Witnessed by: TCM
Chinese lovage (Ligusticum sinense), of the Apiaceae family. Tall aromatic umbellifer of cool moist mountain woodland; native range: shaded mountain slopes and ravines of central and western China. Globally recognized as gao ben (藁本) in Chinese, and Chinese lovage rhizome in English. The part used is rhizome and root. Twisted brown rhizome with wiry roots, strongly aromatic, acrid and warming with a lingering pungency.
In this cross-tradition database, we analyze how this substance operates across world medicine systems — tracking its traditional tastes, temperatures, tissue affinities, post-digestive effects, and planetary correspondences across Ayurveda, Unani, and Western herbalism.
CHINESE LOVAGE
IDENTITY
Name
- Common
- Chinese lovage
- Scientific name
- Ligusticum sinense Oliv.
- Family
- Apiaceae
Form
- Part used
- rhizome and root
PROPERTIES
Nature
Taste
how the plant declares itself on the tongue
- TCM
- pungent
Temperature
- TCM
- warm
Affinity
where in the body it travels
Organs / channels
- TCM
- Bladder
PRACTICE
Virtue
Actions
- TCM
- expels wind, disperses cold, dispels dampness, stops pain
Cautions
- Contraindications
- contraindicated in headache from blood deficiency or yin-deficient heat
- Toxicity
- none significant at customary dose
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