Herb Rhizome (根茎 gēn jīng)

Gao Ben

Chinese lovage root · 藁本

Ligusticum sinense Oliv. · Rhizoma et Radix Ligustici

Also known as: Gao Ban (藁板), Xi Qiong (西芎), Xiang Gao Ben (香藁本),

Gao Ben (Chinese lovage root) plant

Images shown are for educational purposes only

Gǎo Běn is a warm, aromatic herb best known for treating headaches at the top of the head (vertex headaches) and body aches caused by exposure to cold and damp weather. It is also used for joint and muscle pain associated with Wind, Cold, and Dampness, and appears in many classical formulas for colds with prominent head and body pain.

Category Warm, acrid herbs that release the Exterior (辛温解表药)
Therapeutic focus Headache Relief Joint and Muscle Pain Relief Cold and Flu Relief Skin Health

TCM Properties

Temperature

Warm

Taste

Acrid / Pungent (辛 xīn)

Channels entered

Urinary Bladder

Parts used

Rhizome (根茎 gēn jīng)

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What This Herb Does

Every herb has a specific set of actions — here's what Gao Ben does in the body, explained in both everyday and TCM terms

Therapeutic focus

In practical terms, Gao Ben is primarily used to support these areas of health:

Headache Relief Joint and Muscle Pain Relief Cold and Flu Relief Skin Health

TCM Actions

In TCM terminology, these are the specific therapeutic actions that Gao Ben performs to restore balance in the body:

Disperses Wind-Cold Drains Dampness Alleviates Pain Reaches the Vertex of the Head

How these actions work

'Dispels Wind and dissipates Cold' means Gǎo Běn drives out Wind-Cold pathogens that have invaded the body's surface, particularly the Bladder channel (Tài Yáng). This is why it is used at the onset of colds when there is headache, chills, nasal congestion, and body aches caused by exposure to cold and wind.

'Overcomes Dampness' refers to the herb's ability to dry and expel Dampness from the muscles, joints, and channels. Its warm, pungent, and aromatic nature makes it effective for conditions where Wind, Cold, and Dampness combine to cause heavy, achy sensations in the body and joints, as seen in what Western medicine might call rheumatic or arthritic pain.

'Alleviates pain' is one of this herb's strongest clinical features. Because of its powerful ascending and dispersing nature, Gǎo Běn is especially effective for pain at the top of the head (the vertex). Classical texts describe it as the key herb for vertex headache. Zhang Yuansu, the Jin Dynasty physician, stated that vertex headache "cannot be treated without it." It also addresses headaches along the back of the head and neck (Tài Yáng territory), as well as generalized body pain from Wind-Cold-Dampness.

'Reaches the vertex of the head' is a distinctive property. Among all the Wind-Cold dispersing herbs, Gǎo Běn is the one most closely associated with directing its therapeutic effect upward to the crown. This is why it is called for specifically when the headache is located at the top of the head, rather than the forehead (Bái Zhǐ territory) or temples (Chuān Xiōng territory).

Patterns Addressed

In TCM, symptoms cluster into recognizable patterns of disharmony. Gao Ben is used to help correct these specific patterns.

Why Gao Ben addresses this pattern

Gǎo Běn's warm, pungent nature directly opposes the Wind-Cold pathogen that has invaded the Tài Yáng (Bladder) channel. Its strong ascending and dispersing qualities release the exterior, driving Wind-Cold out through the body's surface. It is particularly indicated when Wind-Cold travels upward along the Bladder channel to the vertex of the head, causing severe headache at the crown along with chills, nasal congestion, and body aches. Its aromatic quality also helps overcome any concurrent Dampness trapped in the exterior.

