Chuanxiong: A Comprehensive Overview of Its Properties and Applications in TCM

Chuanxiong: A Comprehensive Overview of Its Properties and Applications in TCM

Traditional Chinese Medicine, Daily Updates on Herbal Knowledge Introduction to Chuanxiong Chuanxiong is the dried rhizome of the plant Ligusticum chuanxiong, belonging to the Apiaceae family. It features compound umbel flowers and pinnate compound leaves, and is a perennial herb. It is harvested in summer when the stem nodes are prominently raised and slightly purplish, … Read more

Introduction to Chuanxiong (Ligusticum Chuanxiong) in Traditional Chinese Medicine

1 Introduction to Chinese Herbs Also known as: Shan Ju Qiong, Xiong Dan, Xiang Guo, Hu Xiong, Xiong Dan, Que Nao Xiong, Jing Xiong, Guan Xiong, Sheng Chuan Jun. Taste and Properties: Spicy, Warm. Enters the Liver, Gallbladder, and Pericardium meridians. Functions: Invigorates blood and promotes Qi circulation, dispels wind and alleviates pain. Category: Blood-activating … Read more

Understanding Chuanxiong (Ligusticum chuanxiong) in Traditional Chinese Medicine

Understanding Chuanxiong (Ligusticum chuanxiong) in Traditional Chinese Medicine

Click the blue words to follow us Inheriting the essence of Traditional Chinese Medicine, spreading TCM culture Chuanxiong (Ligusticum chuanxiong) 【Scientific Name】Chuanxiong (Ligusticum chuanxiong) 【Historical Reference】The Medicine King, Sun Simiao, described it as: “The green city is the most secluded in the world, the first cave in western Sichuan. Where the immortal cranes pass, the … Read more

Blood-Invigorating and Stasis-Removing Herbs in Traditional Chinese Medicine

Blood-Invigorating and Stasis-Removing Herbs in Traditional Chinese Medicine

All herbs that promote blood circulation, facilitate blood flow, and dissipate blood stasis are referred to as huoxue quyu yao (活血祛瘀药). Among them, those with stronger blood-invigorating and stasis-removing effects are also known as poyao (破血药) or zhuyu yao (逐瘀药). Blood is one of the essential substances in the human body, and it must flow … Read more

Understanding the Diverse Forms of Traditional Chinese Medicine

Understanding the Diverse Forms of Traditional Chinese Medicine

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has a variety of forms, with over 40 types recorded in the Ming Dynasty’s Compendium of Materia Medica. Since the founding of the People’s Republic of China, many new forms have been developed, such as tablets, granules, and injections. Here, we will explore the diverse forms of TCM: 1. Decoctions (汤剂) … Read more

Which Form of Traditional Chinese Medicine is Most Effective: Decoctions, Granules, Powders, or Pills?

Which Form of Traditional Chinese Medicine is Most Effective: Decoctions, Granules, Powders, or Pills?

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), there are various forms of medicine such as pills, powders, ointments, and elixirs. With advancements in science and technology, the forms of Chinese herbal medicine are also evolving. In addition to decoctions, modern Chinese patent medicines, instant granules, and powdered herbs are increasingly accepted by many. However, many patients may … Read more

Which is More Effective: Pills or Decoctions in Traditional Chinese Medicine?

Which is More Effective: Pills or Decoctions in Traditional Chinese Medicine?

In the daily operations of a pharmacy, patients often ask the question: which is more effective, “pills” or “decoctions”? First, let us understand these two forms of TCM preparations. Pills (wanji) and decoctions (tangji) are two important forms of traditional Chinese medicine. Pills refer to spherical or quasi-spherical preparations made from finely powdered herbs or … Read more

Deciding Between Decoctions and Pills: Four Analytical Approaches to Assist You

Deciding Between Decoctions and Pills: Four Analytical Approaches to Assist You

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has over 40 types of medicinal forms, among which decoctions, pills, powders, plasters, capsules, and tablets are the most commonly used. With so many forms available, how should one choose when prescribing? Today, Dr. Licorice will analyze some influencing factors for prescribing pills and decoctions, hoping to provide some insights for … Read more

Choosing Among Various Forms of Traditional Chinese Medicine: Decoctions, Pastes, Powders, and Pills

Choosing Among Various Forms of Traditional Chinese Medicine: Decoctions, Pastes, Powders, and Pills

Many patients visit hospitals, and when doctors ask them what form of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) they need, patients often have little understanding of the different forms, leading to many questions. The processing of raw medicinal materials into forms suitable for medical or preventive applications is referred to as dosage forms. Currently, commonly used TCM … Read more

Timing for the Use of Decoctions, Powders, and Pills in TCM

Timing for the Use of Decoctions, Powders, and Pills in TCM

In daily practice, I, Dr. Hu Liangpu, most frequently prescribe decoctions and pills for patients, while powders are currently used less often. Here, I will discuss the appropriate timing for using decoctions, powders, and pills. In the texts of “Shang Han” and “Jin Kui”, we encounter the three forms: decoctions, powders, and pills. When reading … Read more