Chuanxiong is a commonly used traditional Chinese medicine that promotes blood circulation and removes blood stasis. It can be used to relieve dysmenorrhea in women, but it is important to note that Chuanxiong is spicy and warm, so it should be avoided in cases of excessive menstrual flow and pregnancy.
Benefit 1: Promotes blood circulation and regulates qi
1. It is used for angina pectoris in coronary heart disease, with symptoms of chest tightness, shortness of breath, and frequent precordial pain. It can be used in combination with safflower, salvia, borneol, and red peony, as part of the Coronary Heart Disease Formula 2.
2. It is used for diseases caused by blood stasis, such as early menstruation with heavy flow and bright red color, indicating blood heat. It can be used in combination with Rehmannia, moutan bark, and angelica; for late menstruation occurring once every 1-2 months, with lower abdominal pain and excessive white discharge during menstruation, it can be used in combination with angelica, prepared ginger, eucommia bark, and cassia twig.
3. It is used for dysmenorrhea. If there is severe lower abdominal pain before menstruation and menstruation starts 1 day after the pain, it can be used in combination with angelica, peach kernel, and safflower. If there is no discomfort with amenorrhea, it can be used in combination with angelica, peach kernel, dried ginger, and cassia twig. If there is postpartum abdominal pain, it can be used in combination with angelica and prepared ginger.
4. It is used for bruises and local swelling and pain. It can be used in combination with gardenia, peach kernel, and safflower.
Benefit 2: Expels wind and relieves pain
1. It is used for headache caused by colds. If it is due to wind-cold, it can be used in combination with schizonepeta, ledebouriella, and dahurian angelica root. If it is due to wind-heat, it can be used in combination with chrysanthemum and peppermint.
2. It is used for rheumatic pain. It can be used in combination with qianghuo, duhuo, and ledebouriella.
Benefit 3: Regulates qi and relieves depression
1. It is used for distending pain in the upper abdomen and ribs caused by cholecystitis. It can be used in combination with bupleurum and scutellaria.
2. It is used for upper abdominal distending pain, acid reflux, and heartburn caused by gastritis. It can be used in combination with dandelion and mosla.
