The Efficacy, Nutritional Value, and Precautions of Chuanxiong (Rhizoma Chuanxiong)
Chuanxiong, also known as Xiongwu, Chuanxiong Yao, Xi Xiong, Da Chuanxiong, Da Xiong, Fragrant Fruit, Medicinal Celery, Xi Fu Xiong, Xi Ju Qiong, and Chuan Fu Xiong, is known for its ability to invigorate blood circulation and promote qi flow, dispel wind, and alleviate pain. It is used to treat chest obstruction and heart pain, stabbing pain in the chest and hypochondria, swelling and pain from falls, menstrual irregularities, dysmenorrhea, abdominal pain from masses, headaches, and rheumatic pain.
Chuanxiong (Rhizoma Chuanxiong)
Name: Chuanxiong
Alias: Xiongwu, Chuanxiong Yao, Xi Xiong, Da Chuanxiong, Da Xiong, Fragrant Fruit, Medicinal Celery, Xi Fu Xiong, Xi Ju Qiong, Chuan Fu Xiong.
Source: Chuanxiong is the rhizome of the plant Chuanxiong from the Umbelliferae family.
Classification: Blood-invigorating and stasis-resolving herb
Properties: Pungent, warm.
Efficacy: Invigorates blood circulation, promotes qi flow, dispels wind, and alleviates pain.
Indications: Treats chest obstruction and heart pain, stabbing pain in the chest and hypochondria, swelling and pain from falls, menstrual irregularities, dysmenorrhea, abdominal pain from masses, headaches, and rheumatic pain.
Dosage: 3-10 grams.
Source: 2015 Edition of the Pharmacopoeia
Efficacy, Indications, and Precautions of Chuanxiong
Efficacy and Indications of Chuanxiong: Invigorates blood circulation, promotes qi flow, dispels wind, and alleviates pain, treating chest obstruction and heart pain, stabbing pain in the chest and hypochondria, swelling and pain from falls, menstrual irregularities, dysmenorrhea, abdominal pain from masses, headaches, and rheumatic pain.
1. Chuanxiong for abdominal pain during pregnancy (due to obstruction): 120 grams of Chuanxiong, 120 grams of Ejiao, 120 grams of Licorice, 180 grams of Mugwort, 180 grams of Angelica, 240 grams of Peony, and 360 grams of Rehmannia. Combine these seven ingredients with 5 liters of water and 3 liters of clear wine, boil down to 3 liters, strain, and dissolve the gelatin. Take 1 liter warm, three times a day. If not healed, prepare again. (From the Jin Kui Yao Lue – Gelatin and Mugwort Decoction)
2. Chuanxiong for children’s brain heat, with closed eyes, and pain in the temples or red swollen eyes: 6 grams of Chuanxiong, 6 grams of Peppermint, and 6 grams of Natron, ground into powder and blown into the nose. (From the Quan You Xin Jian)
3. Chuanxiong for wind-heat headache: 3 grams of Chuanxiong and 6 grams of tea leaves. Boil with 1 cup of water for 5 minutes, take hot before meals. (From the Jian Bian Dan Fang)
4. Chuanxiong for postpartum abdominal pain: 30 grams of Chuanxiong (washed and sliced), 30 grams of Cinnamon Heart (not roasted, sliced), 30 grams of Saussurea (sliced, dried), 30 grams of Angelica (washed and sliced), and 30 grams of Peach Kernel (peeled, tips removed, and roasted). Grind into fine powder. Take 3 grams with hot wine, or if unwilling to drink wine, use 1 cup of water, boil 6 grams of powder until reduced to 70%, and take hot. (From the Wei Sheng Jia Bao Fang – Chuanxiong Powder)
5. Chuanxiong for postpartum blood fainting: 30 grams of Angelica, 25 grams of Chuanxiong, and 6 grams of Schizonepeta (roasted black). Boil with water and take. (From the Qi Fang Lei Bian)
6. Chuanxiong for unilateral headache: finely slice Chuanxiong and soak in wine for consumption. (From the Dou Men Fang)
7. Chuanxiong for postpartum block pain: 24 grams of Angelica, 9 grams of Chuanxiong, 14 Peach Kernels (peeled, tips removed, ground), 2.5 grams of Black Ginger, and 2.5 grams of Licorice. Boil with equal parts yellow wine and children’s urine. (From the Fu Qing Zhu Nan Ke – Shenghua Decoction)
8. Chuanxiong for dizziness and vertigo: 500 grams of Chuanxiong and 200 grams of Gastrodia. Grind into powder, mix with honey to form pills, 10 pills per 2 grams. Take 1 pill, chew well, and wash down with tea or wine after meals. (From the Xuan Ming Lun Fang – Chuanxiong Pills)
Precautions for Chuanxiong: Avoid use in individuals with yin deficiency and excess fire, or those with excess above and deficiency below, and those with weak qi.
Dietary Therapy Methods
1. Ai Jiao Soup
Prescription: 6 grams of Chuanxiong, 3 grams of Ejiao (roasted), 3 grams of cooked Rehmannia, 6 grams of Mugwort, and 3 dates.
Method: Boil with water and take on an empty stomach.
Efficacy: For women experiencing irregular menstruation, with symptoms of stopping and starting, or having 3-4 occurrences a month, with a pale yellow complexion.
Excerpted from: Yanfang Xin Bian Volume 9