{"product_id":"corydalin-cr-chronic-migraine-tension-cluster-headache-prevention-tcm","title":"Corydalin (CR) – TCM Herbal Formula for Chronic Migraine, Tension \u0026 Cluster Headache Prevention","description":"\u003ch1\u003eCorydalin (CR)™\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eTCM herbal formula for chronic migraine, tension, and cluster headache prevention — analgesic; anti-inflammatory; tonifies Liver blood and yin; subdues hyperactive yang qi; extinguishes Liver wind; relieves qi and blood stagnation; reduces frequency and severity long-term\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e⚠️ Patients with persistent pain not relieved by this formula should seek further examination to rule out structural or functional abnormalities. If diminishing vision or vomiting accompany the headache, refer to a medical doctor immediately for CT scan or MRI to rule out intracranial pressure from tumor, aneurysm, or cerebral stenosis. Contains Dang Gui (Radix Angelicae Sinensis), which invigorates blood circulation — patients on anticoagulant or antiplatelet therapies such as Coumadin (warfarin) should use with caution or not at all due to higher risk of bleeding and bruising.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eCLINICAL APPLICATIONS\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e* \u003cb\u003eChronic headache with underlying deficiency\u003c\/b\u003e — migraine, tension, and cluster headaches\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eBackground:\u003c\/b\u003e Headache is pain in any part of the head, including the scalp, face, and interior of the head. Causes vary widely — hypertension, stress, anxiety, injuries, infection, glaucoma, hematoma, and tumor. Proper diagnosis requires careful review of medical history and physical exam. Optimal treatment combines elimination of cause and relief of pain. The focus of this formula is directed at the \u003ci\u003ejueyin\u003c\/i\u003e and \u003ci\u003eshaoyang\u003c\/i\u003e meridians, the ones most commonly affected in migraine and tension headache syndromes. This formula was created by the late Dr. John H.F. Shen; the formula explanation was provided by Dr. Ray Rubio.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eCorydalin (AC) vs. Corydalin (CR):\u003c\/b\u003e Corydalin (AC) is best for acute headaches with severe pain and is most effective for symptomatic relief. Corydalin (CR) is most effective when taken on a long-term basis to control and prevent the recurrence of headaches — it is a great formula for chronic headache, especially when the headache is due in part to blood deficiency.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eBased on:\u003c\/b\u003e \u003ci\u003eSi Wu Tang\u003c\/i\u003e (Tangkuei Four Combination) — the classical Chinese herbal formula for tonifying Liver blood and yin.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eKey herb-level clinical data:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e— \u003cb\u003eYan Hu Suo\u003c\/b\u003e (Rhizoma Corydalis \/ Corydalis): one of the strongest analgesic herbs — analgesic potency comparable to morphine; satisfactory anesthetic effect in 98 of 105 patients (93.4%) undergoing surgery; analgesic effect significantly potentiated with concurrent acupuncture\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e— \u003cb\u003eDang Gui\u003c\/b\u003e (Radix Angelicae Sinensis \/ Angelica Sinensis): tonifies Liver blood and yin; analgesic and anti-inflammatory — inhibits nitric oxide and prostaglandin E2 in peritoneal macrophages; anti-inflammatory effect approximately 1.1× stronger than aspirin; analgesic effect approximately 1.7× stronger than aspirin; clinically: migraine headache in 35 patients — 82.9% effective rate\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e— \u003cb\u003eChuan Xiong\u003c\/b\u003e (Rhizoma Chuanxiong \/ Ligusticum Chuanxiong): regulates and invigorates blood; one of the primary herbs in the Chinese pharmacopoeia to treat headache; anti-inflammatory — inhibits TNF-α production and bioactivity (phthalide lactones, NF-κB); clinically: 95.1% success rate for various headache types (Dang Gui + Chuan Xiong as chief herbs); 50 patients with headache treated with great success\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e— \u003cb\u003eBai Shao\u003c\/b\u003e (Radix Paeoniae Alba \/ White Peony): tonifies Liver blood and yin; analgesic and antispasmodic — pain, spasms, cramps, trigeminal pain; relieves pain and stiffness of neck and shoulder muscles associated with headache; paeonol — anti-inflammatory and antioxidant (inhibits p38, ERK, NF-κB); total glucosides — modulate pro-inflammatory mediators from synoviocytes\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e— \u003cb\u003eShu