Daily Herb: Chuanxiong (Ligusticum chuanxiong)
Source: The dried rhizome of the plant Chuanxiong (Ligusticum chuanxiong Hort.) from the Umbelliferae family.
Properties: Pungent, warm. Enters the Liver, Gallbladder, and Pericardium meridians.
Functions: Invigorates blood and promotes qi circulation, dispels wind and alleviates pain.
Clinical Applications: Conditions of blood stasis and qi stagnation; headaches; rheumatic pain.
Characteristics: This herb is pungent and dispersing, capable of ascending to the vertex and descending to the blood sea, while also connecting to the four limbs. It is known as a “qi herb in the blood” and has excellent effects in invigorating blood, promoting qi circulation, dispelling wind, and alleviating pain. It is widely used for conditions of blood stasis and qi stagnation, particularly effective in treating women’s menstrual irregularities, amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, and postpartum abdominal pain due to blood stasis, making it a key herb for gynecological blood circulation and menstrual regulation.
Dosage: Decoction, 3-10 grams; powdered form, 1-1.5 grams per dose.
Precautions: Not suitable for headaches due to yin deficiency and yang excess; use with caution in those with excessive sweating, heavy menstrual flow, and during pregnancy.
The above content is planned and produced by Beijing Yuedu Wuxian Cultural Development Co., Ltd. and is distributed for free.
Video and image sources: Zhou Chongjian, Wu Kuanqian, and Xie Yu; some images are taken from the actual pharmacy of Pingxintang.