Chuanxiong Rhizoma
Aliases：Shanjuqiong、Xiongqiong、Xiangguo、Huchu、Maxian、Xixiong、Guanxiong、Jingxiong、Fuxiong、Taixiong
Chuanxiong (Ligustici Chuanxiong Rhizoma) is a Chinese medicinal herb that invigorates blood and dispels wind. It is the dried rhizome of Ligusticum chuanxiong Hort. (family Apiaceae). The genuine (Dao‑di) herb specifically refers to those produced in the hilly plain areas of the central Sichuan Basin, including Dujiangyan, Pixian, Pengzhou, Shifang, Chongzhou, Qionglai, Meishan, and surrounding regions.
Efficacy & Actions
Activate blood and move Qi, dispel wind and relieve pain.
Indications
It is indicated for chest impediment with heart pain, stabbing pain in the chest and hypochondrium, swelling and pain due to traumatic injury, irregular menstruation, amenorrhea and dysmenorrhea, abdominal masses with pain, headache, and rheumatic arthralgia (Bi pain).
Modern Pharmacology
This product has pharmacological effects such as improving blood rheology, dilating blood vessels, anti-myocardial ischemia, and anti-cerebral ischemia, among others.
Ingredients
Chuanxiong contains a variety of bioactive components, which can be categorized as follows: Lactones: Including levistolide A, ligustilide, 3-butylidenephthalide, butyrolactone, chuanxiongnolide, senkyunolide, and diligustilide, among others. Nitrogen‑containing compounds: Tetramethylpyrazine (chuanxiongzine) and perlolyrine (also known as chuanxiongine). Phenolic acids: Ferulic acid, caffeic acid, and chuanxiong phenol. Others: Volatile components such as sabinene.
Usage & Dosage
Chuanxiong (Chuanxiong Rhizoma) Chuanxiong, a Chinese medicinal, is the dried rhizome of Ligusticum chuanxiong Hort., a plant of the Apiaceae family. As a Dao-di herb, it specifically refers to Chuanxiong produced in the central hilly plain area of the Sichuan Basin, including Dujiangyan, Pixian, Pengzhou, Shifang, Chongzhou, Qionglai, Meishan, and other places. It has the actions of activating blood and moving Qi, dispelling wind and relieving pain. It is indicated for: Chest impediment with heart pain Stabbing pain in the chest and hypochondrium Swelling and pain due to traumatic injury Irregular menstruation Amenorrhea and dysmenorrhea Abdominal masses with pain Headache Rheumatic arthralgia (Bi pain) Usage and Dosage 1. Internal use: 3–10 g in decoction; ground into powder, 1–1.5 g per dose; or used in pills or powders. 2. External use: Ground into powder for dusting; or decocted as a gargle.
Contraindications
Contraindicated groups Pregnant women Those with bleeding disorders or predisposition (e.g., hemophilia, thrombocytopenia) Those with Yin deficiency and blazing fire (symptoms: hot palms and soles, dry mouth and throat) Allergic individuals Use with caution Those with heavy menstrual flow Those with Liver yang hyperactivity (headache) Those without blood stasis Incompatibilities TCM: Should not be used with Veratrum nigrum (Lilu). Western drugs: Avoid concurrent use with anticoagulants such as warfarin, aspirin, clopidogrel (increases bleeding risk). Dietary restrictions Avoid mutton, chili, radish, strong tea. Avoid raw, cold, sticky, greasy, fatty, sweet, and rich foods, as well as tobacco and alcohol. Precautions for use Standard dosage: 3–10 g. Do not use long‑term or in excess. Discontinue and seek medical attention if bruising, gum bleeding, dizziness, etc. occur.
