Cocklebur fruit (cang er zi)

Xanthium strumarium (syn. X. sibiricum)

Traditionally attributed effects: opens the nose in sinusitis and expels wind and dampness in pain and itching.

Safety notes

Toxic or risky: only under expert supervision. Deliberately no dosage is given here. Not with blood or yin deficiency. An overdose causes vomiting, abdominal pain and liver damage. Traditional use is no proof of effectiveness; if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or have a medical condition, consult a doctor or pharmacist.

Cautions by tradition (1)

Chinese materia medica: Toxic: do not use yourself.

Preparation

Fruit. Deliberately no dosage is given here.

Use in traditions

Described in the classical Chinese materia medica, in the group 'herbs that expel wind and dampness'. The spiny fruits hook onto animal fur. They are used for sinusitis and a blocked nose, in Cang Er Zi San. They are slightly poisonous and are roasted and stripped of their spines.

Applications

Use by tradition

How different herbal traditions describe this herb. Amounts are traditional guidelines checked for obvious errors; they are not medical advice. For poisonous plants no dosage is given on purpose.

Chinese materia medica

Nature and taste: sweet, bitter, pungent, warm
Meridians: lung

Attributed effects

For blocked sinuses with thick discharge and headache (acute or chronic), hay fever, wind-damp with joint pain or itchy skin.

Preparation and amount

Deliberately no dosage is given here: only under the supervision of a qualified therapist.

Combinations

With xin yi hua and bai zhi in cang er zi san for sinusitis

Caution: Toxic: do not use yourself.

Formulas: Cang er zi san

Sources

All herbs from Asia →