Patient's question:
My wife has been experiencing stomach pain recently, especially during her menstrual period. Sometimes the pain is so severe that she cannot stand straight. The family is very worried and took her to a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner for a pulse diagnosis. The doctor said it was due to blood stagnation and prescribed Chuanxiong.What kind of help do you need: What are the functions and effects of Chuanxiong?
Doctor's answer:
Lion's tooth, also known as mountain ginseng, fragrant fruit, Hu ginseng, horse, bird brain ginseng, capital ginseng, penetrating ginseng, ginseng, Taiwan ginseng, and western ginseng. It has the functions of invigorating blood and removing blood stasis; promoting qi and resolving depression; dispelling wind and relieving pain. It is primarily used to treat irregular menstruation; menstrual and dysmenorrhea; postpartum blood stasis and foul pain; lumps and masses; chest and hypochondriac pain; headache and dizziness; wind-cold and dampness bi; falls and injuries; carbuncles and sores. People with yin deficiency and excess fire, upper excess and lower deficiency, and those with weak qi should avoid taking it.The effects of lion's tooth: Lion's tooth is often used for invigorating blood, promoting qi, dispelling wind, and relieving pain. It is pungent and warm, dry and aromatic, moving but not lingering. It can both circulate and ascend to the top of the head, and also enter the blood and descend to the sea of blood. Its function of invigorating blood and removing blood stasis is widely applicable, suitable for various conditions caused by blood stasis. Its function of dispelling wind and relieving pain is highly effective, capable of treating conditions like wind-cold bi pain and headaches.
The ancients called lion's tooth the "qi of the blood," referring to its functions of pungent dispersion, resolving depression, promoting circulation, and relieving pain. This herb is pungent, warm, and ascending, making it unsuitable for those with yin deficiency and yang excess or liver yang rising. It should also be avoided by women with excessive menstruation and pregnant women.