Herb module
Chuan Xiong
Chuan XiongLigusticum chuanxiong
A warm, aromatic root used to get Blood and Qi moving and to lift a formula's effects upward.
Chuan Xiong is a warming herb used in Traditional Chinese Medicine to invigorate Blood, move Qi, expel Wind and ease pain. In Pain Release™ it has a directional job. It carries the formula's effects upward and balances the downward pull of Chuan Niu Xi, so the whole formula reaches the body from head to toe.
Best functions
- Traditionally used to invigorate the Blood
- Used to promote the smooth movement of Qi
- Used to expel Wind
- Traditionally used to ease pain
- Guides a formula's action upward in the body
Fascinating facts
- In Pain Release™, Chuan Xiong carries the formula upward while Chuan Niu Xi carries it downward. The two act like a pair of guides working in opposite directions.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine
Chuan Xiong is pungent in flavor and warm in nature, and it enters the Liver, Gallbladder and Pericardium channels. In Traditional Chinese Medicine it is known as a Blood-regulating herb.
Biomedical deep dive
Chuan Xiong Chuan Xiong
From the Zoi Medicinals fact sheets’ Biomedical Details, with lines from Noa’s herb notes marked “Noa’s notes”.
On the fact sheet
- Chuan Xiong (Ligusticum chuanxiong) is warm and enters the LIV, GB, and PC meridians; invigorates Blood, promotes movement of Qi, expels Wind, and alleviates pain. Carries the formula's effects upward, balancing Chuan Niu Xi's downward direction. Pain Release sheet
Key active constituents
- Ligustilide, a major constituent shared with Dang Gui.
Pharmacology and mechanisms
- Ligustilide has been shown to inhibit platelet aggregation (platelets clumping together), which supports healthy circulation to tissues.
- Ligustilide and other components of Chuan Xiong and Dang Gui promote relaxation of both blood vessels and muscles while improving circulation.
- Chuan Xiong has been shown to improve microcirculation, the flow within the body's smallest blood vessels.
What the research says
- Studies cited on the Pain Release sheet showed Chuan Xiong improves microcirculation; the sheet also lists a review of Ligusticum chuanxiong chemistry and pharmacology.
Safety, interactions and cautions
- Every Zoi fact sheet: do not use if pregnant or breastfeeding unless directed by your health care practitioner.
- The Pain Release fact sheet cautions use with anticoagulant or antiplatelet medicines (warfarin, aspirin, clopidogrel), since several ingredients promote circulation and may add to their effects.
- Caution with Yin deficiency with Heat and headache (Traditional Chinese Medicine terms). Noa’s notes
- Caution with heavy bleeding. Noa’s notes
In these Zoi formulas
- Pain Release (#11 on the fact sheet)
