Ligusticum – Chuan Xiong Wan Teapills – 200 Pills – Plum Flower
Chuan Xiong Wan is a traditional Chinese herbal formula associated with external Wind patterns affecting the head according to Traditional Chinese Medicine theory. The formula combines aromatic and dispersing herbs traditionally used to release Wind with herbs that promote the movement of Qi and Blood in the head region.
Also known as Chuan Xiong Cha Tiao Wan, this eight-herb formula contains Chuan Xiong together with Bo He, Jing Jie, Qiang Huo, Bai Zhi, Gan Cao, Fang Feng, and Gui Zhi.
Although Chuan Xiong appears prominently in the formula's name, this is not a single-herb Chuan Xiong product. It is a complete traditional formula built around several herbs with complementary traditional actions.
What Is Chuan Xiong Wan?
Chuan Xiong Wan (川芎丸), also known as Chuan Xiong Cha Tiao Wan, is a traditional Chinese herbal formula containing eight ingredients.
The formula is traditionally associated with external Wind affecting the head. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Wind is a pattern concept rather than a literal reference to outdoor wind.
The traditional strategy combines herbs that disperse Wind with aromatic herbs traditionally associated with the head and herbs such as Chuan Xiong that promote movement according to TCM theory.
This makes the complete formula quite different from taking Chuan Xiong by itself.
Product Details at a Glance
Traditional Name: Chuan Xiong Wan (川芎丸)
Also Known As: Chuan Xiong Cha Tiao Wan
Brand: Plum Flower
Form: Prepared Chinese herbal teapills
Bottle Size: 200 teapills
Formula Size: 8 traditional ingredients
Label Directions: 8 teapills, 3 times daily
Approximate Supply: Approximately 8 days when taking 24 teapills per day
Origin: China
Preparation Required: None — swallow the prepared teapills with water
Manufacturer Contraindication: Contraindicated during pregnancy
What Herbs Are in Chuan Xiong Wan?
The current Plum Flower formula contains eight traditional herbal ingredients. Each contributes a different part of the formula's traditional strategy.
| Pin Yin | Botanical Ingredient | Traditional Role |
|---|---|---|
| Bo He | Mentha haplocalyx herb | Traditionally disperses Wind and is particularly associated with patterns affecting the head and upper body. |
| Chuan Xiong | Ligusticum chuanxiong rhizome | Traditionally invigorates Blood, promotes Qi movement, and is frequently used in formulas focused on the head. |
| Jing Jie | Schizonepeta tenuifolia herb | Traditionally releases the exterior and disperses Wind. |
| Qiang Huo | Notopterygium incisum root & rhizome | Traditionally disperses Wind and is commonly associated with exterior patterns involving the upper body. |
| Bai Zhi | Angelica dahurica root | An aromatic herb traditionally used to disperse Wind and in formulas with a head and facial-region focus. |
| Gan Cao | Glycyrrhiza uralensis root | Traditionally harmonizes the other ingredients within the formula. |
| Fang Feng | Saposhnikovia divaricata root | Traditionally releases the exterior and disperses Wind. |
| Gui Zhi | Cinnamomum cassia twig | Traditionally warms and releases the exterior while supporting circulation according to TCM theory. |
Other Ingredients
Dextrin (maltose), hydrated magnesium silicate, China wax.
Why These Eight Herbs?
Chuan Xiong Wan is easier to understand when the herbs are viewed as a coordinated traditional formula rather than eight unrelated ingredients.
Bo He, Jing Jie, Qiang Huo, Bai Zhi, Fang Feng, and Gui Zhi contribute much of the formula's Wind-dispersing and exterior-releasing character.
Chuan Xiong gives the formula an important Blood- and Qi-moving component and has a long traditional association with formulas directed toward the head.
Gan Cao traditionally harmonizes the combination.
The result is an eight-herb formula with a much more specific traditional purpose than the name “Ligusticum” might suggest.
What Does “Wind Affecting the Head” Mean?
