Chuan Xiong

Botanical Name: Chuanxiong Rhizoma

Chuan Xiong

Category: Invigorate the Blood

Dosage: 3-9g; when taken as a powder, 1-1.5g per dose

Cautions and Contraindications:

• Use with caution during pregnancy, or in those who bleed easily or have profuse menses.
• s  Inappropriate for those with fire from yin deficiency or with a red, dry tongue and a dry mouth.

Actions and Indications:

• Invigorates the blood and promotes the movement of Qi: for any blood stasis pattern.  This is an important herb in gynecology and is used for such problems as dysmenorrheal, amenorrhea, difficult labor, or retained lochia.  It is also indicated for patterns of stagnant qi and blood stasis with pain and soreness in the chest, flanks, and hypochondria.
• Expels wind and alleviates pain: a leading herb for any externally-contracted wind disorder characterized by headache, dizziness, or painful obstruction.  Particularly useful for headaches.  Also used for a variety of skin problems caused by wind.