Chuān Xiōng (川芎) — Sichuan lovage root / Chuanxiong

On this page

1. Overview
2. Properties
3. Actions and indications
4. Key formulas
5. Modern research
6. Cautions and contraindications
7. Treatment at my clinic

1. Overview

Chuān Xiōng (川芎) — Ligusticum chuanxiong — is known in English as Sichuan lovage root / Chuanxiong. It belongs to the category of Herbs that invigorate Blood in the Chinese Materia Medica and is one of the important herbs in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). It is used in Chinese herbal medicine as a component of classical herbal formulas and in tailored prescriptions.

I prescribe Chuān Xiōng as part of bespoke herbal formulas from pharmaceutical-grade granules sourced from Sun Ten in Taiwan. Herbs are always combined with other herbs selected to match the patient’s individual TCM pattern. Online consultations are available for patients who cannot attend my clinic in person.

2. Properties

3. Actions and indications

Principal actions

1. Invigorates Blood and promotes the movement of Qi — the leading herb for Blood and Qi stagnation combined
2. Expels Wind and relieves pain — the most important herb for headache in Chinese medicine
3. Activates circulation and relieves pain throughout the body
4. Warms the channels and disperses Cold

Indications

1. Headache from any cause — Blood stasis, Wind-Cold, Wind-Heat or Liver Yang — the primary herb for headache
2. Migraine — especially with a Blood stasis component
3. Irregular menstruation, dysmenorrhoea and amenorrhoea from Blood stasis
4. Chest pain and angina from Heart Blood stasis
5. Rheumatic pain and Bi syndrome
6. Traumatic injury

4. Key formulas containing Chuān Xiōng

Chuān Xiōng appears in the following key formulas:

• Chuan Xiong Cha Tiao San
• Tao Hong Si Wu Tang
• Ba Zhen Tang
• Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang

See the full Chinese herbal medicine formula directory for detailed information on all 70 classical formulas.

5. Modern research

Ligusticum chuanxiong (Chuan Xiong) is one of the most clinically important and extensively researched Chinese medicinal herbs. Its primary bioactive constituents include ligustilide, senkyunolide A and ferulic acid. Research confirms potent anti-platelet aggregation effects, cerebrovascular and coronary vasodilatory activity, anti-inflammatory properties, analgesic effects and neuroprotective actions. Ligustilide is the principal smooth muscle relaxant responsible for its effects on blood vessels and the uterus. Chuan Xiong is used clinically in China for ischaemic stroke and is one of the primary herbs in cardiovascular formulas. Its combination with Bai Zhi (LI 11) is the classical formula for frontal headache.

6. Cautions and contraindications

Avoid in Yin deficiency patterns with headache from Empty Yang rising. Contraindicated in haemorrhagic conditions and during pregnancy (use with caution in appropriate formulas only). Avoid in excess sweating.

Important: Chinese herbs should always be prescribed by a fully qualified herbalist who is a member of the Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine (RCHM). Never self-prescribe or self-administer Chinese herbs without professional guidance. Dr (TCM) Attilio D’Alberto is a member of the RCHM with over 25 years of clinical experience.

7. Treatment at my clinic

I prescribe Chuān Xiōng as part of tailored herbal formulas for a range of conditions including Migraines, Headaches, Irregular menstrual cycle, High blood pressure. Every prescription is individually formulated following a full TCM assessment and adjusted throughout treatment as the pattern responds.

I see patients in person at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire. Online Chinese herbal medicine consultations are available throughout the UK and internationally. Visit the prices page for consultation fees.

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