Use of szechuan lovage roots (Chuān Xiōng) in TCM

Please note that you should never self-prescribe TCM ingredients. A TCM ingredient is almost never eaten on its own but as part of a formula containing several ingredients that act together. Please consult a professional TCM practitionner, they will be best able to guide you.

Preparation: Remove impurities and smaller roots, wash and dry.

Dosage: 3 - 9 grams

Main actions according to TCM*: Regulates and moves the Blood. Relieves Wind-Cold and pain. Circulates the Qi in the Upper Burner, relieving headaches.

Primary conditions or symptoms for which szechuan lovage roots may be prescribed by TCM doctors*: Irregular menstruation Amenorrhea Dysmenorrhea Chest pain Headache Arthralgia

Contraindications*: Not to be used for headaches that occur because of Deficiency of Yin or from raising Liver Yang; it should not be used when there is abnormal bleeding or during pregnancy.

Common TCM formulas in which szechuan lovage roots are used*:

• For painful menstruation combine szechuan lovage roots with dong quai and lindera roots.
• For joint pains caused by Blood Stagnation combine szechuan lovage roots with dong quai, achyranthes roots and red sage roots.
• For dysmenorrhea caused by Qi and Blood Stagnation combine szechuan lovage roots with dong quai, coco-grass rhizomes and turmeric tubers.
• For Blood tonification combine szechuan lovage roots with dong quai, prepared rehmannia and white peony roots.
• For conditions such as anemia, weakness, tiredness, irregular menses caused by exhaustion or postpartum recovery combine szechuan lovage roots with ginseng, atractylodes rhizomes, poria-cocos mushrooms, liquorice, dong quai, prepared rehmannia, white peony roots, fresh ginger and jujube dates.
• For migraine headaches combine szechuan lovage roots with gastrodia rhizomes and achyranthes roots.
• For joint pains caused by Wind-Damp obstruction combine szechuan lovage roots with gastrodia rhizomes and frankincense.
• For numbness of the limbs and extremities combine szechuan lovage roots with gastrodia rhizomes, dong quai and achyranthes roots.
• For Wind-heat headache combine szechuan lovage roots with angelica roots and chrysanthemum flowers.
• For irregular menstruation combine szechuan lovage roots with vaccaria seeds , dong quai, peach kernels and safflowers.
• For heavy menstrual bleeding or strong bleeding postpartum combine szechuan lovage roots with tienchi ginseng, dong quai, white peony roots and unprepared rehmannia.

Key TCM concepts behind szechuan lovage roots' properties

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), szechuan lovage roots are plants that belong to the 'Herbs that invigorate the Blood' category. Like the name indicates these herbs tend to stimulate the Blood flow. In TCM they're used to help the circulation of Blood in cardiovascular conditions or menstrual irregularities as well as to treat acute pains caused by Blood Stagnation. They can also be used to treat Blood Stasis in the case of certain tumors, cysts and hardened clots.

Furthermore szechuan lovage roots are plants that are Warm in nature. This means that szechuan lovage roots tend to help people who have too much "cold" in their body, although with less effect than a plant that would be Hot in nature. Balance between Yin and Yang is a key health concept in TCM. Those who have too much cold in their body are said to either have a Yin excess (because Yin is Cold in nature) or a Yang deficiency (Yang is Hot in Nature). Depending on your condition szechuan lovage roots can help restore a harmonious balance between Yin and Yang.

Szechuan lovage roots also taste Pungent. The so-called "five elements" theory in Chinese Medicine states that the taste of TCM ingredients is a key determinant of their action in the body. Pungent ingredients like szechuan lovage roots tend to promote the circulations of Qi and body fluids. That's why for instance someone tends to sweat a lot when they eat spicy/pungent food.

The tastes of ingredients in TCM also determine what organs and meridians they target. As such szechuan lovage roots are thought to target the Gallbladder, the Liver and the Pericardium. Similar to modern medicine, in TCM the Gall Bladder stores and releases bile produced by the Liver. It also controls the emotion of decisiveness. The Liver on the other hand is often referred as the body's "general" because it is in charge of regulating the movements of Qi and body fluids. It also takes a leading role in balancing our emotions. The Pericardium is also called the "heart protector". It is the first line of defence for the Heart against external pathogenic influences

Research on szechuan lovage roots

Ligusticum chuanxiong could help treat cardiovascular diseases because it contains ligustilide and senkyunolide A which both have vasorelaxation activities.¹.

Sources:

1. SSK Chan, TY Cheng, G Lin (2007). Relaxation effects of ligustilide and senkyunolide A, two main constituents of Ligusticum chuanxiong, in rat isolated aorta. Journal of ethnopharmacology, 111(3), p. 677-680. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2006.12.018