A practitioner would look for one or more of these signs

Headaches

Especially vertex (top of head) headache

Common Cold

With chills, body aches, and nasal congestion

Neck Pain

Stiffness and pain along the back of the neck

Commonly Used For

These are conditions where Gao Ben is frequently used — but only when they arise from the specific patterns it addresses, not in all cases

Arises from: Wind-Cold Wind-Cold

TCM Interpretation

In TCM, headaches are not a single condition but are differentiated by location, quality, and cause. Vertex headaches (pain at the crown of the head) are closely associated with the Bladder channel (Tài Yáng), which runs from the inner eye corner over the head to the back of the body. When Wind-Cold pathogenic factors invade this channel, Qi and Blood circulation are obstructed, producing pain at the top and back of the head. If Dampness is also present, the headache has a heavy, dull quality, as if the head is wrapped in a wet cloth. The location of the pain is a key diagnostic clue: vertex pain points to Tài Yáng channel involvement, while forehead pain suggests the Stomach channel (Yáng Míng) and temple pain suggests the Gallbladder channel (Shào Yáng).

Why Gao Ben Helps

Gǎo Běn is considered the premier herb for vertex headache in the TCM materia medica. Its warm, pungent nature enters the Bladder channel and has a powerful ascending quality that carries its therapeutic effect directly to the top of the head. It dispels the Wind-Cold (and Dampness if present) that is blocking the channel, restoring normal Qi flow and alleviating pain. Classical physicians like Zhang Yuansu specifically identified Gǎo Běn as irreplaceable for this type of headache. It is typically combined with Chuān Xiōng (which addresses headache more broadly and invigorates Blood) and Qiāng Huó (which also targets the Tài Yáng channel) for enhanced effect.

Also commonly used for

Common Cold

Wind-Cold type with prominent head and body pain

Back Pain

Upper back and shoulder pain from Wind-Cold-Dampness

Neck Pain

Stiff neck and occipital pain

Migraine

Wind-Cold type, especially with vertex component

Diarrhea

Cold-Damp type diarrhea with abdominal pain

Keratitis

Skin itching and scabies from Wind-Dampness, used externally

Abdominal Pain

Cramping pain from Cold-Damp obstruction

Herb Properties

Every herb has an inherent temperature, taste, and affinity for specific channels — these properties determine how it interacts with the body

Temperature

Warm

Taste

Acrid / Pungent (辛 xīn)

Channels Entered

Urinary Bladder

Parts Used

Rhizome (根茎 gēn jīng)

Dosage & Preparation

These are general dosage guidelines for Gao Ben — always follow your practitioner's recommendation, as dosages vary based on the formula and your individual condition

Standard dosage

3–10g

Maximum dosage

Up to 15g in severe Wind-Cold headache or painful obstruction conditions, under practitioner guidance. This herb is generally not used at high doses due to its strongly ascending, dispersing nature.

Dosage notes

Standard decoction dose is 3–10g. For headache, especially vertex headache from Wind-Cold, the standard range is sufficient and it is typically combined with herbs like Chuan Xiong, Qiang Huo, or Xi Xin. For Wind-Damp painful obstruction (bi syndrome) with body aches, doses toward the upper end of the range (6–10g) may be used together with other Wind-Damp dispelling herbs. For external use as a wash for skin conditions (scabies, dermatitis, dandruff), an appropriate amount is decocted and used topically without a fixed internal dosage limit. The herb can also be ground to powder and applied externally mixed with water or honey for facial skin conditions. Due to its strongly warm and dispersing nature, prolonged use or excessive dosage should be avoided as it may deplete Yin and Blood.

Preparation

No special decoction handling is required. Gao Ben is decocted normally with other herbs. However, because its therapeutic value depends largely on its volatile oil content, avoid prolonged boiling. Adding it in the last 10–15 minutes of decoction (后下, hou xia) can help preserve its aromatic compounds, though this is not universally required in standard practice.

Processing Methods

In TCM, the same herb can be prepared in different ways to change its effects — here's how processing alters what Gao Ben does

Processing method

Clean Gǎo Běn slices are placed in a wok over gentle heat and stir-fried until they turn yellow, then removed and cooled.

How it changes properties

Stir-frying moderates the herb's strong dispersing nature slightly and makes it more aromatic and crisp. The thermal nature remains warm but the ascending, dispersing force is slightly tempered, making it gentler on the Stomach. The bitter, pungent taste becomes somewhat milder.

