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Chuan Lian Zi川楝子

Toosendan Fructus · Sichuan Chinaberry Fruit · Toosendan Fruit

Herbs that Regulate the Qi 理气药《神农本草经》

Overview

The cold qi-mover: bitter and cold, it courses constrained Liver qi and drains the heat that comes with it, so it suits flank, epigastric and hernial pain that is hot and irritable rather than cold. It is officially a slightly toxic herb — the pharmacopoeia dose is small, and both the dose and the length of the course belong to the treating practitioner.

Nature & Flavor

Bitter · Cold · Slightly toxic

Channels

Liver · Stomach · Small Intestine · Bladder

Typical Dosage

4.5–9 g in decoction
川楝子Photography for this entry is on its way.

Actions

2 core actions

  • Courses the Liver, drains heat, stops painFlank and epigastric distending pain, hernial and lower-abdominal pain with a heat sign — classically paired with Yan Hu Suo.
  • Kills parasites, treats tineaRoundworm-type abdominal pain; applied externally as a paste or wash for scalp ringworm and itchy skin lesions.

In Formulas

Formulas containing Chuan Lian Zi

Indications & Clinical Uses

  • Liver-constraint pain of the flanks and epigastrium with heat
    - Hernial and lower-abdominal pain, testicular pain
    - Parasitic abdominal pain
    - Tinea of the scalp and itchy skin lesions, used externally

Western Medical Keywords

Searchable condition terms

Abdominal painHernia painIntestinal parasitesTinea capitis

Contraindications

Cautions

This herb is toxic. Overdose or prolonged use can injure the liver and cause nausea, vomiting, dizziness and, in serious cases, more severe organ damage — never exceed the prescribed dose or extend the course without the practitioner. Avoid in existing liver disease and in Spleen–Stomach deficiency cold with loose stools. Not for self-medication, and keep it away from children, for whom the fruit is a known poisoning hazard.

Contraindicated in pregnancy: Avoided in pregnancy — a toxic, cold, downward-moving herb

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.