Lingusticum wallichii
Synopsis of lingusticum wallichii
Ligusticum wallichii is a perennial flowering plant native to the mountainous regions of China, valued primarily for its aromatic rhizome. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the dried root of Ligusticum wallichii—commonly referred to as Chuan Xiong—is one of the most important and widely used herbs for promoting blood circulation, relieving pain, and dispersing wind (a traditional concept often associated with headaches and muscle tension). The rhizome contains bioactive constituents such as ligustilide, ferulic acid, senkyunolide, and essential oils that exhibit anti-inflammatory, antiplatelet, antispasmodic, and neuroprotective activities.
In modern herbal pharmacology, Ligusticum wallichii is often used to support cardiovascular health, particularly for conditions involving poor circulation, blood stasis, or menstrual irregularities. It is believed to promote vasodilation, improve microcirculation, and reduce clot formation, making it relevant in treatments for angina, dysmenorrhea, and ischemic stroke recovery (often in combination with other herbs). It also has demonstrated antioxidant and mild neuroprotective effects, leading to its inclusion in some cognitive and aging-support formulas.
The herb is available in powder, decoction, capsule, or injectable forms and is frequently used as part of multi-herb formulas in both traditional and modern Chinese medicine.
Historical Use:
Chuan Xiong has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for over 1,000 years, first documented in classical texts such as the Shennong Bencao Jing and later extensively discussed in the Bencao Gangmu (Compendium of Materia Medica). It was traditionally prescribed to “invigorate the blood and move qi,” treat “wind-damp bi” (painful obstructions), and open the meridians.
Its primary historical applications included:
- Menstrual disorders: to relieve irregular, painful, or stagnant menstruation.
- Headaches and migraines: particularly those due to blood stasis or “wind invasion.”
- Chest and abdominal pain: associated with poor circulation or trauma.
- Stroke rehabilitation: used to promote blood flow and restore neurological function.
Chuan Xiong was often combined with other blood-invigorating herbs like Dang Gui (Angelica sinensis) and Hong Hua (Carthamus tinctorius) to enhance its effect. It was also included in popular classical formulas such as Xiong Gui Tiao Xue Yin and Bu Yang Huan Wu Tang, which are still prescribed today.
Beyond internal use, poultices and plasters made from the root were used topically to treat bruises, swelling, and joint pain.
Today, Ligusticum wallichii continues to be a cornerstone of Chinese herbal medicine, particularly for disorders involving circulation, menstruation, and neurological recovery—anchoring centuries of practice with growing modern pharmacological support.
Lingusticum wallichii is used for these health conditions
Abdominal Pain (Traditional)
Acid Indigestion (Traditional)
Angina (Traditional)
Arthritis (Traditional)
Asthma (Traditional)
Backache (Traditional)
Bronchitis (Traditional)
Bruises (healing) (Traditional)
Burns and Scalds (Traditional)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects) (Traditional)
Chest Pain (Traditional)
Chills (Traditional)
Circulation (poor) (Traditional)
Colds (general) (Traditional)
Congestion (Traditional)
Congestion (bronchial) (Traditional)
Congestion (lungs) (Traditional)
Constipation (adults) (Traditional)
Cuts (Traditional)
Diabetes (Traditional)
Digestion (poor) (Traditional)
Edema (Traditional)
Fever (Traditional)
Gastritis (Traditional)
Gout (Traditional)
Headache (general) (Traditional)
Headache (tension) (Traditional)
Hemorrhoids (Traditional)
Hepatitis (Traditional)
Inflammation (Traditional)
Insomnia (Traditional)
Liver Detoxification (Traditional)
Menstrual Irregularity (Traditional)
Migraine (Traditional)
Nausea and Vomiting (Traditional)
Pain (general remedies for) (Traditional)
Phlebitis (Traditional)
PMS (general) (Traditional)
Pneumonia (Traditional)
Rashes and Hives (Traditional)
Rheumatoid Arthritis (Traditional)
lingusticum wallichii is used to support these body systems
Arteries (Traditional)
Blood (Traditional)
Brain (Traditional)
Circulatory System (Traditional)
Digestive System (Traditional)
Female Reproductive System (Traditional)
Gastrointestinal Tract (Traditional)
Heart (Traditional)
Immune System (Traditional)
Joints (Traditional)
Liver (Traditional)
Lungs (Traditional)
Parasympathetic Nervous System (Traditional)
Reproductive System (Traditional)
Respiratory System (Traditional)
Spleen (Traditional)
Sympathetic Nervous System (Traditional)