When to use this form

Used when the raw herb's strongly dispersing nature is too vigorous for the patient, or when addressing middle-burner Cold-Damp conditions (such as abdominal pain and diarrhea) where a slightly moderated dispersing action is preferred over the raw form's strong upward-and-outward drive.

Common Herb Pairs

These ingredients are traditionally combined with Gao Ben for enhanced therapeutic effect

Qiang Huo
Qiang Huo 1:1 to 1:2 (Gǎo Běn 3-6g : Qiāng Huó 6g)

Both herbs enter the Bladder (Tài Yáng) channel and dispel Wind-Cold-Dampness, but Gǎo Běn has a stronger ascending action targeting the vertex while Qiāng Huó has a broader reach across the upper body. Together they powerfully clear Wind-Cold-Dampness from the entire Tài Yáng channel, from the vertex down through the neck, shoulders, and back.

When to use: Wind-Cold or Wind-Cold-Damp invasion with headache (especially vertex pain), stiff neck, shoulder and upper back pain, and body aches. This is the core herb pair in formulas for exterior Wind-Cold-Damp conditions.

Chuan Xiong
Chuan Xiong 1:1 (equal parts)

Gǎo Běn targets the vertex via the Bladder channel while Chuān Xiōng invigorates Blood and addresses headache more broadly via the Liver and Gallbladder channels. Together they treat headaches of multiple locations and causes by combining Wind-Cold dispersal with Blood invigoration, making this pair effective for both acute and chronic headache.

When to use: Headaches that involve the vertex and other areas simultaneously, or persistent headaches where Wind-Cold obstruction and Blood stagnation coexist. A classical combination seen in the Guǎng Jì Fāng formula for vertex and general headache.

Cang Zhu
Cang Zhu 1:2 to 1:3 (Gǎo Běn 5g : Cāng Zhú 10-15g)

Gǎo Běn warms and disperses to expel Cold-Dampness from the exterior and channels, while Cāng Zhú strongly dries Dampness and strengthens the Spleen's transforming function. Together they address both the exterior (muscles, joints, head) and middle (Spleen, Stomach) manifestations of Cold-Dampness.

When to use: Cold-Damp conditions with both headache/body pain and digestive symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, or epigastric fullness. Also used in Shén Shù Sǎn for exterior Wind-Cold-Damp with prominent head and body pain.

Bai Zhi
Bai Zhi 1:1 (equal parts)

Gǎo Běn targets vertex headache (Tài Yáng territory) while Bái Zhǐ targets frontal headache and toothache (Yáng Míng territory). Together they cover headache in multiple locations and also combine to expel Wind-Dampness from the skin and face, which is why they appear together in traditional cosmetic formulas for skin blemishes.

When to use: Headaches involving both the vertex and the forehead or face. Also used together externally for skin conditions like rosacea, acne, and facial dark spots.

Key Formulas

These well-known formulas feature Gao Ben in a prominent role

Qiang Huo Sheng Shi Tang 羌活勝濕湯 Deputy

This is the most iconic formula showcasing Gǎo Běn's role as a Wind-Damp-dispelling herb. From Li Dongyuan's Nèi Wài Shāng Biàn Huò Lùn, it treats Wind-Dampness lodged in the exterior causing head and body pain. Gǎo Běn serves as Deputy alongside Fáng Fēng, assisting the King herbs Qiāng Huó and Dú Huó by enhancing Wind-Cold-Damp dispersal while specifically targeting vertex headache.

Comparable Ingredients

These ingredients have overlapping uses — here's how to tell them apart

Qiang Huo
Gao Ben vs Qiang Huo

Both are warm, pungent herbs that enter the Bladder channel to dispel Wind-Cold-Dampness and relieve pain. The key difference is their pain target: Gǎo Běn has the strongest ascending nature among these herbs and specifically reaches the vertex of the head, making it the first choice for top-of-head headaches. Qiāng Huó has a more vigorous and broadly dispersing quality, excelling at relieving upper body pain in the head, neck, shoulders, and back. Qiāng Huó also has stronger overall exterior-releasing power and is better for generalized Wind-Cold-Damp Bì syndrome of the upper body.

