What are the effects and functions of the traditional Chinese medicine Chuanxiong?

Chuanxiong can not only promote blood circulation and qi, but also dispel wind and relieve pain, promote qi and relieve depression, etc. It is mostly used for irregular menstruation, dystocia and some other menstrual problems, and headaches and rheumatic pains caused by colds. It is more effective when taken together with other medicines.

1. Promote blood circulation and qi movement: ① Used for angina pectoris caused by coronary heart disease, with symptoms of chest tightness, shortness of breath, and frequent tenderness in the precordial area. It can be used together with safflower, salvia miltiorrhiza, agarwood, and red peony root, namely, Coronary Heart Disease Formula No. 2. ② It is used for diseases caused by qi and blood stasis, such as early menstruation, heavy red menstruation, which is caused by blood heat. It can be used together with raw rehmannia, peony bark, angelica, etc.; in late menstruation, once every 1 to 2 months, waist and abdominal pain during menstruation, and white leucorrhea, it can be used together with angelica, roasted ginger, eucommia, cinnamon, etc. ③ Used for dysmenorrhea. If there is severe waist and abdominal pain before menstruation and menstruation comes one day after the pain, use it together with angelica, peach kernel and safflower; if it is amenorrhea but no physical discomfort, use it together with angelica, peach kernel, dried ginger and cinnamon; if it is postpartum abdominal pain, use it together with angelica, roasted ginger, etc. ④ Used for bruises, local swelling and pain, and can be used together with gardenia, peach kernel, and safflower.

2. Dispel wind and relieve pain : ① For cold and headache, if it is caused by wind-cold, it can be used together with Schizonepeta, Saposhnikovia and Angelica dahurica; if it is caused by wind-heat, it can be used together with chrysanthemum and mint. ② Used for rheumatic pain, can be used together with Notopterygium root, Angelica dahurica, Saposhnikovia root, etc.

3. Promote Qi circulation and relieve depression: ① Used for upper abdominal and flank pain caused by cholecystitis, and can be used together with Bupleurum chinense, Scutellaria baicalensis, etc. ② It is used for symptoms of upper abdominal distension and pain, acid vomiting and heartburn caused by gastritis. It can be used together with dandelion and costus root.