Evidence supporting the use of: Lingusticum wallichii
For the health condition: Chest Pain
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Ligusticum wallichii (also known as Chuanxiong or Szechuan Lovage Rhizome) is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb that has been used for centuries, particularly in formulas aimed at promoting blood circulation and alleviating various types of pain, including chest pain (often described as "xiong bi" or chest impediment in Traditional Chinese Medicine, TCM). Its traditional use is primarily for conditions associated with "blood stasis" and to "invigorate the blood," which, in TCM theory, is thought to underlie symptoms such as angina or localized chest discomfort.
Classical Chinese medical texts and modern TCM practitioners often recommend Ligusticum wallichii as a core ingredient in herbal formulas for cardiovascular complaints. It is commonly combined with other herbs, such as Salvia miltiorrhiza (Danshen), in patent medicines or decoctions for angina-like symptoms.
While Ligusticum wallichii has demonstrated some vasodilatory, anti-inflammatory, and antiplatelet effects in laboratory and animal studies, robust clinical evidence in humans is limited. Most available data are either preclinical or derived from small, low-quality clinical trials, often with mixed herbal combinations rather than the isolated herb. Thus, while the traditional use for chest pain is well documented, scientific validation is currently modest, and more rigorous research is needed to confirm efficacy and safety in modern clinical contexts.
Other ingredients used for Chest Pain
allspicebasil
betel
clove
turmeric
fish oil
garlic bulb
ginger
hawthorn
magnesium
pear
plantain
pomegranate
rhizome
rosemary
scrophularia root
sphaeranthus indicus
thyme
xanthium (cockleburs)
mugwort
alpinia galangal
inula racemosa
pistacia integerrima gall
commiphora
blackboard tree
caesalpinia crista
lingusticum wallichii
siler root
trichosanthes
zanthoxylum
menthol oil
paw paw
herbal blend (proprietary)
Ash
Avens
Ardisia
Anamu
Aconite
Ajuga
Adrenergic amines
Aerva lanata
American Liverleaf
Acetylsalicylic acid
Amor seco
Arani
Arisaema
Bidens pilosa
Balsam
Bishop's Weed
Bayleaf
Butea monosperma
Black galingale
Barleria
Bitter Grass
Bombax
Borassus Palm
Borassus aethiopum
Bassia scoparia
Borneol
Clerodendrum trichotomum
Capillary Artemisia
Citron
Cajuput
Chinese Raisintree
Cowherb
Dianthus
Eupolyphaga sinensis
Essential Oil Blend
Euphorbia
European-Five Finger Grass
Little ironweed
Mallow
Poppy
Other health conditions supported by lingusticum wallichii
Abdominal PainAcid Indigestion
Angina
Arthritis
Asthma
Backache
Bronchitis
Bruises (healing)
Burns and Scalds
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Chest Pain
Chills
Circulation (poor)
Colds (general)
Congestion
Congestion (bronchial)
Congestion (lungs)
Constipation (adults)
Cuts
Diabetes
Digestion (poor)
Edema
Fever
Gastritis
Gout
Headache (general)
Headache (tension)
Hemorrhoids
Hepatitis
Inflammation
Insomnia
Liver Detoxification
Menstrual Irregularity
Migraine
Nausea and Vomiting
Pain (general remedies for)
Phlebitis
PMS (general)
Pneumonia
Rashes and Hives
Rheumatoid Arthritis