Chuan Xiong
Gao Ben vs Chuan Xiong

Both treat headaches but through different mechanisms and target different locations. Gǎo Běn disperses Wind-Cold via the Bladder channel and is specific for vertex headache. Chuān Xiōng invigorates Blood and moves Qi, entering the Liver and Gallbladder channels, making it better for temple and lateral headaches and for headaches involving Blood stagnation. Chuān Xiōng is the broader headache herb used across many patterns, while Gǎo Běn is more specialized for Wind-Cold vertex pain.

Bai Zhi
Gao Ben vs Bai Zhi

Both are warm, pungent Wind-Cold dispersing herbs with strong pain-relieving effects, but they target different headache locations. Gǎo Běn enters the Bladder channel and treats vertex headache, while Bái Zhǐ enters the Stomach channel (Yáng Míng) and treats frontal headache, brow ridge pain, and toothache. Bái Zhǐ also has additional actions that Gǎo Běn lacks, including drying Dampness to stop vaginal discharge, reducing swelling, and expelling pus from sores.

Common Substitutes & Adulterants

Related species and common adulterations to be aware of when sourcing Gao Ben

Gao Ben faces significant adulteration problems in the Chinese herbal market. The most common substitute is Xinjiang Gao Ben (新疆藁本), the rhizome and root of Conioselinum vaginatum, which reportedly occupies nearly 70% of the commercial Gaoben market despite being a different species with distinct chemical composition. It is similar in appearance and has overlapping but not identical traditional uses. Other substitutes found regionally include: - Ligusticum tenuissimum (细叶藁本) used in Liaoning and Jilin - Ligusticum acuminatum (尖叶藁本), known as Huang Gao Ben or Shui Gao Ben, used in western Sichuan - Ligusticum pteridophyllum (蕨叶藁本), known as Hei Gao Ben, used in parts of Yunnan - Roots of Angelica species (骨缘当归, known as Shan Gao Ben or Tu Gao Ben) used in Jiangsu and Anhui, which belong to a different genus entirely and have different chemical constituents Because Gao Ben is commonly sold sliced and dried, visual identification is difficult. DNA barcoding (ITS2) has been validated as a reliable authentication method. Authentic material should have the characteristic strong aromatic fragrance and acrid, slightly numbing taste.

Educational content — always consult a qualified healthcare provider or TCM practitioner before using any herb.

Toxicity Classification

Classical Chinese pharmacopoeia toxicity rating for Gao Ben

Non-toxic

Gao Ben is classified as non-toxic in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia. Acute toxicity studies in mice showed an LD50 of approximately 70.17 g/kg (calculated as crude drug) for the neutral oil fraction administered orally, and 42.5 g/kg for the alcohol extract administered intraperitoneally. These values indicate a wide safety margin at normal therapeutic doses. The herb contains volatile oils rich in phthalide compounds (3-butylphthalide, neocnidilide, ligustilide, senkyunolide) and ferulic acid. No significant toxicity concerns arise at standard dosage (3–10g). Being warm, acrid, and strongly dispersing, the main clinical concern is not chemical toxicity but rather the inappropriate use in Yin-deficient or Blood-deficient patients, where it can worsen dryness and deplete fluids.

Contraindications

Situations where Gao Ben should not be used or requires extra caution

Caution

Blood deficiency headache (血虚头痛). Classical sources explicitly state this herb is contraindicated when headache arises from Blood deficiency rather than Wind-Cold invasion, as its warm, dispersing nature would further deplete Blood and Yin.

Caution

Yin deficiency with Heat signs, or Liver Yang rising headache. The warm, ascending, and dispersing nature of Gao Ben would aggravate these patterns, potentially worsening symptoms like dry mouth, irritability, or dizziness.

Caution

Warm-febrile disease (温病) with headache, fever, and thirst. As noted in the Ben Cao Jing Shu, the herb should not be used when headache is caused by warmth or heat pathogens rather than cold.

Caution

Postpartum headache due to Blood deficiency with Fire flaring upward. The Ben Cao Jing Shu specifically cautions against use in this pattern (产后血虚火炎头痛).

