointment Registration Health Inquiry Online Payment
Quick Convenient Hassle-free
Scan Now Real-name Follow