Ligusticum wallichii
| Ligusticum wallichii | |
| Light: |  |
| Moisture: |  |
| Soil pH: | 5.6-8.4 |
| Self Pollinated | |
| Native to: | |
| Medicinal Rating: | |
| Tea: | Yes |
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Ligusticum wallichii (common name: chuan xiong)
Propagation: 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.
Cultivation: 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[1][2].
Range: E. Asia - China.
Medicinal: This plant is commonly used in Chinese herbalism, where it is considered to be one of the 50 fundamental herbs[3]. 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[3].
Haemostatic[4].
The root is analgesic, emmenagogue, nervine, oxytocic, sedative and vasodilator[5][3]. It is used in the treatment of abnormal menstruation, dysmenorrhoea, amenorrhoea, cerebral embolism, coronary heart disease, headaches and body aches[5].
The root is an ingredient of 'Four Things Soup', the most widely used woman's tonic in China[6]. The other species used are Rehmannia glutinosa, Angelica sinensis and Paeonia lactiflora[6].
The root has also shown antibacterial activity against E. coli, Bacillus dysenteriae, Pseudomonas, B. typhi, B. paratyphi, Vibrio cholerae and Vibrio Proteus[5].
Pollinators: Insects
Soil: Can grow in light, medium, and heavy soils.
Drainage: Prefers well drained soil.
Flower Type: Hermaphrodite
Links
References
- ↑ Chittendon, Fred. RHS Dictionary of Plants. Oxford University Press, 1951.
- ↑ Huxley, Anthony. The New Royal Horticultural Society Dictionary of Gardening. MacMillan Press, 1992.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 Duke, James and Edward Ayensu. Medicinal Plants of China. Reference Publications, 1985.
- ↑ Schofield, Janice. Discovering Wild Plants.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 Yeung, Him-Che. Handbook of Chinese Herbs and Formulas. Institute of Chinese Medicine, 1985.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 Chevallier, Andrew. The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants. Dorling Kindersley, 1996.