Caution

Yang-pattern headache in warm-season febrile diseases (伤寒发于春夏阳证头痛). The herb's warm, ascending nature is inappropriate for heat-related conditions.

Classical Incompatibilities

Traditional Chinese pharmacological incompatibilities — herbs or substances to avoid combining with Gao Ben

Gao Ben does not appear on the Eighteen Incompatibilities (十八反) or Nineteen Mutual Fears (十九畏) lists. However, classical sources record other traditional cautions: the Ben Cao Jing Ji Zhu (《本草经集注》) states it is "averse to" (恶) Lu Ru (闾茹, Ligularia). The Yao Xing Lun (《药性论》) states it "fears" (畏) Qing Xiang Zi (青葙子, Celosia argentea seed).

Special Populations

Important considerations for pregnancy, breastfeeding, and pediatric use

Pregnancy

Use with caution during pregnancy. Pharmacological studies have demonstrated that Gao Ben extracts can lower uterine muscle tone and counteract oxytocin-induced uterine contractions in animal models. While this suggests a relaxant rather than stimulant effect on the uterus, the herb's strongly dispersing, ascending, and Qi-moving properties mean it is generally not considered appropriate during pregnancy without specific clinical justification. Pregnant women should avoid use unless directed by an experienced practitioner.

Breastfeeding

No specific safety data exists for Gao Ben during breastfeeding. As an aromatic, warm, and dispersing herb rich in volatile oils, its components may potentially transfer into breast milk. It is not a standard postpartum herb. Use during breastfeeding should be limited to short-term, clinically justified situations under practitioner guidance.

Children

Gao Ben can be used in children with appropriate dosage reduction based on age and body weight, typically one-third to one-half of the adult dose. It is most often used in pediatric practice for Wind-Cold headache or as an external wash for skin conditions such as scabies and dermatitis, as noted in classical pediatric texts like the Xiao Er Wei Sheng Zong Wei Lun Fang. External use is generally well tolerated in children. Internal use should be short-term and under practitioner supervision.

Drug Interactions

If you are taking pharmaceutical medications, be aware of these potential interactions with Gao Ben

No well-documented pharmaceutical drug interactions have been established specifically for Gao Ben in clinical literature. However, based on its known pharmacological properties, the following theoretical interactions deserve caution:

  • Antihypertensive medications: Gao Ben extracts have demonstrated hypotensive and vasodilatory effects in animal studies. Concurrent use with antihypertensive drugs could theoretically potentiate blood pressure-lowering effects.
  • Anticoagulant and antiplatelet drugs: The herb contains ferulic acid and phthalide compounds (similar to those in the closely related Chuan Xiong) that have shown anti-thrombotic and anti-platelet aggregation activity in preclinical studies. Caution is warranted when used alongside warfarin, heparin, or antiplatelet agents.
  • Sedative medications: Animal studies have shown significant sedative and central nervous system depressant effects. Concurrent use with CNS depressants or sedatives may have additive effects.

Dietary Advice

Foods and dietary considerations when taking Gao Ben

While taking Gao Ben, avoid cold and raw foods, iced drinks, and excessively greasy foods, as these can generate Dampness and Cold internally, working against the herb's wind-dispelling and warming actions. Warm, easily digestible foods are preferred. Since Gao Ben is used for exterior Wind-Cold conditions, light congee or warm soups support the herb's function of releasing the exterior.

Botanical Description

Physical characteristics and morphology of the Gao Ben source plant

Gao Ben is derived from two species in the Apiaceae (Umbelliferae) family: Ligusticum sinense Oliv. (藁本) and Ligusticum jeholense Nakai et Kitag. (辽藁本). Both are perennial herbs growing 0.5 to 1 metre tall, with a single erect stem that is striated and branching. The rootstock is thick and noticeably swollen at the nodes, with short internodes.

