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Cura x Cura

Jiao Mu椒目

Zanthoxyli Semen · Sichuan Pepper Seed · Zanthoxylum Seed

Herbs that Warm the Interior 温里药

Overview

Appended to Hua Jiao 花椒 in the textbook, and a good illustration of how differently two parts of one plant behave: the pericarp (Hua Jiao) warms the middle and kills parasites, while these black seeds drain water downward and settle wheezing from thin mucus. Bitter and cold, entering the Lung, Kidney and Bladder, it is not graded toxic in the textbook and is used in small amounts. Zhang Zhong-jing's Ji Jiao Li Huang Wan 己椒苈黄丸 is its classical setting.

Nature & Flavor

Bitter · Cold

Channels

Lung · Kidney · Bladder

Typical Dosage

3–10 g in decoction
椒目Photography for this entry is on its way.

Actions

2 core actions

  • Promotes urination, reduces swellingWater swelling with a distended, full abdomen and scanty urine; the classical pairing is with Fang Ji and Ting Li Zi.
  • Transforms thin mucus, calms wheezingWheezing and fullness of the chest from thin mucus retained in the chest and flanks.

In Formulas

Formulas containing Jiao Mu

Indications & Clinical Uses

  • Water swelling with abdominal distension and scanty urine
    - Retained thin mucus with wheezing and chest fullness
    - Fullness below the heart with a rumbling, water-filled abdomen

Western Medical Keywords

Searchable condition terms

EdemaAscitesWheezingPleural effusion

Contraindications

Cautions

Not graded toxic in the textbook, but used in small amounts — do not exceed the range above, and do not substitute it for Hua Jiao or vice versa: the seed drains water while the pericarp warms the middle, and they are not interchangeable. Draining and warming, it is inappropriate in yin deficiency with heat, in weak patients without a genuine water-retention pattern, and wherever fluids are already depleted. Signs of overdose from any Zanthoxylum material — numbness of the lips and tongue, dizziness, nausea — mean stopping and seeking medical attention.

Contraindicated in pregnancy: Contraindicated in pregnancy — it drains water downward.

For licensed practitioners’ reference only

References

  1. Jin Gui Yao Lue《金匮要略》— Ji Jiao Li Huang Wan 己椒苈黄丸 (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》(2020 edition).
    4. 《中药学》(新世纪第二版), chapter on herbs that warm the interior.

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.