Description
The Premier Herb for Invigorating Blood and Moving Qi
Sichuan Lovage Root (Chuan Xiong 川芎) is one of the most important herbs in the TCM pharmacopoeia for regulating, moving Blood and Qi. It is renowned for its powerful moving and activating properties, making it a cornerstone in the treatment of pain, menstrual disorders, and cardiovascular issues.
Warm in nature. Pungent / acrid in taste. It enters the liver, gall bladder and pericardium meridians.
Its warm, pungent, and ascending nature makes it indispensable for treating pain, especially headaches and menstrual pain caused by stagnation.
Sichuan Lovage Root’s actions are characterized by its strong “moving” nature, which dispels stagnation and promotes circulation.
Health Benefits
Activates blood and moves Qi, promotes blood circulation and Qi, dispels wind, treats irregular menstruation, headaches related to stagnation or Wind-Cold, dizziness, strengthens the body and boosts immunity.
Activates Blood and Moves Qi :
· It is exceptionally effective at breaking up Blood Stasis, which is a primary cause of fixed, stabbing pain, masses, and trauma.
· It also has a strong Qi-moving effect, which is somewhat unique among Blood-invigorating herbs. This makes it ideal for conditions where both Qi and Blood are stuck.
Expels Wind-Cold and Relieves Pain :
· Due to its warm, pungent, and ascending nature, it is a key herb for treating Bi Syndromes (painful obstruction syndrome) caused by Wind, Cold, and Dampness. It is particularly effective for headaches and body aches.
· It is famously known as the “herb that goes to the head,” making it a first-choice herb for various types of headaches, especially those related to stagnation or Wind-Cold.
Promotes Qi Circulation and Opens the Channels :
· It unblocks the meridians (channels) of the body, facilitating the smooth flow of Qi and Blood to relieve pain and numbness.
Ideal for individual experiencing :
· Menstrual Disorders : Dysmenorrhea (painful periods), amenorrhea (absent periods), irregular cycles with dark, clotted blood—all signs of Blood Stasis.
· Headaches : A premier herb for this purpose. It is used for migraines, tension headaches, and headaches following trauma. It is often combined with other herbs to target specific headache types
· Trauma and Pain : Bruises, sprains, stabbing pain in the chest or abdomen, and post-surgical pain.
· Cardiovascular Health : Used in formulas for angina pectoris, coronary heart disease, and poor peripheral circulation, as it helps to improve blood flow.
· Wind-Damp Bi Pain : Arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and numbness in the limbs.
Synergy with Other Herbs :
· With Angelica Sinensis (Dang Gui) : A classic pair. Dang Gui nourishes Blood, while Chuan Xiong activates it. Together, they regulate menstruation without causing stagnation.
· In Four Substance Decoction (Si Wu Tang) : It is the moving component in this fundamental Blood-tonifying formula, preventing the formula from being too cloying.
Precautions
· Excess Heat Conditions : Such as fever, flu, cold, sore throat, inflammation.
· Yin Deficiency with Internal Heat Sign : Symptoms include night sweats, hot flashes, dry mouth, and irritability. The warm nature of Astragalus can worsen these symptoms.
· Bleeding Disorders : Should not be used in patients with hemorrhagic diseases or heavy menstrual bleeding (unless due to stasis with clots).
· Pregnancy: It is strictly contraindicated during pregnancy due to its strong blood-activating and uterine-stimulating properties, which may potentially cause miscarriage. All herbs are not for infants.
· Medical Conditions : If you have hypertension, auto-immune diseases, diabetes, allergy or are on medication (especially blood thinners), consultation with a doctor is essential.
· It’s best to Avoid taking food and beverage that are contraindications to Qi-tonifying herbs ( Ginseng, Astragalus Root, Radix Codonopsis ) as they are considered to dissipate Qi and reduce the tonic effect of the herbs. Food such as :
· Cooling & Raw Food : raw vegetable & salad, cold drinks & ice-cream, certain fruits such as watermelon, pear & grapefruit, certain seafood such as crab and clams.
· Dampness-Producing Food : Dairy products, sweeteners & sugary food, greasy & fried food, wheat & highly processed grains & food
· Pungent & Dispersing Food & Herbs : Radish, mint & peppermint, hot spices in excess.
· Specific Food-Drug Interactions : Coffee & tea.
or strictly separate intake by several hours.
** Disclaimer: Not a substitute for medicine. Individual results may vary. Always consult a qualified TCM practitioner or healthcare professional before consume any herbal medicine, especially when you have underlying health conditions.
General Dietary Advice While Tonifying Qi
When you are prescribed a course of Qi-tonifying herbs, it is a signal that your body needs focused support. Adhering to these dietary guidelines, even for a short period, will dramatically increase the effectiveness of the herbs and speed up your recovery.
1. Embrace Warm, Cooked Foods : Soups, stews, congee (rice porridge), and well-cooked vegetables are ideal. They are easy to digest and warm the Spleen and Stomach.
2. Eat at Regular Intervals : Don’t skip meals. The Spleen thrives on routine.
3. Chew Thoroughly : This is the first and most crucial step of digestion.
4. Don’t Overeat : Overeating is one of the quickest ways to injure Spleen Qi.
5. Use Spleen-Tonic Foods in Cooking : Incorporate small amounts of sweet potato, pumpkin, carrots, rice, oats, and ginger into your meals.
Common Usage and Preparation
· Tea / Decoction : Steep in hot water for 5-10 minutes. Can be re-steeped several times. or Simmer on the stove for a richer flavour.
· Powder or Capsules : Ground into a powder and taken with warm water or encapsulated. For convenient daily supplementation in smaller, maintained doses.
· Culinary Use : Added to soups, and stews for a tonic effect.
