Chuan Xiong

Ligusticum wallichii

Physical Characteristics

Ligusticum wallichii is a PERENNIAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in). It is in flower from July to September, and the seeds ripen from July to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

E. Asia - Himalayas, from India to China.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal Uses

Cholera Haemostatic Nervine Oxytoxic Vasodilator This plant is commonly used in Chinese herbalism, where it is considered to be one of the 50 fundamental herbs[218]. It is used as a main ingredient of a 'coronary pill' which is said to have a definite therapeutic effect on heart problems. Carthamnus is the other major ingredient whilst Acronychia and Salvia are also included[218]. Haemostatic[172]. The root is analgesic, emmenagogue, nervine, oxytocic, sedative and vasodilator[176, 218]. It is used in the treatment of abnormal menstruation, dysmenorrhoea, amenorrhoea, cerebral embolism, coronary heart disease, headaches and body aches[176]. The root is an ingredient of 'Four Things Soup', the most widely used woman's tonic in China[254]. The other species used are Rehmannia glutinosa, Angelica sinensis and Paeonia lactiflora[254]. The root has also shown antibacterial activity against E. coli, Bacillus dysenteriae, Pseudomonas, B. typhi, B. paratyphi, Vibrio cholerae and Vibrio Proteus[176].

Known Hazards

None known