Di Huang\u003c\/b\u003e (Radix Rehmanniae Praeparata \/ Prepared Rehmannia): tonifies Liver blood and yin\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e— \u003cb\u003eBai Zhi\u003c\/b\u003e (Radix Angelicae Dahuricae \/ Angelica Dahurica): relieves pain; relaxes muscle tension and spasms; increases peripheral blood circulation; analgesic and anti-inflammatory — inhibits NO, PGE2, and TNF-α via MAP kinases and NF-κB in macrophages; clinically: occipital headache (73 patients: 69 significant improvement, 3 slight improvement, 1 no effect); chronic headache (62 patients: 54 significant improvement using 5% solution for 10–15 days per course)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e— \u003cb\u003eGe Gen\u003c\/b\u003e (Radix Puerariae Lobatae \/ Kudzu \/ Pueraria): relieves pain in upper body; relaxes muscle tension and spasms; increases peripheral blood circulation; isoflavonoids (daidzin, daidzein, dihydrodaidzein, p-ethylphenol) — significant analgesic and muscle-relaxant activities; clinically: migraine headache — 83% effective (puerarin 100 mg preparation, 3x daily for 2–22 days)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e— \u003cb\u003eJu Hua\u003c\/b\u003e (Flos Chrysanthemi \/ Chrysanthemum Flower): tonifies Liver yin; clears Liver heat; subdues hyperactive Liver yang\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e— \u003cb\u003eMan Jing Zi\u003c\/b\u003e (Fructus Viticis \/ Vitex \/ Chaste Tree Berry): relieves pain; relaxes muscle tension and spasms; increases peripheral blood circulation\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e— \u003cb\u003eLong Gu\u003c\/b\u003e (Os Draconis \/ Dragon Bone \/ Fossil): extinguishes Liver wind; subdues and anchors hyperactive Liver yang\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e— \u003cb\u003eTian Ma\u003c\/b\u003e (Rhizoma Gastrodiae \/ Gastrodia): extinguishes Liver wind; subdues hyperactive Liver yang; analgesic and anti-inflammatory — inhibits COX-1 and COX-2; gastrodin clinically: neurasthenic headache (156 patients), vascular headache (72 patients)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e— \u003cb\u003eSang Ji Sheng\u003c\/b\u003e (Herba Taxilli \/ Taxillus \/ Loranthus): tonifies Liver yin\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e— \u003cb\u003eYu Jin\u003c\/b\u003e (Radix Curcumae \/ Curcuma \/ Turmeric): regulates wood element qi (Gallbladder\/\u003ci\u003eshaoyang\u003c\/i\u003e); relieves blood stasis; invigorates and harmonizes yin and yang, Liver blood and qi; inhibits COX-2 — reduces inflammation and relieves pain\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWESTERN THERAPEUTIC ACTIONS\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e* \u003cb\u003eAnalgesic\u003c\/b\u003e — Yan Hu Suo (morphine-comparable, 93.4% surgical anesthesia); Dang Gui (1.7× aspirin, migraine 82.9%); Bai Zhi (occipital, chronic headache); Ge Gen (migraine 83%, isoflavonoids); Tian Ma (COX-1\/2 inhibition, gastrodin)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e* \u003cb\u003eAnti-inflammatory\u003c\/b\u003e — Dang Gui (NO↓, PGE2↓, 1.1× aspirin); Chuan Xiong (TNF-α↓, NF-κB↓); Bai Shao (paeonol: p38↓, ERK↓, NF-κB↓; glucosides: pro-inflammatory mediators↓); Bai Zhi (NO↓, PGE2↓, TNF-α↓); Yu Jin (COX-2↓); Tian Ma (COX-1\/2↓)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e* \u003cb\u003eMuscle-relaxant\u003c\/b\u003e — Ge Gen (isoflavonoids; neck\/shoulder relaxation); Bai Zhi, Man Jing Zi (peripheral circulation↑, muscle tension↓)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eCHINESE THERAPEUTIC ACTIONS\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e* Relieves pain; relieves qi and blood stagnation (Yan Hu Suo, Chuan Xiong, Dang Gui, Yu Jin)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e* Tonifies Liver blood and yin (Dang Gui, Bai Shao, Shu Di Huang, Chuan Xiong, Sang Ji Sheng)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e* Subdues hyperactive yang qi; extinguishes Liver wind (Tian Ma, Long Gu, Ju Hua)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e* Clears Liver heat; tonifies Liver yin (Ju Hua, Sang Ji Sheng)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e* Relieves pain; relaxes muscle tension; increases peripheral circulation (Bai Zhi, Ge Gen, Man Jing Zi)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e* Regulates Gallbladder\/shaoyang qi; harmonizes Liver blood and qi (Yu Jin, Chuan Xiong)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eDOSAGE\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eStandard:\u003c\/b\u003e 3–4 capsules three times daily on an empty stomach with warm water. \u003cb\u003eSevere pain:\u003c\/b\u003e 6–8 capsules every 4–6 hours as