Can Chuanxiong (Ligusticum chuanxiong) help in maintaining pregnancy?

Sep 04, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Sun Lianqing

Introduction

Under normal circumstances, Chuanxiong (Ligusticum chuanxiong) should not be used for maintaining pregnancy. In fact, due to its pharmacological properties, its unsupervised use during pregnancy may affect pregnancy safety. Self-administration must be strictly avoided. In daily life, pregnant women need to pay special attention to medication safety; whether using traditional Chinese medicine or Western medicine, all medications should be taken under the guidance of a qualified physician. If there is a need for pregnancy support, prompt medical consultation is advised.

Generally speaking, Chuanxiong (Ligusticum chuanxiong) should not be used for fetal protection. Due to its medicinal properties, using it arbitrarily during pregnancy may affect pregnancy safety, and self-administration must be strictly avoided. Detailed explanations are as follows:

From the perspective of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), Chuanxiong is warm in nature and pungent in taste. It acts on the liver, gallbladder, and pericardium meridians, and its core functions include promoting blood circulation, regulating qi flow, dispelling wind, and relieving pain. It is commonly used to improve conditions such as headaches and dysmenorrhea caused by blood stasis and qi stagnation. Its blood-activating properties can enhance blood circulation, potentially stimulating the uterus and increasing the risk of uterine contractions. Excessive uterine contractions during pregnancy may compromise embryonic stability and even lead to adverse pregnancy outcomes. Therefore, Chuanxiong does not have a fetal-protective effect and is considered a medicinal herb that should be cautiously used or avoided during pregnancy.

In daily life, pregnant women need to pay special attention to medication safety. Whether using traditional Chinese medicine or Western medicine, all treatments should be administered under the guidance of a qualified physician. If fetal protection is required, timely medical consultation is necessary. Physicians should develop scientific treatment plans based on individual conditions. Self-medication with herbal remedies should be avoided to prevent risks to maternal and fetal health.

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What are the functions and benefits of Chuanxiong wine?

In general, Chuanxiong wine is a beverage primarily made by steeping Chuanxiong (Ligusticum chuanxiong), and its functions and effects mainly include promoting blood circulation and regulating qi, dispelling wind to relieve pain, improving circulation, alleviating headaches, and regulating menstruation. When using Chuanxiong wine, it is important to drink in moderation and avoid excessive consumption; special populations such as pregnant women, lactating women, and individuals allergic to alcohol should avoid its use.

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What are the functions, effects, and contraindications of Chuanxiong?

The functions and effects of Chuanxiong (Ligusticum chuanxiong) generally include promoting blood circulation and Qi movement, dispelling wind to relieve pain, improving circulation, regulating menstruation and alleviating pain, and relieving headaches. It has a pungent and warm nature, and is particularly effective in promoting blood and Qi circulation, thus treating symptoms such as chest and rib distension pain, and epigastric stabbing pain caused by Qi and blood stagnation. Contraindications generally include avoiding use in pregnant women, caution in patients with excessive menstrual bleeding, individuals with Yin deficiency and internal heat, those with bleeding tendencies, and situations where excessive dosage should be avoided.

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Are Chuanxiong and Chuan Xiong the same?

Chuanxiong is the dried rhizome of the plant Ligusticum chuanxiong Hort., belonging to the family Umbelliferae. It is mainly produced in Sichuan Province and named after its place of origin. Chuanxiong is a commonly used traditional Chinese herb. The character "穹" in the term "川穹" is a misspelling. In fact, there is no independent herb named "川穹." In herbal markets, pharmacopoeias, and clinical applications, "川芎" is the standardized name, and both terms refer to exactly the same substance.

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What are the functions and effects of Chuanxiong Granules?

Chuanxiong Granules usually refer to Dachuanxiong Granules. As a commonly used traditional Chinese medicine preparation, Dachuanxiong Granules have effects and functions including promoting blood circulation and regulating qi, expelling wind to relieve pain, alleviating headaches, improving dizziness, and dredging meridians and collaterals. When using Dachuanxiong Granules, it is necessary to clearly identify the applicable conditions, follow the recommended dosage on the package insert or take as directed by a physician. Special populations such as pregnant women and lactating women should use with caution.