Chuanxiong (Ligusticum chuanxiong) is the dried rhizome of the perennial herbaceous plant from the Umbelliferae family. It is harvested in summer, cleaned of soil, sun-dried, and then dried further, removing the fibrous roots.
Properties: Pungent, Warm
Functions: Invigorates blood circulation, promotes qi flow, dispels wind, and alleviates pain
Indications: Blood stasis and qi stagnation pain syndrome, headaches, rheumatic pain
Dosage: Decoction, 3 to 9 grams
Precautions: Use with caution in cases of yin deficiency with excess heat, excessive sweating, heat-related bleeding disorders, and in pregnant women.
Chuanxiong has the effects of invigorating blood circulation, promoting qi flow, dispelling wind, and relieving pain. It can also expand the capillaries in the head, enhance blood circulation, delay the graying of hair, and keep hair moist. It is used for irregular menstruation, dysmenorrhea, chest and flank pain, contusions and swelling, headaches, and rheumatic pain.
Chuanxiong ascends to the vertex, reaching the blood and qi levels. Its warm and pungent nature, along with its connection to the Shaoyang meridian, promotes upward movement. It invigorates blood and regulates menstruation, also alleviating various types of headaches.
Chuanxiong’s Therapeutic Formulas
1. For headaches caused by external wind invasion, use 120 grams of Chuanxiong, 120 grams of Jingjie (Schizonepeta), 60 grams of Baizhi (Angelica dahurica), 60 grams of Qianghuo (Notopterygium), 60 grams of Gancao (Licorice), 30 grams of Xixin (Asarum), 45 grams of Fangfeng (Saposhnikovia), and 240 grams of Bohe (Mint), ground into powder. Take 6 grams each time. For wind-heat headaches, it can be combined with Ju Hua (Chrysanthemum), Shigao (Gypsum), and Jiang Chong (Dried Ginger).
2. For early or delayed menstruation, or multiple cycles in a month: 9 grams of Wuzhuyu (Evodia), 6 grams of Danggui (Angelica sinensis), 6 grams of Baishao (Paeonia lactiflora), 6 grams of Chuanxiong, 6 grams of Ren Shen (Ginseng), 6 grams of Guizhi (Cinnamon twig), 6 grams of Ejiao (Donkey-hide gelatin), 6 grams of Mudanpi (Moutan), 6 grams of Shengjiang (Fresh Ginger), 6 grams of Gancao, 6 grams of Banxia (Pinellia), and 9 grams of Maidong (Ophiopogon). Decoction with water.
3. For heel bone hyperplasia: Grind 45 grams of Chuanxiong into powder, package into bags of 15 grams each. Place the medicine bag in the shoe, directly contacting the affected area, changing daily, using three bags interchangeably, and the used bags can be dried and reused.
4. For wind-cold common cold: Grind equal amounts of Chuanxiong, Baizhi, Qianghuo, Xixin, Fangfeng, Bohe, Jingjie, and Gancao into powder. Take 6 to 10 grams each time. Brew with hot water or decoct as tea, three times a day.
5. For invigorating blood: Use 12 grams each of Taoren (Peach kernel), Honghua (Carthamus), and Chuanxiong, 9 grams each of Danshen (Salvia miltiorrhiza), Jixueteng (Spatholobus), Erleng (Dichroa), and Ezhun (Curcuma), and 30 grams each of Shengmuli (Oyster) and Zhenzhumu (Mother of Pearl). Decoction, taken once daily, divided into two doses, for a four-week course.
6. For stroke prevention: Use 10 grams each of Dilong (Earthworm), Chuanxiong, Chisha (Red Peony), Niuxi (Achyranthes), and Danshen. Decoction, taken twice daily, 150 grams each time.
7. For headaches: Grind Chuanxiong into particles the size of mung beans, soak in liquor and take until recovery.
8. For gum bleeding: Hold a slice of Chuanxiong in the mouth, it can quickly stop the bleeding.
9. For children’s brain heat and red, swollen eyes that are often closed: Use 6 grams each of Chuanxiong, Bohe, and Puxiao, grind into fine powder, take a small amount and blow into the nose, recovery is expected.
Chuanxiong Health Recipes
| Chuanxiong Duck | Invigorates blood and nourishes yin | 5g of Chuanxiong, 200g of duck meat, 3g of ginger shreds, a small spoon of salt, a small spoon of salad oil. Clean the duck meat and cut into pieces; heat oil in a pot, sauté ginger shreds, then add duck pieces and stir-fry briefly, add appropriate water, and add Chuanxiong, simmer on low heat for 1 hour, finally add salt to taste. This is particularly suitable for women with blood deficiency and dizziness. |
| Chuanxiong Cooked Snails | Invigorates blood, promotes qi, and dispels stasis | 3g of Chuanxiong, 50g of snails, 3g of ginger slices, 3g of scallion segments, a large spoon of cooking wine, a small spoon of salt, and a little MSG. Soak Chuanxiong until soft and slice; clean the snails, remove shells and intestines, and slice; combine Chuanxiong, snails, scallion segments, ginger slices, cooking wine, salt, MSG, and a little sesame oil in a pot, add appropriate water, boil on high heat, then simmer for about 20 minutes until cooked. |
| Chuanxiong Peach Kernel Silkworm Porridge | Invigorates blood and resolves stasis | 10g of Chuanxiong, 15g of Taoren, decoct to extract juice, then add 15g of silkworms and 50g of japonica rice to cook porridge. This is particularly suitable for cervical spondylosis with qi stagnation and blood stasis. |
| Chuanxiong Drink | Clears heat and cools blood | Take appropriate amounts of Chuanxiong, Dihupi (Rehmannia), Baixianpi (Dictamnus), Danpi (Moutan), Shengdi (Rehmannia), Chisha, Taoren, and Niuxi, decoct and drink. Start from 12 to 15 days after menstruation ends, take 2 doses daily for 6 to 9 doses, and continue for three menstrual cycles. |