Chuan xiong (Sichuan lovage)
Ligusticum chuanxiong · 川芎
Herbs & Roots. Chinese Medicine.
Also called Chuanxiong, Ligusticum root, Sichuan lovage root
Pinyin: Chuān Xiōng
Avoid in pregnancyA warm, spicy root from Sichuan province, used in Chinese medicine to move blood and ease pain.
Did you know? Its Chinese name starts with chuan, which means Sichuan, the province where it is widely grown.
What it may help, and how strong the proof is
- Women's health. Used for painful or irregular periods in Chinese formulas such as Si Wu Tang. Trials of the herb alone are lacking.Traditional proof
- Pain & headaches. Used for headache and body pain in tradition. Most evidence is lab and animal work, with few human trials.Traditional proof
Parts of the body
Traditional use
Chinese formulas use chuan xiong to move blood and relieve pain. It is a key herb in Si Wu Tang, a classic formula for irregular periods and cramps.
How it is classified
- Herbal actions
- Circulatory, Analgesic, Emmenagogue. Energy: warming.
- Chinese medicine
- 川芎 Invigorate blood. Nature: warm. Flavour: pungent. Enters the Liver, Gallbladder and Pericardium channels.
How people take it
Traditional decoctions often use about 3 to 9 grams of dried root. It is usually blended with other herbs.
Decoction, powder, capsule and tea.
Where to get it
Grown mainly in Sichuan and other parts of southwest China. Sold as dried root pieces, powder, and capsules, often as part of mixed formulas.
Be careful
Can add to bleeding risk with blood thinners. Avoid in pregnancy. Ask a clinician before using it with other herbal formulas, since it is often blended.
Avoid if: pregnancy; bleeding disorders; before surgery.
Mixing with other things
- Works well together
Suan Zao Ren Tang pairs the seed with Sichuan lovage root (chuan xiong) for insomnia.
- Works well together
Both move blood and ease pain, and they are often paired for chest pain from blood stasis.
- Works well together
Dong quai is a core herb of Si Wu Tang, a blood-building period formula.
- Works well together
Rehmannia is part of Si Wu Tang with chuan xiong, for women's blood health.
- Works well together
White peony is part of Si Wu Tang, which pairs it with chuan xiong to ease cramps.
- Works well together
Both move blood and ease pain in classic Chinese blood formulas.
- Use cautionBlood thinners (warfarin, Eliquis, Xarelto, Plavix, daily aspirin)
May add to bleeding risk with blood thinners.
Adds up with others that may slow blood clotting: , , , , , , , , , , , , , and 40 more.
Found in these formulas
Four Substances (TCM), Sour Jujube Decoction (TCM)
The honest take
Chuan xiong has a long history in Chinese medicine, but human trials of the herb alone are few. Most of the proof comes from lab work and from mixed formulas. Do not use it for period pain or headaches without a clinician, especially if you take blood thinners.