Botanical Overview
Ligusticum chuanxiong (family Apiaceae) is a perennial herb native to China and East Asia. The medicinal part used is the rhizome, commonly called Chuanxiong or Szechuan lovage root. It is highly valued in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and also recognized in Western herbal medicine.
Energetics
This herb is considered warming in temperature and neutral in moisture. It has an acrid and bitter taste and exhibits an ascending directional energy. It is tonifying in nature and influences the qi and blood according to TCM theories.
Primary Actions
- Vasodilator
- Circulatory stimulant
- Analgesic
- Anti-inflammatory
- Antispasmodic
Indications
Western
- Headache
- Menstrual pain
- Circulatory insufficiency
- Muscle spasms
- Vascular inflammation
Syndromes
- Migraine
- Cerebral ischemia
- Peripheral vascular disease
TCM
- Chest pain
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Numbness
- Menstrual disorders
Syndromes
- Blood stasis
- Qi stagnation
- Wind-dampness obstruction
- Obstruction in the channels
Ayurveda
No well-documented traditional indications available.
Unani
No well-documented traditional indications available.
Constituents & Mechanisms
The primary phytochemicals include phthalides, ligustilide, ferulic acid, various alkaloids, and volatile oils responsible for its bioactivities such as vasodilation and analgesia.
Dosage & Preparations
- Decoction: 3-9 g daily
- Tincture (1:5, 40% alcohol): 2-5 mL, 1-3 times daily
- Powder: 1-3 g, 1-2 times daily
Safety & Contraindications
Ligusticum chuanxiong is generally considered safe when used as directed but is contraindicated in pregnancy due to potential uterine stimulation and should be avoided in bleeding disorders or when taking anticoagulants due to increased bleeding risk. Monitor for allergic reactions.
Astrological Correspondences
No well-supported planetary or elemental rulers identified with sufficient authoritative consensus.
Selected References
- Pharmacology and clinical applications of Ligusticum chuanxiong Hort., Phytotherapy Research, 2010
- World Health Organization Monographs on Selected Medicinal Plants, Ligusticum chuanxiong Hort., 2003
- Protective effects of Ligusticum chuanxiong on cerebral ischemia in rats, Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2004
- Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica, Bensky et al., 2004