Chuan Xiong 川芎

In TCM, blood stasis arises when there is an "obstruction of flow" caused by poor Qi and blood circulation. Chuān xiōng (Szechuan Lovage Rhizome; 川芎) is a versatile herb that invigorates blood. It has the functions of moving Qi and blood and dispelling wind. It is thus widely used to relieve pain caused by blood stasis or Qi stagnation.

Benefits:
● Promotes Qi and blood circulation
● Relieves wind and cold aggravated headaches and migraines
● Improves amenorrhea (missing periods)
● Removes blood stasis, thereby preventing irregular periods and painful periods (dysmenorrhea)

Herb pairing recommendation:
In TCM, both chuān xiōng (川芎) and dāng guī (当归) share similar blood-activating effects and are commonly paired together to enhance the effects of boosting blood circulation, removing blood stasis, and nourishing blood. Chuān xiōng is also commonly paired with tiān má (天麻) in relieving migraine.

Contraindications:
Avoid use for Yin deficiency and fire hyperactivity symptoms (e.g. red tongue and dry mouth), and in patients with heavy menses or who are prone to bleeding. To be used with caution during pregnancy under the advisement of a licensed TCM practitioner.

Ingredients:
Chuān xiōng (Szechuan Lovage Rhizome; 川芎)

Origin:
Szechuan, China 

Dosage:
3g to 9g

Storage:
Best kept refrigerated

How to relieve migraine:
Rinse herbs before use. Add 300g meat, 5g chuān xiōng (川芎), 5g tiān má (天麻), 6 red dates (红枣), and 3 slices of old ginger (老姜) into a pot. Add sufficient water to cover all the ingredients. Bring to a boil and simmer at medium to low heat for 1 hour. Add a handful of wolfberries in the last five minutes before turning off the heat. Add salt to taste. Serve it warm. Serving size: 1 to 2.

How to make sì wù tāng (四物汤):
Sì wù tāng is a classic well-being remedy for women. It replenishes blood, aids in harmonising menstrual periods, and relieves menstrual pain. Simply add 300g meat, 10g shú dì huáng (熟地黄), 6g bái sháo (白芍), 5g dāng guī (当归,) and 3g chuān xiōng (川芎) into a pot. Add sufficient water to cover all the ingredients. Bring to a boil and simmer at medium to low heat for 1 hour. Serve it warm. (Serving size: 1 to 2)

In TCM, both chuān xiōng (川芎) and dān shēn (丹参) share similar functions in moving blood and resolving blood stasis, thereby reducing pain caused by obstruction of blood flow. However, chuān xiōng (川芎) is warm in nature, with the function to move Qi and dispel wind to relieve pain. It is more commonly used for Qi stagnation and blood stasis syndrome, as well as treating headaches.

On the other hand, dān shēn (丹参) is slightly cold in nature, aids in clearing heat in the blood, and calms the mind. It is more commonly used in regulating menstruation and treating carbuncle (painful pus-filled bumps) and insomnia.

Note:
The information above serves as a general guide only. Please consult a licensed TCM practitioner for a more accurate diagnosis and treatment.