needed. \u003cb\u003eMaintenance\/prevention:\u003c\/b\u003e 2 capsules twice daily long-term to minimize recurrences and severity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eClinical notes:\u003c\/b\u003e For headache where herbs cannot achieve maximum relief, check cervical vertebrae C1–C3 for abnormality — look for specific trigger points in the neck or uneven tension of cervical muscles bilaterally; if one side is stiffer, this may indicate a cervical disorder. In such cases, add Neck \u0026amp; Shoulder (AC). For women with periodic headaches preceding menstrual cycles, treat blood stagnation — headaches usually subside with passage of blood clots; recommended formulas include Mense-Ease and Resolve (Lower).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eSupplementary formulas:\u003c\/b\u003e Acute headache with severe pain — add Corydalin (AC). Wind-heat headache — add Lonicera Complex. Excess heat headache — add Gardenia Complex. Infection-related headache — add Herbal ABX or Herbal AVR. Ear, nose, and throat infection headache — add Herbal ENT. Stress and tension headache — add Calm, Calm (ES), or Calm ZZZ. Sinus congestion headache — add Pueraria Clear Sinus or Magnolia Clear Sinus. Neck and shoulder stiffness headache — add Neck \u0026amp; Shoulder (AC). Migraine with Liver wind rising — combine with Gastrodia Complex or Gentiana Complex. Recent traumatic or musculoskeletal injury headache — add Flex (TMX). Old trauma or blood stagnation headache — add Circulation (SJ). Kidney yin deficiency — add Nourish or Kidney Tonic (Yin). Damp and phlegm with Spleen qi deficiency headache — add Pinellia Complex.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eNutrition:\u003c\/b\u003e Avoid cold drinks, cold foods, and sour fruits — cold and sour substances constrict vessels, channels, and collaterals. If headaches are food-related, regulate and control diet to reduce or eliminate triggers. Consume adequate fruits, vegetables, grains, and raw nuts and seeds. Caffeine is one of the most common causes of headache — gradually decrease and stop caffeine-containing drinks (coffee, tea, cola, energy drinks, specialty beverages). Avoid foods containing tyramine, which can trigger headaches: alcohol, chocolate, bananas, citrus, avocado, cabbage, potatoes, cakes, dairy products (except yogurt), processed or packaged foods (colorants, preservatives, additives), tobacco, and junk food. Avoid MSG (found in canned soups, TV dinners, some meats, many pre-prepared frozen dishes, and restaurant foods) if sensitive. Increase intake of foods containing magnesium.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eTao of Nutrition (Dr. Maoshing Ni and Cathy McNease) — for migraines or headaches due to high blood pressure, menstrual cycles, emotional stress, or tension:\u003c\/b\u003e Recommended foods: chrysanthemum flowers, mint, green onions, oyster shells, pearl barley, carrots, prunes, buckwheat, peach kernels. Take lemon juice and ½ tablespoon baking soda mixed in a glass of water. Make tea of Chinese prunes, mint, and green tea. Mash peach kernels and walnuts, mix with rice wine and lightly roast — take 2 tablespoons 3x daily. Avoid spicy food, lack of sleep, alcohol, smoking, excess stimulation, eye strain, and stress.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eLifestyle:\u003c\/b\u003e Avoid allergens as much as possible — an air purifier will minimize allergens in the air and reduce allergy-triggered headaches. Avoid stressful situations and environments — ease tension with massage, warm baths, and exercise. Avoid direct exposure of the head and neck to air conditioning, fans, drafts, or wind. Tension headaches can be relieved by gentle massage of the neck and shoulders — a hot Epsom salts bath or soaking the feet is also helpful. Headache due to poor circulation responds to vigorous scalp massage. Regular exercise, adequate rest, and normal sleeping habits are essential for optimal health.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eCASE STUDIES\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e— \u003cb\u003e42-year-old female (M.M.):\u003c\/b\u003e Recurring tension headaches worsened by lack of sleep and overwork; computer and iPad use straining neck; malaise, desire to lie down; occipital origin, throbbing vertex, forehead, and behind eyes; Kidney and Liver yin deficiencies with Liver yang rising. Corydalin (CR) 4 spoonfuls once daily. Result: immediate relief, improved sense of well-being; less frequent headaches; felt more balanced.