Ligusticum root (Gaoben)

Pharmaceutical Name : Rhizoma Ligustici

Botanical Name: 1. Ligusticum sinense oliver; 2. Ligusticum jeholense Nakai et Kitag.

Source of Earliest Record: Shennong Bencao Jing

Common Name: Ligusticum root

Part Used & Method for Pharmaceutical Preparations: The roots are dug in spring. After the fibrous roots have been removed, they are dried in the sun. Then, after soaking them in water, the roots are cut into slices.

Properties & Taste : Pungent and warm

Meridians: Urinary bladder

Functions:
1. To expel cold and release the exterior;
2. To expel wind and dampness;
3. To stop pain

Indications & Combinations:
1. Headache due to invasion by wind and cold manifested by pain at the vertex and migraine headache. Ligusticum root (Gaoben) is used with Dahurian angelica root (Baizhi) and Chuanxiong rhizome (Chuanxiong).

2. Wind-cold-damp bi syndrome manifested as joint pain and pain in the limbs. Ligusticum root (Gaoben) is used with Ledebouriella root (Fangfeng), Notopterygium root (Qianghuo), Clematis root (Weilingxian) and Atractylodes rhizome (Cangzhu).

Dosage: 2-10 g

Cautions & Contraindications: This herb is contraindicated during heat syndromes, as well as in headache due to blood deficiency.