The basal leaves have long petioles (10–20 cm) and triangular-ovate blades (15–20 cm long, 10–15 cm wide) that are ternately to 1- or 2-pinnate. The ultimate leaf segments are ovate to oblong-ovate, 2–3 cm long, with irregularly serrate margins. Stem leaves become progressively smaller and simpler upward. Terminal and lateral compound umbels bear 15–30 rays, with small white obovate petals. The fruit is oblong-ovoid, 2–3 mm long, with prominent dorsal ribs and narrowly winged lateral ribs, containing oil tubes (vittae) in each furrow. Flowering occurs from July to September, with fruits ripening from September to October.

The plants grow in mountain forests, along stream banks, and in moist grassland areas, preferring well-drained soils in sunny positions. They are hardy to at least -15°C and are found in cool temperate regions of China.

Sourcing & Harvesting

Where Gao Ben is sourced, when it's harvested or collected, and how to assess quality

Harvesting season

Autumn, when the stems and leaves have withered, or early spring before new shoots emerge.

Primary growing regions

Gao Ben (藁本, Ligusticum sinense) is mainly produced in Sichuan, Hubei, Hunan, and Shaanxi provinces. It grows wild in mountain forests, along stream edges, and in moist grasslands in these regions, and is also cultivated in other provinces. Liao Gao Ben (辽藁本, Ligusticum jeholense) is mainly produced in Hebei and Liaoning provinces in northeast China, growing in mountain forests, meadows, and along moist shaded gullies in Jilin, Liaoning, Hebei, Shanxi, and Shandong. Historically, the Xin Xiu Ben Cao (Tang dynasty) noted that herb from Dangzhou (宕州, in modern Gansu/Sichuan area) was considered the best quality. Sichuan material (川藁本) has long been valued as the traditional terroir source.

Quality indicators

Good quality Gao Ben (藁本) rhizome is irregularly nodular and cylindrical, slightly twisted, 3–10 cm long and 1–2 cm in diameter. The surface should be brown to dark brown with longitudinal wrinkles. The upper side shows several concave round stem-base scars, while the lower side has numerous small dotted root marks and residual rootlets. The herb should feel light in weight, relatively hard in texture, and snap cleanly when broken. The cross-section should be yellow to yellowish-white and fibrous. Most importantly, good quality Gao Ben has a strong, characteristic aromatic fragrance and tastes acrid, slightly bitter, and faintly numbing on the tongue. Weak aroma or a musty smell indicates poor quality or deterioration. Liao Gao Ben (辽藁本) is smaller, with an irregularly block-shaped or columnar rhizome bearing many slender, curved roots.

Classical Texts

Key passages from the classical Chinese medical texts that describe Gao Ben and its therapeutic uses

Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing (《神农本草经》)

「主妇人疝瘕，阴中寒，肿痛，腹中急，除风头痛，长肌肤，悦颜色。」

"Treats women's hernia-like abdominal masses, cold in the lower body with swelling and pain, abdominal urgency, dispels Wind headache, nourishes the skin, and brightens the complexion."

Zhang Yuansu (张元素)

「藁本，乃太阳经风药，其气雄壮，寒气郁于本经头痛必用之药，巅顶痛，非此不能治。」

"Gao Ben is a Wind herb of the Tai Yang channel. Its Qi is powerful and vigorous. It is an essential herb when Cold stagnates in this channel causing headache. Vertex headache cannot be treated without it."

Ben Cao Hui Yan (《本草汇言》)

「藁本，升阳而发散风湿，上通巅顶，下达肠胃之药也。其气辛香雄烈，能清上焦之邪，辟雾露之气。」

"Gao Ben raises Yang and disperses Wind-Dampness. It reaches upward to the vertex of the head and downward to the intestines and stomach. Its Qi is acrid, aromatic, and powerfully vigorous, able to clear pathogens from the upper body and ward off the Qi of fog and dew."

Ben Cao Qiu Zhen (《本草求真》)

「或谓其性颇有类于芎藭，皆能以治头痛，然一主于肝胆，虽行头目，而不及于巅顶，一主太阳及督，虽其上下皆通，而不兼及肝胆之为异耳。」

"Some say its nature resembles Chuan Xiong, as both treat headache. However, Chuan Xiong acts primarily on the Liver and Gallbladder and reaches the head and eyes but not the vertex. Gao Ben acts primarily on the Tai Yang channel and the Du vessel, and though it communicates above and below, it does not extend to the Liver and Gallbladder. This is how they differ."

