|
More Information:
Other
Common Names
(sometimes called "Cnidium"---not to be
confused with Fructus Cnidium)
Page
Number In Radiant Health
213
Pharmaceutical
Latin
Rhizoma Ligustici
Pinyin
Chuan Xiong
Treasures
Blood
Treasure
Rating
***1/2
Atmospheric
Energy
Warm
Taste
Pungent and bitter
Organ
Meridian Systems
Liver, Gall Bladder, Pericardium, Heart
Part
Used and Form
Rhizome
Primary
Functions
Vitalizes the blood, promotes the circulation of blood
and Qi, nourishes blood, relieves wind conditions,
analgesic
Qualities
Ligusticum
is one of the primary blood vitalizing herbs used in
Chinese herbalism. It is very widely used in treating
menstrual disorders because it is so effective at
activating blood flow and relieving pain associated with
blood and Qi stagnation. It warms the uterus and
decongests swelling in the pelvic basin. In addition to
its blood vitalizing effects, Ligusticum is a good blood
tonic.
Though it was not classically recognized as a major
heart tonic, it has recently been discovered that
Ligusticum provides many benefits to the heart muscle.
Its action in this regard is similar to that of Ilex and
Notoginseng. It significantly enhances myocardial
circulation and is now being widely used clinically in
China to treat and prevent heart disease. Ligusticum is
related to Dong Gui and they share many of the same
characteristics. They also share significant components.
However, Dong Gui is a stronger blood tonic and
Ligusticum is a stronger Blood vitalizer and analgesic.
It is also widely used to relieve the pain associated
with invasion of wind and in formulations to treat
colds, flus, sinus congestion and various skin
disorders.
Ligusticum has been found to induce interferon
production in human beings.
Preparation
and Utilization
It is usually used in formulas with Dong Gui, Rehmannia,
Peony, etc. It is one of the "four things" in
the most famous of women's formulas, "Four Things
Combination." Combine with Notoginseng, Ilex and Qi
tonics to create a formula beneficial to the heart. Do
not cook Ligusticum for more than a few minutes. Add it
to an infusion only at the end. Overcooking boils off
and destroys the aromatic oils, which are essential
components of the herb. Overcooking destroys the herb
and it will not do its job.
Primary
Combinations
Never used alone. Combine with:
1. Dang Gui, Rehmannia (steamed) and White Peony Root to
build blood, stimulate blood flow, regulate the
menstrual cycle and relieve abdominal pain
2. Salvia and Notoginseng to invigorate blood
circulation and protect the Heart
Varieties
and Grading
The stronger Ligusticum's fragrance, the more powerful
its activity inside the body. If it is old, it will have
lost much of its fragrance.
|
Ligusticum
wallichi , sometimes referred to as Cnidium, is a very
widely used blood tonic. It is especially common in
women's blood tonic formulations. Ligusticum is a superb
"blood vitalizing" herb used to improve blood
circulation and to disperse blood stagnation. It has
recently been found to improve blood circulation in the
heart. It is sometimes called Cnidium on some product
labels, and should not be confused with Cnidium seed, a
Yang essence tonic.