Chuanxiong
川芎 · Chuān Xiōng
Eases migraines and gets sluggish blood moving
Properties
WarmingWarming botanicalPungent
What it does
Chuanxiong eases pounding headaches, sharp menstrual cramps, and the chest tightness that comes with stuck blood flow. In TCM, it moves blood and qi at the same time, which is why it shows up in both pain formulas and menstrual formulas. Its compound tetramethylpyrazine has been studied for opening narrowed arteries and easing nerve pain.
How to take it
Decoct 3–9g of dried chuanxiong in water for 20 minutes. Drink 1 cup, 1–2x daily for short stretches. Almost always used in formula, not alone.
Look for it in Si Wu Tang for period support or Chuan Xiong Cha Tiao San for tension headaches
Safety
- Skip during pregnancy. It's a strong blood-mover and traditionally avoided
- Skip during heavy menstrual flow. It can increase bleeding
- Can interact with blood thinners, aspirin, and SSRIs
- Avoid before surgery. Stop at least 2 weeks ahead
- Talk to your doctor before starting medicinal use, especially if you take medication
Formulas it's in
Eight Treasure
八珍湯 · bā zhēn tāng
The classic TCM double-tonic for when your energy and blood are both running low at the same time.
Four Substances
四物湯 · sì wù tāng
The foundational TCM formula for nourishing blood. Often called the women's tonic.
Sour Jujube Decoction
酸棗仁湯 · suān zǎo rén tāng
The classical TCM formula for the kind of insomnia where your mind won't stop and your body feels parched.
Warm the Menses
溫經湯 · wēn jīng tāng
A TCM formula for cold in the uterus with irregular periods, lower belly chill, and a mix of cold and heat signs.
Where it comes from
Chuanxiong (Ligusticum chuanxiong) gets its name from Sichuan, the southwestern province where it was historically grown best. Farmers harvest the rhizome in summer after the leaves yellow, then dry and slice it. It's been a TCM staple for over 2,000 years and appears in two of the most-used classical formulas: Si Wu Tang (the women's blood tonic) and Suan Zao Ren Tang (the sleep formula). Modern research focuses on its role in stroke recovery and chemo-induced nerve pain.