Source
The rhizome of Ligusticum chuanxiong Hort. (Fam. Umbelliferae).

Distribution
Mainly in Chinese provinces such as Sichuan, Hubei, Shaanxi and Jiangxi. Cultivated.

Harvest & Processing
Harvest & Processing Collect rhizomes in summer when bulgy nodes on stems become prominent and slightly purplish in colour; remove stems, leaves and soil; air to dry until half-dry and then dry by heat; remove rootlets.

Description
Irregular and nodular, fist-shape a pieces; 2-7 cm in diameter. Outer surface dull yellowish-brown, rough and wrinkled, with numerous protuberant annular (ring-like) nodes; top end with dented suborbicular (almost round) stem scars; lateral side of lower part and annular nodes with numerous small strumiform (cushion-like) root scars. Hard and solid, do not break easily. When broken, surface yellowish-white or greyish-yellow, with an undulate (wavy) cambium ring and criss-crossing striae, scattered with punctiform (dot-like) yellowish-brown oil cavities. With a distinctive and strong fragrance; taste: bitter, acrid, slightly tongue-numbing and then slightly sweet.

Indications
1. Menstrual disorders
2. Dizziness, headache, chest pain
3. Aversion to cold
4. Abdominal pain with mass formation, post traumatic swelling and pain
5. Rheumatic arthralgia

Chemical Composition
Mainly contains alkaloids such as chuanxiongzine also contains essential oils.

Photos