Cnidium Rhizome

천궁 (芎藭) · Cnidium officinale Makino

Blood-invigorating herb Warm Pungent Liver, Gallbladder

NatureWarm

TastePungent

MeridiansLiver, Gallbladder

Part usedRhizome

FamilyApiaceae

CategoryBlood-invigorating herb

Find by concern: Headache Dizziness Menstrual irregularity

Overview

Cnidium rhizome is celebrated in Korean tradition as the premier herb for blood-related headache, prized enough that the finest grade — shaped like a small bird's brain — was given the special name 'sparrow-brain cheongung.' It is a core ingredient of Samul-tang alongside danggwi, peony, and rehmannia.

In the Donguibogam

東醫
寶鑑

性溫, 味辛, 無毒. 治一切風ㆍ一切氣ㆍ一切勞損ㆍ一切血. 破宿血, 養新血.

Source: Donguibogam, Tangaek-pyeon (Herbology volume)

TranslationIts nature is warm, its taste pungent, and it is non-toxic. It treats all manner of wind, qi, taxation-damage, and blood disorders; it breaks up old stagnant blood and nourishes new blood.

Traditional functions

Invigorates blood, dispels stasis
Moves qi, relieves pain
Dispels wind, stops headache
Nourishes new blood

Traditional applications

Headache from blood stasis or blood deficiency
Menstrual irregularity and cramping
Dizziness
Pain from blood stagnation

Traditional preparation

Decoction 4–8g; a core ingredient of Samul-tang (Four-Substance Decoction) alongside danggwi, peony, and rehmannia.

Cautions

Caution: The Donguibogam itself cautions that prolonged solo use may dissipate genuine qi; not recommended for long-term use alone, and traditionally avoided in heavy menstrual bleeding or during pregnancy without guidance. Consult a professional.

Frequently asked questions

Can Cheongung be taken long-term on its own?

The Donguibogam explicitly warns against it: taken alone for a long period, it may 'dissipate genuine qi' — it is traditionally used within formulas alongside other herbs rather than as a standalone long-term tonic.

Why is it paired with danggwi, peony, and rehmannia?

This combination, Samul-tang, is the foundational blood-nourishing formula in Korean herbal tradition — cheongung's blood-moving action balances the more purely nourishing roles of the other three herbs.

Sources

동의보감 탕액편 (원문) — 한문 원문 발췌 — 한의학고전DB 탕액편 대조 검증 완료 (DATA-001)
한의학고전DB (mediclassics.kr) — 국역 참조 후 자체 재서술 (LEGAL-001)

DonguiHub is an educational and informational platform about the history and tradition of Korean medicine. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional about health conditions and before using any herb.