Wind is an important pattern concept in Traditional Chinese Medicine. It should not be interpreted as simply being exposed to windy weather.
External Wind traditionally describes a pattern that may develop relatively quickly and affect the body's exterior. TCM theory considers the head and upper body particularly susceptible to Wind.
Chuan Xiong Wan combines several herbs traditionally classified as Wind-dispersing with aromatic ingredients and Chuan Xiong, giving the formula its traditional emphasis on Wind patterns affecting the head.
This terminology describes a Traditional Chinese Medicine pattern. It is not a Western medical diagnosis.
Why Is Chuan Xiong So Important in This Formula?
Chuan Xiong (Ligusticum chuanxiong) is the herb highlighted in the formula's name and helps distinguish the formula's traditional strategy.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chuan Xiong is traditionally classified as an herb that invigorates Blood and promotes the movement of Qi. It also has a longstanding traditional association with formulas directed toward the head.
However, Chuan Xiong Wan should not be viewed as Chuan Xiong alone. The formula surrounds it with several Wind-dispersing and aromatic herbs, creating a broader traditional strategy.
Why Teapills & How Do I Use Them?
Chuan Xiong Wan contains eight traditional herbal ingredients in a prepared teapill form.
There is no measuring individual bulk herbs, no simmering, no straining, and no herbal preparation cleanup. The prepared teapills can be swallowed with water according to the product directions.
Manufacturer's standard dosage: 8 teapills, 3 times per day.
At 24 teapills per day, a 200-count bottle provides approximately 8 days of use.
Follow the directions on the product you receive unless your qualified healthcare practitioner has provided different instructions.
Is Chuan Xiong Wan the Right Traditional Formula?
Chuan Xiong Wan is traditionally associated with an external Wind pattern affecting the head.
That distinction is important because not every head-related traditional pattern is considered Wind in TCM, and not every formula containing Chuan Xiong has the same traditional application.
The presence of Bo He, Jing Jie, Qiang Huo, Bai Zhi, Fang Feng, and Gui Zhi gives this formula a strong Wind-dispersing character.
If you are uncertain whether your situation corresponds to an exterior Wind pattern or another Traditional Chinese Medicine pattern, consultation with a qualified TCM practitioner can help distinguish among them.
Chuan Xiong Wan vs. Chuan Xiong as a Single Herb
| Product Type | What It Contains | Traditional Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Chuan Xiong Wan | Eight-herb traditional formula | Traditionally combines Wind-dispersing herbs with Chuan Xiong for an external Wind pattern affecting the head. |
| Chuan Xiong Single Herb | Ligusticum chuanxiong rhizome | A single Chinese herb traditionally classified as invigorating Blood and promoting Qi movement. |
This distinction is particularly important when shopping online. A search for “Chuan Xiong” may return both single-herb Ligusticum products and complete Chuan Xiong Wan formulas, but they are not the same product.
Research on Chuan Xiong Wan & Its Herbs
Several of the botanical ingredients in Chuan Xiong Wan have been examined in modern scientific research. The following PubMed searches provide convenient access to published literature.
- Chuan Xiong Cha Tiao Research – PubMed
- Chuan Xiong (Ligusticum chuanxiong) Research – PubMed
- Bo He (Mentha haplocalyx) Research – PubMed
- Jing Jie (Schizonepeta tenuifolia) Research – PubMed
- Qiang Huo (Notopterygium incisum) Research – PubMed
- Bai Zhi (Angelica dahurica) Research – PubMed
- Fang Feng (Saposhnikovia divaricata) Research – PubMed
Research note: Scientific studies may investigate individual herbs, extracts, isolated compounds, traditional decoctions, modified formulas, animal models, or dosages that differ substantially from this Plum Flower teapill product. Research links are provided for educational purposes and do not establish that this product diagnoses, treats, cures, or prevents disease.
Safety & Important Considerations
Pregnancy: The manufacturer states that Chuan Xiong Wan is contraindicated during pregnancy.
Prescription Medications: If you take prescription medications, particularly anticoagulant, antiplatelet, cardiovascular, or other medications that may interact with herbal products, consult your physician or pharmacist before use.
