Lovage root (Chuan Xiong)

Effects of lovage root

• Improves blood flow to the heart, brain and limbs, reduces the heart’s oxygen consumption by dilating coronary arteries.
• Antiplatelet agents
• Anticoagulant
• Antispasmodic
• Protective action against radiation
• Uterine stimulant

Indications for lovage root in Chinese medicine

Lovage root is an important herb in Chinese medicine for gynecological disorders (as is Chinese angelica root):

• Dysmenorrhea
• Amenorrhea
• Difficult childbirth
• Retained leeches

But also when blood and liver energy stagnate, causing pain in the chest and/or hypochondria, abdominal pain and cramps.

It is also indicated for wind-generated disorders such as :

• Headaches of the forehead or temples
• Runny nose
• Eye irritation
• Dizziness
• Erratic itching
• Arthritis
• Moving pain
• Muscle pain
• Fear of windNumerous skin diseases (rash, pruritus, eczema, scabies…)

Other indications include coronary disorders and thrombosis, as well as placental retention and assistance with childbirth.

Instructions for use and dosage

Decoction :

3g to 5g lovage root

1) Rinse the herbs in cold water, place them in a container that is not made of iron, aluminum or cast iron and add 250ml of cold water (spring or filtered water).
2) Let the herbs soak in the water for 20 or 30 minutes.
3) Heat the pot (with the same water) over high heat until boiling. As soon as the water is boiling, turn down the heat and simmer for 20 minutes. Drink hot.
4) If you need 2 decoctions a day, pour the liquid obtained into another container or thermos flask.
5) Pour 250ml (or just enough water to cover the herbs) of spring water over the same herbs and heat again over high heat, then turn down to low heat as soon as the water is boiling.
6) Simmer for 20 minutes.
7) Pour off the liquid obtained with the 1st decoction.
8) Drink the decoction hot or lukewarm in 2 batches, morning and afternoon.

Combination

With Chinese angelica root for menstrual disorders such as dysmenorrhea or amenorrhea.

Contraindication

Use with caution in combination with anticoagulants.

Should not be used by persons who :

• Bleed easily
• Have retained lochia
• Have heavy menstrual bleeding

And those with heat symptoms such as :

• always feeling hot
• frequent dryness of the throat and/or mouth
• Red tongue
• frequent thirst
• Yellow, scanty urination

Prohibited for pregnant women because of risk of miscarriage.