Yi Xue Qi Yuan (《医学启源》)

「治寒气郁结于本经，治头痛，脑痛，齿痛。」

"Treats Cold stagnation in its channel [Tai Yang]. Treats headache, brain pain, and toothache."

Historical Context

The history and evolution of Gao Ben's use in Chinese medicine over the centuries

Gao Ben was first recorded in the Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing (《神农本草经》), the earliest Chinese materia medica, where it was classified as a middle-grade herb. Its medicinal use thus spans over 2,000 years. The name "藁本" literally means "straw root" (藁 = straw, 本 = root), referring to the appearance of the stem base above the rhizome. As the Xin Xiu Ben Cao (《新修本草》) explained: "because the upper part of the root resembles straw stalks, it is named Gao Ben." Ancient aliases include Gui Qing (鬼卿, "Minister of Ghosts"), Di Xin (地新, "Earth's New"), Shan Chai (山茝), and Wei Xiang (蔚香).

Throughout history, Gao Ben has been most celebrated as the key herb for vertex (top of head) headache. Zhang Yuansu, the influential Jin dynasty physician, declared it indispensable for this indication, stating that vertex pain "cannot be treated without it." The herb's strong ascending and dispersing nature made it the representative herb for the Tai Yang Bladder channel reaching the crown of the head, distinguishing it from Chuan Xiong (which targets the Liver/Gallbladder channels and treats temporal headache) and Bai Zhi (which targets the Yang Ming Stomach channel and treats frontal headache).

The Ben Cao Jing Feng Yuan (《本经逢原》) noted that while later physicians knew Gao Ben only as a headache remedy, the original Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing had actually indicated it for gynecological conditions including abdominal masses and cold in the lower body. These seemingly disparate uses were unified by the understanding that both represent Cold-Damp pathology of the Tai Yang channel. Gao Ben was also valued in cosmetic applications. Multiple classical texts noted it could "nourish the skin and brighten the complexion," and it was used in face washes and skin creams, often paired with Bai Zhi.

Modern Research

3 published studies investigating the pharmacological effects or clinical outcomes of Gao Ben

1

Comprehensive review of botany, ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and quality control of Ligustici Rhizoma et Radix (2024)

Phytochemistry Reviews (Elsevier/ScienceDirect), 2024

This extensive review summarized that Gao Ben (Ligustici Rhizoma et Radix) contains numerous bioactive compounds including phthalides, organic acids (ferulic acid), terpenes, and coumarins. Modern pharmacological studies confirmed anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antipyretic, anti-atherosclerosis, anti-thrombotic, and antioxidant effects. The review covered quality control methods and noted the herb has been used in traditional medicine for over 2,000 years across multiple Asian countries.

Link
2

Molecular Authentication of Gao-ben (Ligustici Rhizoma et Radix) using ITS2 Barcoding (2019)

Liu ZW, Gao YZ, Zhou J. Frontiers in Plant Science, 2019, 10:429

This study tested DNA barcoding to distinguish authentic Gao Ben from 7 potential adulterant species using the ITS2 region. All 68 samples were correctly identified with 100% PCR success rates. The method reliably separated genuine Ligusticum sinense and L. jeholense from common substitutes, offering a practical tool for quality control of this herb, which is difficult to identify visually when sold sliced and dried.

PubMed
3

Complete Chloroplast Genomes of Three Gaoben-related Medicinal Plants (2022)

Frontiers in Plant Science, 2022, 13:878263

This genomic study sequenced the complete chloroplast genomes of L. sinense, L. jeholense, and Conioselinum vaginatum (Xinjiang Gaoben, a common market substitute occupying nearly 70% of the Gaoben market). It identified specific DNA barcode regions that can reliably distinguish these three species, providing essential tools for authenticating this commonly adulterated herb.

PubMed

Research on individual TCM herbs is growing but still limited by Western clinical trial standards. These studies provide emerging evidence and should be considered alongside practitioner expertise.