Is Chuanxiong the same as mint?

Sep 04, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Sun Lianqing

Introduction

Chuanxiong is not mint; the two are different plants and have obvious distinctions in botanical classification, appearance, medicinal properties, and effects—they should not be confused. In daily life, whether used as a traditional Chinese herb or applied in food or daily chemical products, it is important to distinguish between chuanxiong and mint. Selection should be based on specific needs to avoid affecting efficacy or causing discomfort due to confusion between the two.

Generally speaking, Chuanxiong (Ligusticum chuanxiong) is not mint. These are two different plants with obvious distinctions in botanical classification, physical characteristics, medicinal properties, and effects, and should not be confused. The specific differences are as follows:

In terms of medicinal properties and functions, Chuanxiong is warm in nature and pungent in taste. It enters the liver, gallbladder, and pericardium meridians, and its primary functions are to invigorate blood circulation, regulate qi, dispel wind, and relieve pain. It is commonly used to treat conditions such as headaches, dysmenorrhea, and rheumatic pain caused by blood stasis and qi stagnation. Mint is cool in nature and pungent in taste, entering the lung and liver meridians. Its main functions are to疏散 wind-heat, clear the head and eyes, benefit the throat, promote the eruption of rashes, and soothe the liver and regulate qi. It is often used to alleviate symptoms such as wind-heat common cold, headache with red eyes, sore throat, and poor eruption of measles. The two herbs differ significantly in their thermal properties and therapeutic focuses.

In daily life, whether used as a traditional Chinese medicine or applied in food and daily necessities, it is important to distinguish between Chuanxiong and mint. Selection should be based on specific needs to avoid confusion that may affect efficacy or cause discomfort.

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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.