Before Surgery: Tell your physician and surgeon about all herbs and supplements you use before a scheduled procedure.
Persistent or Severe Symptoms: New, severe, recurrent, or unexplained head pain, sudden severe headache, weakness, confusion, vision changes, difficulty speaking, fever with stiff neck, or other significant symptoms require appropriate medical evaluation rather than being assumed to represent a Traditional Chinese Medicine Wind pattern.
Important: “Wind” as discussed on this page is a Traditional Chinese Medicine pattern concept and not a Western medical diagnosis.
California Proposition 65 Warning
Why Buy Plum Flower Chuan Xiong Wan?
Chuan Xiong Wan provides a complete eight-herb traditional formula rather than Chuan Xiong as a single botanical ingredient.
The current Plum Flower formula contains Bo He, Chuan Xiong, Jing Jie, Qiang Huo, Bai Zhi, Gan Cao, Fang Feng, and Gui Zhi.
The combination gives the formula its traditional emphasis on dispersing external Wind affecting the head while incorporating the Blood- and Qi-moving qualities of Chuan Xiong.
The product is supplied in a 200-count bottle with manufacturer directions of 8 teapills, 3 times daily.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chuan Xiong Wan
What is Chuan Xiong Wan?
Chuan Xiong Wan is a traditional eight-herb Chinese formula also known as Chuan Xiong Cha Tiao Wan.
What is Chuan Xiong Wan traditionally used for?
According to Traditional Chinese Medicine theory, Chuan Xiong Wan is traditionally associated with external Wind patterns affecting the head.
Is Chuan Xiong Wan the same as Chuan Xiong?
No. Chuan Xiong is the individual herb Ligusticum chuanxiong. Chuan Xiong Wan is a complete traditional formula containing Chuan Xiong plus seven additional herbs.
What herbs are in Chuan Xiong Wan?
The current Plum Flower formula contains Bo He, Chuan Xiong, Jing Jie, Qiang Huo, Bai Zhi, Gan Cao, Fang Feng, and Gui Zhi.
What does Wind mean in Traditional Chinese Medicine?
Wind is a Traditional Chinese Medicine pattern concept. External Wind traditionally describes a pattern affecting the body's exterior and should not be interpreted simply as exposure to windy weather or as a Western medical diagnosis.
Why is Chuan Xiong included in the formula?
Chuan Xiong is traditionally classified as an herb that invigorates Blood and promotes Qi movement and has a longstanding traditional association with formulas focused on the head.
Can Chuan Xiong Wan be taken during pregnancy?
No. The manufacturer states that this product is contraindicated during pregnancy.
How do I take Chuan Xiong Wan Teapills?
The manufacturer's standard dosage is 8 teapills, 3 times per day. Follow the directions on the product you receive or instructions provided by your qualified healthcare practitioner.
Do Chuan Xiong Wan Teapills have to be brewed?
No. The formula is already prepared in teapill form and can be swallowed with water according to the product directions.
How long does a 200-count bottle last?
At the manufacturer's standard dosage of 24 teapills per day, a 200-count bottle provides approximately 8 days of use.
What other ingredients are in Chuan Xiong Wan?
The manufacturer lists dextrin (maltose), hydrated magnesium silicate, and China wax.
Chuan Xiong Wan — More Than Chuan Xiong Alone
The name Chuan Xiong Wan can make this product sound like a simple Ligusticum supplement, but the traditional formula is considerably more complex.
Chuan Xiong is combined with Bo He, Jing Jie, Qiang Huo, Bai Zhi, Fang Feng, Gui Zhi, and Gan Cao to create an eight-herb formula traditionally associated with external Wind affecting the head.
Understanding that distinction can make it much easier to determine whether you are looking for Chuan Xiong as an individual herb or Chuan Xiong Wan as a complete traditional formula.
Important Disclaimer
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Traditional uses and patterns described on this page refer to Traditional Chinese Medicine theory and are provided for educational purposes.
