Effects and functions of rock fennel

Rock fennel is a kind of traditional Chinese medicine. It is very helpful to the human body in treating certain diseases. Moreover, this kind of medicine is also widely used. When choosing rock fennel, it is necessary to understand the efficacy, effects and contraindications of rock fennel. Let's take a look at it below.

【English name】 Ligusticum

[Other names] Ligusticum chuanxiong, Osmanthus fragrans, Cypress Fructus Panax notoginseng

[Source] Medicinal material source: The root of the Apiaceae plant Fennel.

[Original form] Perennial herb, 15-35cm high. The root neck is short and thick, the root is conical and often forked. The stem is relatively slender, branched above, and covered with residual leaf sheath fibers at the base. The petiole of the basal leaf is 6-7cm long, slightly swollen into a sheath at the base; the leaf blade is ovate in outline, three-pinnately divided, the terminal segments are linear, 5-15mm long, and 0.5-1mm wide; the leaves on the upper part of the stem are the same shape as the basal leaves, sessile, with a reduced number of lobes, and the top leaves are often simplified into leaf sheaths. The compound umbel is terminal or lateral, 2-4cm in diameter, with 2-7 bracts, linear-lanceolate, often caducous; 5-10 rays, 1-1.5cm long; 5-8 bracteoles, linear-lanceolate, 5-7mm long; calyx teeth are prominent, subulate; petals are white, oblong to ovate, with claws at the base; stylopodium is conical, and the style is recurved downward. The fruit is ovate-oblong, 3-4mm long, 1-2mm wide, with prominent main ribs, 1 oil tube in each groove, 2 oil tubes on the commissure, and the ventral surface of the endosperm is straight. The flowering period is July-August, and the fruiting period is August-September.

[Habitat distribution] Ecological environment: Growing in riverside wetlands, gravel wastelands and rock crevices at an altitude of 1200-2500m.

【Properties】 Characteristic identification: The root is conical and thick. The surface is brown, with residual egg stem marks on the top and many root marks. It is solid and not easy to break. The cross section is yellow-white and has a cambium ring. It has a rich aroma and a slightly bitter and spicy taste.

【Nature and flavor】 Spicy; slightly warm

【Functions and indications】 Soothes wind and releases exterior; promotes qi and relieves pain; activates blood circulation and regulates menstruation. It is mainly used to treat colds, headaches, chest pain, abdominal distension and pain, rheumatic pain, irregular menstruation, metrorrhagia, and swelling caused by falls.

[Usage and Dosage] For oral use: decoct in water, 6-15g; or grind into powder.

[Discussions by various scholars] "Xinhua Compendium of Materia Medica": Used for colds and bruises.

【Excerpt】 Chinese Materia Medica

Rock fennel is often used in the treatment of some diseases. It can be made into a compound prescription or used alone as needed. However, rock fennel should not be consumed blindly to avoid adverse effects on the body.