Arisaema rhizome (tian nan xing)

Arisaema heterophyllum (en A. erubescens)

Traditionally attributed effects: dries phlegm and expels wind and phlegm from the meridians in convulsions and paralysis.

Safety notes

Toxic or risky: only under expert supervision. Deliberately no dosage is given here. Very irritating and toxic raw. Not during pregnancy or with dry cough from yin deficiency. 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. Convulsions and stroke are emergencies.

Preparation

Tuber, prepared only. Deliberately no dosage is given here.

Use in traditions

Described in the classical Chinese materia medica, in the group 'herbs that transform phlegm and stop cough'. The raw tuber is poisonous and stings severely because of calcium oxalate; only processed tubers (with ginger and alum, or in ox bile: dan nan xing) are used for phlegm, seizures and facial paralysis.

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: bitter, pungent, warm
Meridians: lung, liver, spleen

Attributed effects

For cough and breathlessness with much phlegm, wind and phlegm with convulsions, paralysis, stroke or lockjaw, and externally for abscesses, bruises and swellings.

Preparation and amount

Deliberately no dosage is given here: only under the supervision of a qualified therapist. Only the ginger-prepared form (zhi nan xing) is used; American species are also toxic raw.

Caution: Toxic: do not use yourself. Convulsions and stroke are emergencies.

Sources

All herbs from Asia →