Natural Herb Library

Chuanxiong Rhizome, Szechuan Lovage Root

Chinese
川芎
Pinyin
Chuan Xiong
Latin
Rhizoma Chuanxiong
Botanical illustration of Chuanxiong Rhizome, Szechuan Lovage Root, Conioselinum anthriscoides 'Chuanxiong', showing whole habit, umbels, rhizome, slices, and diagnostic plant details.
Botanical plate by Kodi .

Known in TCM as Chuan Xiong (川芎), this acrid, warm herb enters the Liver, Gallbladder, and Pericardium. Traditionally, it invigorates Blood and dispels stasis, most often applied for headache, dysmenorrhea, and blood stasis. Modern research has identified Z-Ligustilide among its active constituents.

Part used: Rhizome

Also Known As

Chuanxiong

Latin: Rhizoma Chuanxiong | Pinyin: Chuan Xiong | Chinese: 川芎

TCM Properties

Taste
acrid
Temperature
warm
Channels
Liver, Gallbladder, Pericardium

Traditional Use

Primary Actions

  • Invigorates Blood and dispels stasis
  • Promotes Qi movement and alleviates pain
  • Dispels Wind and relieves headache

Secondary Actions

  • Resolves Liver Qi constraint
  • Dispels Wind-Damp painful obstruction in joints
  • Aids postpartum recovery by clearing retained Blood

Classic Formulas

  • Chuan Xiong Cha Tiao San … dispels Wind and relieves Wind-type headache
  • Si Wu Tang … foundational Blood-nourishing formula for Blood deficiency
  • Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang … invigorates Blood and dispels stasis in the chest
  • Sheng Hua Tang … addresses postpartum Blood stagnation and lochia retention

Classical References

  • Li Dongyuan: 'Headaches should not go without Chuan Xiong,' reflecting its premier role in headache treatment across pattern types

Modern Research

Active Compounds

  • Z-Ligustilide
  • Tetramethylpyrazine (TMP / Ligustrazine)
  • Ferulic acid
  • Senkyunolide A
  • Butylidenephthalide

Studied Effects

  • Comprehensive review documents cardiovascular, neuroprotective, and anti-inflammatory activities across chemical classes (PMID 40235541)
  • Ligustilide protects against renal ischemia-reperfusion injury by maintaining Sirt3-dependent mitochondrial homeostasis and reducing oxidative stress (PMID 39216302)
  • Z-Ligustilide promotes motor ability in experimental models by alleviating oxidative stress via intestinal microvilli (PMID 41482089)

PubMed References

Safety & Interactions

Contraindications

  • Pregnancy … stimulates uterine contractions; avoid except in specialist obstetric emergencies
  • Active hemorrhage or excessive bleeding unrelated to stasis
  • Yin deficiency with Heat … warm, dispersing nature worsens this pattern

Cautions

  • Combine with tonifying herbs when treating pure Qi or Blood deficiency
  • High doses may cause dizziness or vomiting

Conditions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Chuanxiong Rhizome, Szechuan Lovage Root used for?

Chuanxiong Rhizome, Szechuan Lovage Root is traditionally used to Invigorates Blood and dispels stasis, Promotes Qi movement and alleviates pain, Dispels Wind and relieves headache. Research has investigated its effects on: Comprehensive review documents cardiovascular, neuroprotective, and anti-inflammatory activities across chemical classes (PMID 40235541); Ligustilide protects against renal ischemia-reperfusion injury by maintaining Sirt3-dependent mitochondrial homeostasis and reducing oxidative stress (PMID 39216302).

What are other names for Chuanxiong Rhizome, Szechuan Lovage Root?

Chuanxiong Rhizome, Szechuan Lovage Root is also known as Chuanxiong. In TCM: 川芎 (Chuan Xiong); Rhizoma Chuanxiong.

Is Chuanxiong Rhizome, Szechuan Lovage Root safe during pregnancy?

Chuanxiong Rhizome, Szechuan Lovage Root is not recommended during pregnancy.

What are the contraindications for Chuanxiong Rhizome, Szechuan Lovage Root?

Chuanxiong Rhizome, Szechuan Lovage Root should not be used in: Pregnancy … stimulates uterine contractions; avoid except in specialist obstetric emergencies; Active hemorrhage or excessive bleeding unrelated to stasis; Yin deficiency with Heat … warm, dispersing nature worsens this pattern. Consult a qualified practitioner before use.