Rhizoma Ligustici Chuanxiong has the efficacy of invigorating the blood and promoting the flow of Qi, dispelling wind and relieving pain (dispersing wind evils and relieving pain in the muscles and bones). It can be used clinically for the treatment of chest paralysis (stuffy pain in the chest), cardiac pain, thoracic and hypochondriacal pains (a collective term for the chest and the ribcage area), swelling and pains of stumbling, menstrual disorders, menstrual dysfunction, menstrual pain, obstruction of menstruation, abdominal pain in the abdomen and the abdomen, headache, as well as rheumatism paralysis. No significant side effects have been observed.
Rhizoma Ligustici Chuanxiong is pungent in flavor and warm in nature, and belongs to the liver, gallbladder and pericardium meridians. When used correctly under the guidance of a doctor and with proper diagnosis, it does not usually have significant side effects. However, Chuanxiong is pungent, warm and dispersing, and should be avoided in cases of headache due to yin deficiency and hyperactivity of yang (deficiency of yin fluid and hyperactivity of yang qi), as well as in cases of excessive sweating and menstruation. Misuse of Chuanxiong may aggravate the symptoms of headache, excessive sweating, and menstruation.
Chuanxiong is warm in nature and has the effect of depleting the blood and injuring the yin. It should not be used in cases of yin deficiency (deficiency of yin and essence in the body, resulting in hyperactivity of deficiency fire), red tongue and dry mouth, and should not be used in pregnant women.
As a traditional Chinese medicine, Chuanxiong must be used in clinical practice in accordance with the doctor’s instructions, and must not be taken on its own.