Can Chuanxiong treat nausea?

Sep 04, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Sun Lianqing

Introduction

Under normal circumstances, Chuanxiong (Ligusticum chuanxiong) is generally not used directly to treat nausea. It may only be used as an auxiliary medicinal component in combination therapy when nausea is caused by specific etiologies and corresponds to a particular TCM syndrome differentiation. It should not be used alone as the primary herb for treating nausea. In daily life, if nausea occurs, the underlying cause should first be identified, such as improper diet, gastrointestinal discomfort, or emotional fluctuations.

Generally speaking, Chuanxiong (Ligusticum chuanxiong) is not typically used directly to treat nausea. It may only be used as an auxiliary medicinal ingredient in combination therapies when nausea is caused by specific etiologies and conforms to certain TCM syndrome differentiation patterns, but it should not be used alone as the primary herb for treating nausea. Detailed analysis is as follows:

The core functions of Chuanxiong are promoting blood circulation, regulating qi flow, expelling wind, and relieving pain. It is primarily used to treat conditions such as headaches, dysmenorrhea, and rheumatic pain caused by blood stasis with qi stagnation or invasion of wind pathogens. It does not have direct effects of harmonizing the stomach or relieving vomiting and nausea. Nausea is often associated with dysfunction of the spleen and stomach and upward reversal of stomach qi, such as food stagnation, internal retention of phlegm-dampness, or liver qi invading the stomach. Treatment should mainly focus on harmonizing the stomach, lowering逆qi, promoting digestion, and regulating liver qi—actions that are distinctly different from Chuanxiong's therapeutic focus.

If nausea is caused by specific conditions such as blood stasis impairing the spleen and stomach's transforming function, or severe headache accompanied by nausea, under the guidance of TCM syndrome differentiation, Chuanxiong may be combined with other herbs that harmonize the stomach and relieve vomiting. In this context, Chuanxiong's ability to promote blood circulation, regulate qi, and relieve headache may indirectly help alleviate nausea caused by blood stasis or headache.

In daily life, if nausea occurs, the first step is to identify the underlying cause, such as improper diet, gastrointestinal discomfort, or emotional fluctuations. Symptoms may often be relieved through dietary adjustments and emotional relaxation.

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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.