The efficacy and function of Ligusticum chuanxiong

There are so many medicinal herbs in the world, and it is inevitable that there are some that we are not familiar with. But as long as we have the spirit of learning throughout our lives, I believe we can slowly learn more medical herbs. So do you know about the medicinal herb Ligusticum chuanxiong?

[Other names] Celery Panax notoginseng, Ligusticum chuanxiong, Lithospermum officinale

[Source] Medicinal material source: The root of the Umbelliferae plant Celery.

[Original form] Perennial herb, 0.5-1.2m tall. The main root is short, 3-4cm long, with many fibrous lateral roots. The stem is erect with longitudinal stripes. The leaf blade is ovate-oblong in outline and pinnately divided. The petiole of the first lobe is 2-5cm long, and the petiole of the second lobe is ovate to oblong, 2-8cm long and 2-4cm wide, with a sharp tip, double serrations on the edges, and sparse soft hairs on the lower part. The leaves on the upper part of the stem are pinnately divided and have sheaths. The compound umbels are terminal or axillary, with peduncles 5-17cm long; the involucral bracts are 3-4, lanceolate or ovate, with long pointed tips; the involucral bracteoles are 4-5, broadly ovate or lanceolate, with sharp tips; the station rays are 7-15, spreading in an arc, 1.5-8cm long; the flowers are white, the pedicels are linear, and the styles are long and curled. The fruit is spherical-ovoid, with a slightly cordate base and gradually narrowed sides. It is 2-3mm long and 1-2mm wide, with linear ridges. There are many oil tubes. The sides of the fruit are flat, the cross section is round, slightly pentagonal, and the ventral side of the endosperm is concave. Flowering and fruiting period is September-October.

[Habitat distribution] Ecological environment: Grown in the shady and moist grass under the hillside forest or under the mixed woods.

[Chemical composition] The rhizome contains volatile oil, the main components of which are nothoapiole (1-allyl-2,3,6-trimethoxy-4,5-methylenedioxybenzene) and dill oil.

【Nature and flavor】 Spicy; warm

【Functions and indications】 Dispel wind and cold; relax muscles and activate blood circulation. Mainly used for colds; headaches; wind-cold-dampness arthralgia; tendon and bone pain; fracture pain

[Usage and Dosage] For internal use: decoction, 21-24g; For external use: appropriate amount, decoction for washing; or mash and apply.

【Excerpt】 Chinese Materia Medica

Through the above introduction, I found that Radix Glehniae has so many pharmacological effects, and it also has good effects on some diseases. In fact, there may be many "treasures" around our lives, but most of the time we don’t have a heart that is good at discovering them.