Chuan Xiong
Ligusticum wallichii
Family: Apiaceae or Umbelliferae
What it is like
Ligusticum wallichii is a PERENNIAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in). It is in flower from July to September, and the seeds ripen from July to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 1
Where it is found
Shady slopes in forests at elevations of 1500--3700 metres in western China.
E. Asia - Himalayas, from India to China.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 0
Medicine
Rating: 3
This plant is commonly used in Chinese herbalism, where it is considered to be one of the 50 fundamental herbs. It is used as a main ingredient of a 'coronary pill' which is said to have a definite therapeutic effect on heart problems. Carthamnus is the other major ingredient whilst Acronychia and Salvia are also included. Haemostatic. The root is analgesic, emmenagogue, nervine, oxytocic, sedative and vasodilator. It is used in the treatment of abnormal menstruation, dysmenorrhoea, amenorrhoea, cerebral embolism, coronary heart disease, headaches and body aches. The root is an ingredient of 'Four Things Soup', the most widely used woman's tonic in China. The other species used are Rehmannia glutinosa, Angelica sinensis and Paeonia lactiflora. The root has also shown antibacterial activity against E. coli, Bacillus dysenteriae, Pseudomonas, B. typhi, B. paratyphi, Vibrio cholerae and Vibrio Proteus.
Cholera: Used in the treatment of cholera - an acute diarrheal illness caused by infection of the intestine with Vibrio cholerae bacteria.
Haemostatic: Controls internal bleeding.
Nervine: Stimulates and calms the nerves.
Oxytoxic: Hastens parturition and stimulates uterine contractions. See also birthing aids.
Vasodilator: Widens the blood vessels, thereby reducing blood pressure.
Other
Rating:
How it is grown
We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it could succeed outdoors in many parts of this country. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Succeeds in any well-drained soil in a sunny position.
Propagating it: The seed is best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame in the autumn. Stored seed should be sown as early in the year as possible in a greenhouse or cold frame. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and plant them out into their permanent positions in the summer if they have grown large enough. Otherwise, keep them in a cold frame for the first winter and plant them out in early summer. Division in spring.
Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness:
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Moist