Tian Nan Xing天南星
Arisaematis Rhizoma · Arisaema Rhizome · Jack-in-the-Pulpit Rhizome
Overview
A toxic, strongly irritant rhizome that dries damp, transforms stubborn phlegm and settles wind — and one that is never taken raw. The raw material is used only externally; for internal use it is processed with ginger and alum into Tian Nan Xing, and processed further with bile into Dan Nan Xing, which turns the herb cool and sweet-bitter and is the form given to children with phlegm-heat convulsions. Bitter, acrid and warm, it works where phlegm has become thick and lodged: chest fullness with copious sputum, dizziness of the heavy-headed kind, seizures, and stroke with rattling phlegm.
Nature & Flavor
Bitter, acrid · Warm · ToxicChannels
Lung · Liver · SpleenTypical Dosage
3–10 g in decoctionActions
3 core actions
- Dries damp, transforms phlegmCopious white sticky sputum with a full, oppressed chest and a heavy head — phlegm-damp that gentler herbs have not shifted.
- Dispels wind, stops spasmWind-phlegm signs: dizziness, numbness, facial deviation, seizures, tetanic rigidity, and stroke with obstructed speech. The bile-processed form Dan Nan Xing is the one used when the phlegm is hot, as in childhood fright wind.
- Reduces swelling, disperses masses — external onlyThe raw powder is mixed and applied over hot swollen sores and lumps. Applied to skin, not swallowed, and not on broken skin.
In Formulas
Formulas containing Tian Nan Xing
Indications & Clinical Uses
- Copious sticky phlegm with chest fullness and cough
- Dizziness and a heavy head from wind-phlegm
- Seizures, tremor, facial deviation and tetanic rigidity
- Stroke with rattling phlegm and slurred speech
- Hot swollen sores and lumps (raw herb, external use)
Western Medical Keywords
Searchable condition terms
Contraindications
Cautions
This herb is toxic. The raw rhizome is for external use only and must never be swallowed: chewing or swallowing raw material causes intense burning, numbness and swelling of the mouth, tongue and throat, which can obstruct breathing and is a medical emergency — go to hospital, do not wait it out. Internally, only properly processed material is used, at a dose set by a practitioner, and it is not for self-medication or for prolonged courses. Being warm and drying it is contraindicated in yin deficiency with a dry cough, and in wind arising from blood deficiency. The raw powder also irritates skin, so external use is limited to intact skin and stopped if burning or rash develops. Keep all forms out of reach of children.
Contraindicated in pregnancy: Contraindicated in pregnancy — it is toxic and strongly drying, and is not used at any stage.
For licensed practitioners’ reference only
References
- Ben Cao Shi Yi《本草拾遗》(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.