State/School

California License Exam, Pacific College Comps

Pharm Name

Chuanxiong Rhizoma

Common Name

Sichuan Lovage Rhizome

Category

Regulate Blood/Invigorate the Blood

Ingredients

Taste

Acrid

Pao Zhi

Wine-fried to enhance the herb's ability to invigorate the blood, promote the movement of qi, and stop pain.

Temperature

Warm

Action / Indication

1. Invigorates the blood and promotes the movement of qi: for any blood stasis pattern. This is an important herb in gynecology and is used for such problems as dysmenorrhea, amenorrhea, difficult labor, or retained lochia. It is also indicated for patterns of stagnant qi and blood stasis with pain and soreness in the chest, flanks, and hypochondria. 
2. Expels wind and alleviates pain: a leading herb for any externally-contracted wind disorder characterized by headache, dizziness, or painful obstruction. Particularly useful for headaches. Also used for a variety of skin problems caused by wind. 

Treatment Principles

Moves Stagnant Blood
Moves Stagnant Qi
Expels Wind
Relieves Pain

Contraindication

Yin deficiency heat, dry mouth, headache due to Liver yang rising, qi deficiency or menorrhagia. Caution=> overdose may cause vomiting or dizziness. Use caution with patients on anticoagulant or antiplatelet medication.

Dosages

3-9g, decocted. 1.0-1.5g as a powder. Wine-fry to better relieve pain.

Meridians

LIV, GB, PC, Chong

Tom's Comment

1. Chuan Xiong can be used for many types of headaches, except in cases of interior fire. Its’ claim to fame is to dispel wind in the head.
2. Chuan Xiong is the most commonly used herb for moving Qi and invigorating Blood in the TCM formulary.
3. Beware of Chuan Xiong warming temperature. It is drying and can cause heat in susceptible individuals.

Source

Formula Type