Selected Formulas
1. For heart blood stasis, liver qi stagnation, liver blood stasis, and traumatic injuries Chest impediment and cardiac pain due to heart channel blood stasis: Often combined with Danshen (Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix), Guizhi (Cinnamomi Ramulus), and Tanxiang (Santali Albi Lignum). Hypochondriac pain due to liver qi stagnation: Often combined with Chaihu (Bupleuri Radix), Baishao (Paeoniae Radix Alba), and Xiangfu (Cyperi Rhizoma) – as in Chaihu Shugan San (Bupleurum Liver‑Soothing Powder) from Jingyue Quanshu (Jingyue’s Complete Works). Abdominal masses and stabbing pain in the chest and hypochondrium due to liver blood stasis: Often combined with Taoren (Persicae Semen) and Honghua (Carthami Flos) – as in Xuefu Zhuyu Tang (Decoction for Removing Blood Stasis in the Chest) from Yilin Gaicuo (Corrections of Errors in Medicine). Swelling and pain from traumatic injuries: Can be combined with Ruxiang (Olibanum), Moyao (Myrrha), and Sanqi (Notoginseng Radix). 2. For blood‑stasis amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, persistent lochia after childbirth, and menstrual irregularities Blood‑stasis amenorrhea and dysmenorrhea: Often combined with Chishao (Paeoniae Radix Rubra) and Taoren – as in Xuefu Zhuyu Tang. If due to cold with blood stasis, can be combined with Guixin (Cinnamomi Cortex) and Danggui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix) – as in Wenjing Tang (Channel‑Warming Decoction) from Furen Liangfang (Effective Prescriptions for Women). Persistent lochia and abdominal pain due to blood stasis after childbirth: Can be combined with Danggui, Taoren, and Paijiang (Zingiberis Rhizoma Praeparatum) – as in Shenghua Tang (Postpartum Transformation Decoction) from Fuqing Zhunü Ke (Fu Qingzhu’s Gynecology). Menstrual irregularities (early or delayed menstruation): Can be combined with Yimucao (Leonuri Herba) and Danggui – as in Yimu Shengjin Dan (Motherwort Golden Pill) from Yixue Xinwu (Comprehension of Medicine). 3. For various types of headache Wind‑cold headache: Combined with Qianghuo (Notopterygii Rhizoma), Xixin (Asari Radix), and Baizhi (Angelicae Dahuricae Radix) – as in Chuanxiong Chatiao San (Chuanxiong Tea Powder) from Taiping Huimin Heji Ju Fang. Wind‑heat headache: Combined with Juhua (Chrysanthemi Flos), Shigao (Gypsum), and Jiangcan (Bombyx Batryticatus) – as in Chuanxiong San (Chuanxiong Powder) from Weisheng Baojian (Precious Book of Health Protection). Wind‑dampness headache: Combined with Qianghuo, Duhuo (Angelicae Pubescentis Radix), and Fangfeng (Saposhnikoviae Radix) – as in Qianghuo Shengshi Tang (Notopterygium Dampness‑Removing Decoction) from Neiwaishang Bianhuo Lun (Discrimination on Internal and External Injuries). Blood‑deficiency headache: Using its wind‑dispelling and pain‑relieving effect, combined with Danggui and Baishao – as in Jiawei Siwu Tang (Augmented Four‑Substance Decoction) from Jinkui Yi (Essence of the Golden Coffer). Blood‑stasis headache: Combined with Chishao and Shexiang (Moschus) – as in Tongqiao Huoxue Tang (Orifice‑Opening Blood‑Stasis Decoction) from Yilin Gaicuo.
Daily Consumption
Daily use of Chuanxiong: Fish head soup: 3g Chuanxiong + 5g Baizhi, simmer 2h → for wind-cold headache. Egg decoction: 8g Chuanxiong + 2 eggs, boil, add brown sugar → for blood stasis amenorrhea (5-7 days/month). Chicken stew: 10g Chuanxiong with Angelica, Astragalus, etc. – not for daily use. Tea: 3-6g steep 10-15 min, ≤3 times/week. Decoction: 3-10g, boil 20-30 min. Dosage: 3-6g/day (health), 3-10g per meal. Contraindications: Pregnancy, heavy menstruation, bleeding tendency. Avoid with anticoagulants (aspirin, warfarin). Avoid spicy, cold, greasy foods, radish, strong tea. Not for yin deficiency with heat or liver yang hyperactivity.
Medicinal Parts
dried rhizome
Selection & Storage
Store in a dry, airtight container in a cool, dry place, protected from insects.