Gao Ben (藁本) is the rhizome of Chinese lovage, a plant of the carrot family, recorded as Rhizoma Ligustici. It is acrid in flavour and warm in temperature, entering the Bladder channel and the Governing Vessel. The catalogue files it among the acrid, warm herbs that release the Exterior.

Pinyin

gao ben

Chinese

藁本

Latin Name

Rhizoma Ligustici

English Name

Chinese Lovage Root·Chinese lovage root; ligusticum root·ligusticum root

Japanese

kohon

Korean

kobon

Actions and indications

Expels Wind-Cold and releases the Exterior

Invasion of Wind-Cold: chills, aches all over and headache
Wind-Cold affecting the head, especially headache and nose complaints
Headache at the crown from Wind-Cold lodged in Tai Yang, including pain that spreads to the cheeks, teeth or jaw; may be used alone
Headache from Wind-Cold-Damp

Dispels Wind-Damp and relieves pain

Wind-Damp-Cold Bi with joint pain
Sudden low back pain from exterior Wind-Cold; it reaches both ends of the Du Mai, which links the lumbar region to the vertex
Cold, cramping pain in the abdomen

Combinations

xi xin

Toothache, a stiff neck, vertex headache, and headache from Wind-Cold-Damp

bai zhi

Acne, rosacea or dandruff where Wind and/or Dampness affects the face, applied as a face cream; improves the complexion with suitable herbs

chuan xiong + bai zhi

Strengthens pain relief; a common pairing for headache

cang zhu

Early-stage Bi with pain in the back and joints; Cold and Damp causing abdominal pain

qiang hou

Wind-Dampness in the Du channel with a stiff nape and headache

fang feng + qiang hou + wei ling xian + cang zhu