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e— \u003cb\u003e29-year-old female (S.G.):\u003c\/b\u003e Headaches 3–4x\/week, 50% migraines; low back and neck pain; insomnia (4 hours\/night); thin wiry pulse, pale tongue with thick white coat; Liver overacting on Spleen, Spleen qi and Liver blood deficiency with dampness. Corydalin (CR) 4 capsules 3x\/day + acupuncture. Result: only 1 headache and 1 migraine in the following month; no additional treatment needed since.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e— \u003cb\u003e48-year-old female (F.R.):\u003c\/b\u003e Tension and cluster headaches 5–7 days\/week; qi and blood stagnation with Liver blood and yin deficiencies. Corydalin (CR) 3 capsules 3x\/day + Corydalin (AC) as needed + acupuncture. Result: weeks 1–2: 4–6 headaches; week 5: reduced to 1\/week; week 8: seldom experienced headaches.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e— \u003cb\u003e44-year-old female:\u003c\/b\u003e Chronic migraines (tight sharp pain) for 30 years; neck and arm pain; tight SCM, trapezius, biceps, and deltoid on palpation; Liver qi stagnation with qi and blood stagnation; repetitive muscle syndrome (Western). Corydalin (CR) + Herbal ANG as needed. Result: off all medications after 6 months; reported better results than anti-inflammatories.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e— \u003cb\u003e52-year-old female (J.A.):\u003c\/b\u003e Migraines 10\/10 pain — throbbing, occipital origin, travelling down UB and GB channels; Liver yin deficiency and Liver yang rising; Liver overacting on Spleen and GB damp-heat. Corydalin (CR) + acupuncture + dietary analysis (food allergies identified as migraine triggers). Result: migraines well controlled.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e— \u003cb\u003e13-year-old female (M.L.):\u003c\/b\u003e Migraine headache; qi and blood stagnation. Corydalin (CR) 6g daily + acupuncture. Result: weeks 1–2: ~4x\/week; weeks 3–4: reduced to 2x\/week; week 5: completely gone; more energy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e— \u003cb\u003e49-year-old female (V.B.):\u003c\/b\u003e Migraines for 5 years — 4–6 days\/month preceding period; stress-aggravated; uterine prolapse; neck and shoulder tension; insomnia on Ambien (zolpidem); Spleen qi deficiency with blood deficiency, dampness, central qi sinking; Liver blood deficiency generating wind; Liver qi stagnation; histamine response (Western). Corydalin (CR) + Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang + Ferro Food + acupuncture (3–4 treatments) + cupping + body therapy over 4 months. Result: no migraines during treatment; able to stop Topamax (topiramate); headache that occurred during last visit resolved within 1 day.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eRelated Reading\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlso see: \u003ca href=\"\/products\/corydalin-ac\"\u003eCorydalin (AC)\u003c\/a\u003e – for acute headache and severe pain | \u003ca href=\"\/products\/gastrodia-complex\"\u003eGastrodia Complex\u003c\/a\u003e – for Liver wind rising migraines | \u003ca href=\"\/products\/gentiana-complex\"\u003eGentiana Complex\u003c\/a\u003e – for Liver fire and wind migraines | \u003ca href=\"\/products\/neck-shoulder-ac\"\u003eNeck \u0026amp; Shoulder (AC)\u003c\/a\u003e – for headache with neck and shoulder stiffness | \u003ca href=\"\/products\/calm\"\u003eCalm\u003c\/a\u003e – for stress and tension headache | \u003ca href=\"\/products\/calm-es\"\u003eCalm (ES)\u003c\/a\u003e – for stress headache with anxiety | \u003ca href=\"\/products\/lonicera-complex\"\u003eLonicera Complex\u003c\/a\u003e – for wind-heat headache | \u003ca href=\"\/products\/gardenia-complex\"\u003eGardenia Complex\u003c\/a\u003e – for excess heat headache | \u003ca href=\"\/products\/pueraria-clear-sinus\"\u003ePueraria Clear Sinus\u003c\/a\u003e – for sinus headache | \u003ca href=\"\/products\/kidney-tonic-yin\"\u003eKidney Tonic (Yin)\u003c\/a\u003e – for Kidney yin deficiency | \u003ca href=\"\/products\/mense-ease\"\u003eMense-Ease\u003c\/a\u003e – for menstrual headache | \u003ca href=\"\/products\/circulation-sj\"\u003eCirculation (SJ)\u003c\/a\u003e – for blood stagnation headache | \u003ca href=\"\/products\/pinellia-complex\"\u003ePinellia Complex\u003c\/a\u003e – for damp-phlegm headache | \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/brain-health-neurological-support\"\u003eBrain Health \u0026amp; Neurological Support Collection\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n","brand":"Modern Herbal Formulas","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53312429883503,"sku":null,"price":33.22,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0726\/8630\/5391\/files\/CorydalinCR.jpg?v=1781908684","url":"https:\/\/modernherbalformulas.com\/products\/corydalin-cr-chronic-migraine-tension-cluster-headache-prevention-tcm","provider":"Modern Herbal Formulas","version":"1.0","type":"link"}