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Cang Er Zi苍耳子

Xanthii Fructus · Cocklebur Fruit · Xanthium Fruit

Herbs that Release the Exterior 解表药《神农本草经》

Overview

The spiny fruit of the cocklebur, and the first herb reached for in a chronically blocked nose: acrid, bitter and warm, entering the Lung channel, it opens the nasal passages, disperses wind and dries damp, and it leads Cang Er Zi San for congestion with thick discharge and brow-ridge headache. It is also toxic, which is why the dispensary stocks the dry-fried fruit — frying removes the spines and reduces the irritant fraction. It is never taken raw and never in large amounts.

Nature & Flavor

Acrid, bitter · Warm · Toxic

Channels

Lung

Typical Dosage

3–9 g in decoction
苍耳子Photography for this entry is on its way.

Actions

4 core actions

  • Opens the nasal passagesNasal congestion, thick discharge, reduced sense of smell and frontal or brow-ridge headache — the Cang Er Zi San pattern, with Xin Yi and Bai Zhi.
  • Disperses wind, releases the exteriorWind-cold headache accompanied by a blocked nose.
  • Dispels wind-damp, relieves itchingWind-damp joint pain, and damp itchy skin lesions, for which it is also used as an external wash.
  • How the processed form differsDry-frying burns off the hooked spines and reduces the toxic irritant fraction, which is why the fried fruit is the form dispensed for internal use; the raw fruit is essentially a topical material.

In Formulas

Formulas containing Cang Er Zi

Indications & Clinical Uses

  • Acute and chronic nasal congestion, sinus headache, loss of smell
    - Wind-cold headache with a blocked nose
    - Wind-damp joint pain
    - Itchy, damp skin eruptions (also used as an external wash)

Western Medical Keywords

Searchable condition terms

RhinitisSinusitisAllergic rhinitisHeadache

Contraindications

Cautions

This herb is toxic. Overdose causes nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and headache, and serious poisoning can damage the liver; cases have followed both the raw fruit and doses well above the normal range. Take only the dry-fried form, only within the prescribed dose, never as a self-directed remedy and never as a long course. Cocklebur seedlings and raw kernels must not be eaten. It is also warm and drying, so it aggravates headache and dizziness that arise from blood deficiency. Stop immediately and seek medical care if vomiting, marked abdominal pain, or yellowing of the skin or eyes occurs.

Contraindicated in pregnancy: Avoid in pregnancy.

For licensed practitioners’ reference only

References

  1. Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing《神农本草经》(classical source, public domain).
    2. Bensky, Clavey & Stöger. Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica, 3rd ed.
    3. 《中华人民共和国药典》.

Professional reference notice. Entries are scholarly references for licensed TCM practitioners and students — not medical advice, and not a recommendation to self-prescribe. Chinese herbal formulas should be used under the guidance of a qualified practitioner. Content is an original editorial compilation by Cura x Cura, cross-checked against the cited references.