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Dan Nan Xing胆南星

Arisaema cum Bile · Bile-Processed Arisaema

Herbs that Transform Phlegm and Stop Coughing 化痰止咳平喘药

Overview

Tian Nan Xing tuber powdered and repeatedly processed with ox or pig bile. The processing is the whole point: it turns a toxic, warm, drying phlegm herb into a cool one that clears phlegm-heat and settles internal wind, and it substantially reduces the irritant toxicity of the raw tuber. Only this prepared form is taken internally.

Nature & Flavor

Bitter, slightly acrid · Cool

Channels

Liver · Gallbladder

Typical Dosage

1.5–6 g in decoction
胆南星Photography for this entry is on its way.

Actions

2 core actions

  • Clears heat and transforms phlegmCough with thick, sticky yellow sputum and a full chest, where phlegm and heat are bound together.
  • Extinguishes wind and settles frightConvulsion with high fever in children, seizure disorders, and wind-stroke with phlegm obstructing speech and consciousness.

In Formulas

Formulas containing Dan Nan Xing

Indications & Clinical Uses

  • Phlegm-heat cough with thick yellow sputum
    - Childhood convulsion with fever
    - Seizures and epilepsy of phlegm-heat type
    - Wind-stroke with phlegm blocking the orifices, slurred speech

Western Medical Keywords

Searchable condition terms

BronchitisFebrile seizuresEpilepsyStroke sequelae

Contraindications

Cautions

This herb is toxic. Its parent herb, Tian Nan Xing 天南星, is a recognized toxic substance that strongly irritates the mouth, throat and mucous membranes; only the properly bile-processed material may be taken internally, never the raw tuber, and never above the dispensary's stated daily limit. Keep courses short and under practitioner supervision, and stop and seek advice if the mouth, tongue or throat becomes numb, burning or swollen. It is not suitable for cough from yin deficiency or dryness, nor for cold-phlegm patterns.

Contraindicated in pregnancy: Contraindicated in pregnancy.

For licensed practitioners’ reference only

References

  1. Bensky, Clavey & Stöger. Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica, 3rd ed.
    2. 《中华人民共和国药典》.
    3. 《中药学》 (standard materia medica curriculum).

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.