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What is the function of Chuanxiong and Gegen?

May 15, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Sun Lianqing
Introduction
Chuanxiong (Ligusticum chuanxiong) is pungent, warm, aromatic, and drying. It moves through the body without stagnating, effectively promoting blood circulation and regulating qi, thus being regarded as a "qi herb for blood disorders." Gegen (Pueraria lobata) releases the exterior and elevates yang, with a light and ascending nature. When used together, these two herbs enhance each other's effects in promoting blood circulation and regulating qi flow, thereby improving conditions of poor circulation and qi-blood stagnation. This combination is particularly effective in treating symptoms such as chest and rib pain, irregular menstruation, and dysmenorrhea caused by qi stagnation and blood stasis.

The general functions of Chuanxiong (Ligusticum chuanxiong) and Gegen (Pueraria lobata) include promoting blood circulation and regulating qi flow, unblocking meridians to relieve pain, alleviating muscle fever, improving cerebral blood supply, and regulating blood pressure.

1. Promoting Blood Circulation and Regulating Qi: Chuanxiong is pungent, warm, aromatic, and drying; it actively circulates without remaining stationary, thus both invigorating blood and moving qi, earning it the name "the qi herb within blood." Gegen alleviates muscle tension and elevates yang qi with its light and ascending nature. When used together, they enhance each other's ability to promote blood circulation and regulate qi, improving impaired circulation and effectively managing symptoms such as chest and rib pain, irregular menstruation, and dysmenorrhea caused by qi stagnation and blood stasis.

2. Unblocking Meridians and Relieving Pain: Chuanxiong effectively circulates qi and blood, reaching internal organs and meridians, making it a key herb for treating headaches. Gegen helps relieve stiffness and pain in the neck and back. Combined, these two herbs significantly enhance the effect of unblocking meridians and relieving pain, not only alleviating headaches and neck or back pain but also reducing joint and limb pain and arthralgia, especially suitable for pain symptoms caused by blocked meridians.

3. Alleviating Muscle Fever: Gegen has the effect of relieving muscle fever and is commonly used to treat fever caused by external pathogens and neck stiffness. Chuanxiong promotes blood and qi circulation, assisting in resolving exterior syndromes and dissipating heat. Together, they strengthen the effect of alleviating muscle fever, helping the body expel external pathogens and relieve symptoms such as fever, chills, and muscle aches.

4. Improving Cerebral Blood Supply: Chuanxiong dilates blood vessels, increases cerebral blood flow, and improves microcirculation. Gegen reduces vascular resistance and inhibits platelet aggregation. When combined, they effectively enhance cerebral circulation and increase brain perfusion, improving symptoms such as dizziness, headache, and memory loss caused by insufficient cerebral blood supply.

5. Regulating Blood Pressure: The active ingredients in Chuanxiong regulate vascular tension and have a bidirectional effect on blood pressure. Gegen dilates coronary and cerebral arteries, lowering blood pressure. When used together, they synergistically regulate blood pressure, aiding in treating both hypertension and hypotension, helping maintain blood pressure at a relatively stable level.

Before using any herbal medicine, one should consult a qualified traditional Chinese medicine practitioner to ensure safety and appropriateness, avoiding potential side effects or drug interactions. A light diet should be maintained, avoiding spicy and irritating foods.

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