🏕️Mongolian Traditional Medicine

Ligusticum (Khaan Tsetseg)

Ligusticum sinense

About Ligusticum (Khaan Tsetseg)

Ligusticum (Khaan Tsetseg) (Ligusticum sinense) is a herb used in the Mongolian Traditional Medicine tradition to help with Headache, Menstrual Issues, Rheumatism, and Circulation. The aerial parts and leaves are the parts traditionally used, taken internally.

Botanical background

Conioselinum anthriscoides, more commonly known as Ligusticum sinense, is a species of flowering plant in the genus Conioselinum. It is native to Southern China and is used in traditional Chinese medicine as two separate herbs, both derived from the rhizome and roots of the plant: gaoben (藁本) and chuanxiong (川芎). These two differ by the exact cultivar used; specifically, chuanxiong is derived from the 'Chuanxiong' cultivar only.

Source: Wikipedia, via iNaturalist

Parts used

Aerial Parts · internalLeaves · internal

Conditions addressed

Headache Menstrual Issues Rheumatism Circulation

🍵

Tea / Infusion

1–3 cups daily

Steep 1–2 tsp of dried Ligusticum (Khaan Tsetseg) in freshly boiled water for 5–10 minutes.
Cover while steeping.
Strain and drink.

💧

Tincture

20–40 drops in water, 2–3× daily

Pack dried Ligusticum (Khaan Tsetseg) into a jar and cover with 40–60% alcohol.
Seal and steep for 4–6 weeks, shaking daily.
Strain and store in a dark dropper bottle.

💊

Powder / Capsule

500 mg – 1 g, 1–3× daily

Grind dried Ligusticum (Khaan Tsetseg) into a fine powder.
Fill size 00 capsules or stir into smoothies or honey.

🖐️

Topical / Poultice

1–2× daily as needed

Mash fresh Ligusticum (Khaan Tsetseg) or mix the powder with a little water to form a paste.
Apply to the affected area for 20–30 minutes.

🫙

Infused Oil

Massage into affected area 1–2× daily

Fill a jar with dried Ligusticum (Khaan Tsetseg).
Pour over a carrier oil until submerged.
Leave for 4–6 weeks, then strain.
Use topically or as a salve base.

🛁

Herbal Bath

2–3× per week as needed

Brew 4–6 tbsp of Ligusticum (Khaan Tsetseg) in 1 litre of hot water for 15 minutes, strain, and add to a warm bath.
Soak for 20–30 minutes.

Pregnancy, Breastfeeding & Children

No herb-specific pregnancy/child safety research is documented for Ligusticum (Khaan Tsetseg) in our references — the guidance below is based on its general effect category, not research on Ligusticum (Khaan Tsetseg) itself. Always confirm with a midwife, doctor, or pediatrician.

Pregnancy

Avoid

This herb is associated with hormone-modulating activity. Because pregnancy is a uniquely hormone-sensitive state, herbs in this category are generally avoided unless specifically guided by a midwife or doctor — this is a general, mechanism-based caution, not herb-specific research.

Breastfeeding

Use Caution

Hormone-modulating herbs can potentially affect milk supply or pass hormone-active compounds to the infant — generally used cautiously and under guidance.

Children

Avoid

Hormone-modulating herbs are generally avoided in children given the sensitivity of ongoing hormonal development.

Contraindications

Pre-surgery — discontinue at least 2 weeks prior (potential antiplatelet effect)

Warnings

⛔ Heart & Blood Pressure Medications

May interact with antihypertensive drugs, blood thinners, or cardiac medications. Do not combine without medical guidance.

⚠️ Allergic Reactions

Discontinue immediately if you experience rash, itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing.

⚠️ Not Medical Advice

This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using herbal remedies.

Drug & herb interactions

May affect hormone levels

Watch for: Hormone therapies, oral contraceptives, and tamoxifen or similar medications

Some herbs have mild phytoestrogenic or hormone-modulating activity that can interact with hormonal medications.

May thin the blood

Watch for: Anticoagulants (warfarin), antiplatelets (aspirin, clopidogrel), and other blood-thinning herbs or supplements (ginkgo, garlic, fish oil, vitamin E)

Combining blood-thinning substances can increase bleeding risk, including before surgery or dental work.

Where to find in nature

Native region

Mongolia, Inner Mongolia, southern Siberia

Climate

Continental steppe

Habitat

Vast steppes, mountain meadows, and forest edges of the Mongolian plateau

🌿 To see Ligusticum (Khaan Tsetseg) growing, visit botanical gardens, university plant collections, or specialist herb nurseries near you. If foraging in the wild, always work with an expert identifier — never consume a plant you are not 100% certain of.

Where to buy

In store

Health food stores (Whole Foods, Natural Grocers, Holland & Barrett, GNC)
Naturopathic clinics and integrative medicine practices
Specialist herbal apothecaries and herbalist practices
Farmers markets with herb vendors

Online

iHerb

Wide selection of standardised extracts, capsules, and powders with lab testing

Mountain Rose Herbs

Premium bulk dried herbs — certified organic, ethically sourced

Starwest Botanicals

Large selection of certified organic bulk herbs and powders

Herb Pharm

High-quality liquid extracts and tinctures, rigorous quality standards

Amazon

Convenient — verify brand certifications and check third-party testing

Etsy

Small-batch artisan herbalists, hand-harvested and wildcrafted herbs

Quality tips

When buying Ligusticum (Khaan Tsetseg), look for: certified organic labelling, clearly stated country of origin, third-party lab testing for heavy metals and pesticides, and a batch expiry date. Standardised extracts offer consistent dosing; bulk dried herbs are more economical for regular use. Avoid very cheap, unlabelled products — quality varies enormously.