Individual Herbs Notebook

Gao Ben

Pharmaceutical: Radix et Rhizoma Ligustici Sinensis
Taxonomy: Ligusticum sinense, L. jiholens

Other names: Straw Weed / Chinese Lovage Root

Category: Herbs that Release the Exterior



Properties: Pungent, warm

Meridans Entered:
Primary: Bladder, Liver and Du Mai
Divergent Zones: Taiyang
Divergent Channels: Bladder, Kidney
Extraordinary Vessels: Du


Traditional Actions/Indications:
  1. Expels Wind and Cold
    Wind-Cold, especially headache and nasal conditions
    Alone for Wind-Cold lodged in the Taiyang with headache involving the crown and vertex or linked to the teeth and jaw
  2. Dispels Wind-Dampness and alleviates pain
    Acute low back pain due to Wind-Cold Wind-Damp-Cold Bi pain
  3. Guides other herbs to the vertex
    Vertex headaches associated with Taiyang, Jueyin and Du Mai patterns.
  4. Kills Gu Parasites and Scatters Toxins by Releasing the Exterior
    Chronic inflammatory disease (Fruehauf, 1998; 2015)

Suggested Daily Dosage: 3-10g in decoction.


Cautions: Being warm and dry, it is prohibited for strong heat and yin and blood deficiency.


Appears in 3 formulae listed on this site: (click to display)
Research Links & References: (click to display)